7 Layer Salad

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my traditional 7 layer salad recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

Salad:

• Greens – I used shredded romaine lettuce, but you could use other greens such as spinach, iceberg lettuce, or even shredded cabbage.
• Grape Tomatoes – You could substitute with cherry tomatoes, diced larger tomatoes, or even swap half of the fresh ones with oven dried tomatoes.
• Bell Peppers – I used orange and yellow bell peppers for a rainbow effect, but you could use any combination of green, yellow, orange, or red bell peppers. You could use other veggies such as black olives, celery, or thawed frozen peas as well.
• Hard Boiled Eggs – Prepare the eggs ahead of time. You can use my easy peel boiled eggs method or even hard boil eggs in the oven.
• Red Onion – If you want a more mild sweet flavor, use white onions instead, or use green onions for more bite.
• Cheese – I used shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but you could use any cheese you prefer. Try crumbled feta, grated parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even blue cheese crumbles!
• Bacon Crumbles – I highly recommend cooking bacon in the oven, which lets you make a big batch quickly. You can also make bacon in the air fryer or microwave. If you want a healthier bacon alternative, try air fryer turkey bacon. Chop or crumble it after cooling. For a time-saving shortcut, use store-bought bacon bits.

VARIATION: Add meats.

Add meats such as sliced ham, turkey, or chicken to transform this 7 layer salad into a complete meal.

Dressing:

• Mayonnaise – Adds a creamy, tangy flavor and creamy texture. I make my own avocado oil mayo when I have time, but you can get a store-bought version (this one is my fave) or even use Greek yogurt.
• Sour Cream – Enhances the tangy flavor in the 7 layer salad dressing. You can use Greek yogurt here as well.

VARIATION: Use a different dressing!

Traditional seven layer salad recipes just use a combination of mayo and sour cream, but you can use a salad dressing if you like. Try ranch, blue cheese, or even green goddess dressing. You may need to reduce the liquids to keep them thick enough — you don’t want the dressing to drip down to the lettuce and softer vegetables.

How To Make 7 Layer Salad

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Layer the veggies and eggs. In a large trifle bowl like this one (my preference for presentation!) or simply a glass bowl, layer the lettuce, halved tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, diced eggs, and sliced red onions, in that order.
2. Make the dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream. Spread over the top of the salad.

3. Add cheese and bacon. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and cooked bacon on top.
4. Refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate the 7 layer salad overnight.

Serving Ideas

Serve this salad alongside your main meal, or with other potluck-style recipes. Here are a few ideas:

• Potluck Mains – If you’re taking this 7 layer salad to a potluck or family get together, it pairs beautifully with other potluck mains like my best burger recipe, tender slow cooker pulled pork, or meaty, easy chili.
• Grilled Mains – This summery salad makes the perfect accompaniment to grilled foods. Try juicy grilled chicken kabobs or quick grilled shrimp skewers. For a fancier meal, try grilled steak, Cajun seasoned grilled cod, or perfect grilled salmon.
• Chicken – Always goes with salad! Try zesty baked lemon pepper wings, tender bacon wrapped chicken breasts, or crispy air fryer chicken legs.
• Steaks – Make a juicy grilled steak, or if the weather isn’t good for grilling, an air fryer steak instead.

More Overnight Salad Recipes

Here are more of my favorite flavorful salads you can make ahead of time and store overnight. Great for cookouts and potlucks!

French Carrot Salad

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Three Bean Salad