Traditional 7-Layer Salad Recipe with Peas and Hard-Boiled Eggs
Let me tell you about my absolute favorite potluck dish that never fails to wow the crowd – a gorgeous 7-layer salad! This retro-inspired salad recipe is a stunning centerpiece that tastes even better than it looks. This 7-layer salad with peas and hard-boiled eggs is a total classic! With crisp romaine lettuce, tangy red onions, sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser for every occasion. The best part? It’s super easy to make ahead, so you can chill while it does its thing in the fridge.
Old fashioned salad recipes are my favorite. I have been making my grandma’s overnight seven layer salad cauliflower and parmesan cheese. In addition, I love a good fluff salad like Pistachio Pudding Salad or Strawberry Tapioca Salad.
Ingredients for Classic Seven Layer Salad
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this seven layer salad:
- Romaine lettuce – Fresh and crispy.
- Red onions – Thinly sliced for a bit of zing.
- Green peas – Sweet and colorful.
- Hard-boiled eggs – Adds protein and creaminess.
- Bacon – Cooked crispy and crumbled.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar is a classic, but any blend like colby jack works.
- Creamy ranch dressing – Mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for How to Make 7 layer Salad
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Slice the red onions, boil and slice the eggs, and cook the bacon until crisp. Thaw the frozen peas if needed. Go ahead and make the homemade creamy ranch dressing. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, ranch seasoning, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Then in a large clear bowl or trifle dish, layer the ingredients in this order for the best presentation:
- Step 1: Lay the lettuce on the bottom of the bowl.
- Step 2: Add the red onions and peas to the top of the lettuce.
- Step 3: Follow up the peas and onions with the hard-boiled eggs.
- Step 4: Finish the salad with salad dressing and then the shredded cheese and bacon.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld. If desired, garnish with cherry tomatoes or parsley before serving. When ready to serve, feel free to toss the salad or serve it in pretty layers.
Hint: Prep this beauty the night before and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the dressing will slightly soften the vegetables.
Substitutions
Got different ingredients on hand? No problem!
- Dressing: Ranch, Greek yogurt, or a light vinaigrette are great alternatives.
- Romaine lettuce: Use iceberg lettuce, spinach, or a spring mix.
- Red onions: Swap with green onions for a milder taste.
- Peas: Corn or diced cucumbers work too. I love the version with cauliflower in it.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or crispy pancetta can sub in.
- Cheese: Try shredded mozzarella, pepper jack, or even feta for a twist instead of shredded cheddar cheese.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to switch things up! Some of my favorite variations include:
- Swap the romaine for iceberg lettuce for extra crunch
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes
- Try different cheese varieties like Colby Jack or pepper jack
- Add some diced celery for extra crunch
See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)
What is 7 layer salad?
A 7 layer salad is a salad with seven layers. Here are popular variations of 7 layer salads:
- Mediterranean Version
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onions
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Greek dressing
- Southwest Style
- Iceberg/Romaine mix
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado
- Mexican cheese blend
- Cilantro-lime dressing
- Ranch-Style
- Iceberg lettuce
- Bell peppers
- Ranch-seasoned corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Garden Fresh
- Spring mix
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sunflower seeds
- Light vinaigrette
- Protein-Packed
- Romaine lettuce
- Grilled chicken
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Chickpeas
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Protein-rich Greek yogurt dressing
- Asian-Inspired
- Napa cabbage
- Mandarin oranges
- Edamame
- Water chestnuts
- Crispy wonton strips
- Sliced almonds
- Sesame ginger dressing
The beauty of seven-layer salads is their versatility—you can adapt them to any cuisine style or dietary preference while maintaining the striking layered presentation.
Salad Essential Equipment
Make your 7-layer salad a true centerpiece for your holiday dinner table. The essentials you need are all found in the Amazon storefront, from the trifle bowl to a large glass bowl.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The lettuce might get a little soft, but it’ll still taste amazing. For extra crunch, keep the bacon separate and add it fresh before eating.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your peas are completely thawed and patted dry to prevent any excess moisture.
- Prep this beauty the night before and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the dressing will slightly soften the vegetables.
- Use super crispy bacon – nobody wants soggy bacon in their salad!
- Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. It makes a world of difference in both taste and texture.
FAQ
Absolutely! This salad is best when made a few hours (or even a day) before serving. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
The salad can be served in layers, or you can toss it before serving. Use a big spoon to scoop all the layers onto plates or bowls. It’s fun to get a little of everything in each bite.
Related Salad Recipes
Looking for other salad recipes like this? Try these fantastic salad recipes:
Pairing for the Perfect Holiday Meal
These are my favorite holiday dishes to serve with along side this 7-layer salad:
Traditional 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 2 hearts romaine lettuce
- 1 red onion
- 2 cups peas
- 6 eggs hard boiled
- 1 pound bacon fried and crumbledd
- 8 ounces Colby Jack shredded
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the lettuce into bite sized pieces and spread acorss a large glass bowl or 13X9 pan.
- Layer the onions and then peas over the lettuce. Or vice versa if you mess up.
- Next lay the sliced hard boiled eggs over the lettuce, peas, and onions.
- Spread the dressing over the eggs.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the dressing.
- Finish with the fried bacon crumbles.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for 8 hours.
- Before serving, toss ensuring the mayonnaise is well coated over the entire salad.
Notes
Tips for Making the Classic 7 Layer Salad
- Make sure your peas are completely thawed and patted dry to prevent any excess moisture.
- Prep this beauty the night before and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the dressing will slightly soften the vegetables.
- Use super crispy bacon – nobody wants soggy bacon in their salad!
- Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. It makes a world of difference in both taste and texture.
Nutrition
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