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A close-up shot of crispy crumbled bacon being scattered over the cheddar cheese layer in the glass serving bowl on the white marble cooktop. The final layer is complete, ready to be chilled before serving.

Easy Seven Layer Salad Recipe

This classic seven-layer salad is the perfect combination of crisp veggies, creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, and crunchy bacon. A make-ahead favorite that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large serving bowl or trifle dish
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Frying pan (for bacon)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon for layering

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head lettuce shredded
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 2-3 celery ribs sliced about 1 cup
  • 12 ounces frozen peas thawed
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 pound bacon fried and crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy, then crumble it and set aside.
  • Wash and shred the lettuce, then spread it evenly in a large serving bowl.
    A large glass serving bowl on a white marble cooktop, filled with freshly washed and shredded lettuce, evenly spread at the bottom. A few crisp lettuce leaves sit beside the bowl, adding freshness.
  • Dice the red onion, slice the celery, and layer them over the lettuce.
    The same glass serving bowl on a white marble cooktop, now layered with diced red onions and sliced celery over the lettuce. The vibrant purple and green ingredients add contrast and texture.
  • Add the thawed peas as the next layer.
  • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sugar, then spread it evenly over the salad.
    A small glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop, as a spoon stirs smooth mayonnaise with granulated sugar. The creamy dressing is being prepared to spread over the layered salad.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mayo layer.
    A close-up shot of shredded cheddar cheese being generously sprinkled over the mayonnaise layer in the glass serving bowl on the white marble cooktop. The golden cheese cascades down, adding a rich, savory flavor.
  • Top with crispy bacon crumbles.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
    A close-up shot of crispy crumbled bacon being scattered over the cheddar cheese layer in the glass serving bowl on the white marble cooktop. The final layer is complete, ready to be chilled before serving.