Seven Layer Salad (Make Ahead)

5 from 3 votes

Seven Layer Salad (Make Ahead)

This Seven Layer Salad is a classic Southern dish that's great to make ahead with your favorite veggies, meats, and cheeses, all dressed in a creamy may dressing. It's fresh, delicious, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Prep Time20

Cook Time0

Total Time20

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: vegetables

Servings: servings

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Dressing

½ cup sour cream regular or light
½ cup mayonnaise regular or light
2 teaspoons sugar or sugar substitute
1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix

Salad

2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
2 cups chopped green leafy lettuce
1 cup chopped cauliflower
¾ cup sliced red onion
1 cup chopped sugar snap peas
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
¾ cup cooked chopped bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, and dressing mix.
To a trifle bowl or clear glass bowl, layer each ingredient in an even layer so that each layer is visible on the outside of the dish. The order of ingredients are iceberg lettuce, green leafy lettuce, cauliflower, red onion, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, and cooked crumbled bacon.
Spread the dressing in an even layer on top of the salad, then sprinkle the cheese evenly on top.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to marry.

Video

Notes

- You can customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences. You can also use different types of lettuce or add other vegetables or toppings.

- It is best if you make this salad the day before serving. Layered in the recipe order, the ingredients won't get soggy and will meld together perfectly. The dressing flavors will also have more time to marry.

- Traditionally, this salad isn’t one you toss together. This helps preserve the crispiness of the layers of vegetables. However, if you want to do that before serving it, go for it!
- You can omit the ranch if you’d like. If you don't want to use a ranch powder mix, you can use a homemade dressing mix such as this one.

- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Miracle Whip salad dressing.

- Some recipes call for bacon and cheese to be added at the time of serving. From my experience, it didn’t make a difference but do as you’d like.

Storage Notes:

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don't freeze this salad, it will alter the texture.

Nutrition

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