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This image shows a bowl full of vibrant vegetables, including red onion, lettuce, peas, cauliflower, and more, arranged together to create an easy seven-layer salad, perfect as a flavorful side for hearty meals or parties.

7 Layer Salad Recipe

This easy 7-layer salad combines fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing in a colorful and flavorful dish. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, it’s a versatile recipe that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 387 kcal

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Large skillet
  • Large glass dish or bowl

Ingredients
  

Dressing

  • cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp white sugar

Salad

  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
  • 1 cup chopped cauliflower
  • 1 package frozen green peas, thawed
  • 10 oz shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1 lb bacon

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes.
    This image shows crispy strips of bacon being cooked in a frying pan until golden brown, forming the savory base for the salad.
  • Transfer to paper towels to drain, crumble, and set aside.
    This image shows cooked bacon being drained on a paper towel and crumbled into small, bite-sized pieces for adding to the salad layers.
  • Arrange chopped lettuce at the bottom of a large glass dish or bowl.
    This image shows a fresh layer of crisp, green lettuce being evenly arranged in the base of a glass bowl, preparing the first layer of the layered salad.
  • Add a layer of finely sliced red onion over the lettuce.
    This image shows thinly sliced red onion rings being spread over the lettuce layer, adding a pop of vibrant purple color to the salad.
  • Spread peas evenly across the onion layer.
    This image shows bright green peas being scattered evenly on top of the red onion layer, creating a colorful and sweet addition to the salad.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the peas to form the next layer.
    This image shows shredded cheese being sprinkled generously over the peas layer, adding a creamy and rich element to the layered salad.
  • Distribute chopped cauliflower over the cheese layer.
    This image shows a creamy dressing being mixed in a bowl with a whisk, combining ingredients to form the perfect topping for the layered salad.
  • Scatter the crumbled bacon on top of the cauliflower.
    This image shows crispy, crumbled bacon pieces being evenly scattered over the cauliflower layer, adding a smoky and savory flavor to the salad.
  • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and sugar until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
    This image shows the creamy dressing being poured over the layered salad in the bowl, evenly coating the top layer for a rich and delicious finish.
  • Pour the dressing evenly over the layered salad, cover, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
    pouring-creamy-dressing-over-the-layered-salad

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor in the dressing.
  • Ensure the salad is well-chilled before serving for optimal taste and texture.