This 7-layer overnight salad recipe is an easy addition to the perfect occasion! It’s effortlessly made by layering simple ingredients, covering them in a thick dressing, and refrigerating overnight.

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Layers of fresh lettuce, veggies, cheese, and bacon are topped with a creamy dressing to make this seven layer salad!

What is 7 Layer Salad?

A traditional 7-layer salad recipe starts with a base of crisp iceberg lettuce followed by 6 additional layers. We have used peas, bermuda onion, cauliflower, and bacon in the past. I have also tried once or twice adding hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and celery. The dressing I use is mayonnaise-based.
Chilling overnight is recommended for the best outcome.
Preparing it the night before; a seven-layer salad recipe stays crispy until ready to serve even with the dressing on top!
If you desire to see the layers you can serve it in a pretty trifle bowl or clear 9 X 13 casserole dish.

What’s in Seven Layer Salad?

You can mix and match the ingredients, whether it is 7 or 11; You can add as many as you’d like to for this overnight salad.

Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce will stay extra crunchy due to its high water content, so it’s great in an overnight salad. Wash it first and then dry it very well (I use a salad spinner).

Vegetables – Some suggestions you may want to use are tomatoes, peas, green onions, chopped celery, sliced radishes, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots. This is a great recipe for using up leftover bits of veggies in the fridge.

Bacon & Eggs – Bacon and hard-boiled eggs add texture, color, and a boost of healthy protein.

Cheese – Cheddar cheese has a sharp flavor that tastes great with sweet peas and salty bacon. You could even add some sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.

Dressing for Overnight Salad

This is a mayo-based dressing that is really easy to make.

How to Make Overnight Salad

Layer lettuce in a bowl or casserole dish and top with peas, purple cabbage, cauliflower, celery, bell peppers, and boiled eggs (as per the recipe below).
Spread dressing over the top. Cover and chill. Top with cheese and bacon before serving.

Tip: When making ahead, assemble the salad without the cheese and bacon, then chill. Add the cheese and bacon just before serving.

Storing 7-Layer Salad

Keep leftover 7-layer salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will blend and taste even better the next day!

Did you make this 7 Layer Salad? Be sure to leave a rating below and comment on our social media pages!