Print

7 Layer Salad Recipe with Bacon and Cheddar

7 layer salad with bacon and cheddar - featured image
Print Recipe

This vibrant 7 layer salad features crisp lettuce, sweet peas, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon, all topped with a creamy homemade dressing. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing potluck favorite that’s quick to assemble and packed with nostalgic comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head iceberg lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Slice red onion thinly. If desired, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain.
  3. Cook bacon until crisp (fry in skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes). Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, slice celery, and thaw peas.
  5. Shred sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Layer salad ingredients in a large glass bowl in the following order: lettuce, celery, peas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, bacon.
  8. Gently spread dressing over the top layer using a spatula. Do not mix.
  9. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours for best flavor).
  10. Before serving, toss gently if desired or serve as layered. Scoop with tongs or a large spoon, ensuring each serving includes all layers.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar and thick-cut bacon. Dry all veggies thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Chill for at least 2 hours for flavors to meld; add bacon just before serving if making ahead. Easily adapted for vegetarian or low-carb diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: 7 layer salad, bacon cheddar salad, potluck salad, layered salad, easy salad recipe, crowd pleaser, summer salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/7-layer-salad-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-potluck-favorite/