Welcome to a culinary delight that will elevate your next gathering: the Heavenly Seven Layer Salad! This vibrant and colorful dish is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Imagine layers of crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and savory bacon all coming together in perfect harmony. With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can create a stunning centerpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates. Ready to discover how to make this crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive into the recipe that’s as heavenly as it sounds!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing and chopping the lettuce, halving cherry tomatoes, dicing cucumber, and finely chopping red onion.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces and set aside.
- In a clear glass serving bowl or trifle dish, begin layering ingredients in a strategic order to create visual appeal and maintain ingredient integrity.
- Start with a base layer of chopped lettuce, spreading evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a crisp foundation.
- Carefully layer diced cucumber over the lettuce, ensuring even distribution.
- Add a layer of halved cherry tomatoes, positioning them gently to maintain their shape and freshness.
- Sprinkle frozen or thawed peas as the next layer, adding a pop of color and nutritional value.
- Spread finely chopped red onions evenly across the previous layer.
- Gently spread mayonnaise as a smooth, creamy layer covering all previous ingredients.
- Finish with a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill.
- Just before serving, toss the layers gently to mix ingredients and ensure each serving contains all seven delicious layers.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop your vegetables a few hours in advance. This will allow you to assemble the salad quickly when you're ready to serve.
- Layering Matters: For the best presentation, layer your ingredients carefully. Start with the heaviest ingredients at the bottom and the lightest on top to maintain the structure and visual appeal.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Allowing the salad to chill for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures a refreshing dish.
- Customize Your Layers: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Add bell peppers for a sweet crunch or swap out the bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Serving Tip: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to combine the layers without losing the beautiful presentation. This way, every bite will be a delightful mix of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
