Classic Creamy Seven Layer Salad
A creamy, crunchy, and tangy seven layer salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners. This easy recipe combines fresh veggies, bacon, cheese, and a luscious dressing for a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients (15 minutes): Chop 6 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and spread it evenly as the first layer in your glass bowl. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and set aside. Crumble 6 slices of cooked bacon. Chop 3 hard-boiled eggs, thinly slice 1/2 cup green onions, and shred 1 cup cheddar cheese.
- Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Salad (10 minutes): Starting with the lettuce base, layer the ingredients in this order: lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped eggs, and green onions. Spread the creamy dressing evenly on top to cover all layers.
- Chill and Set (at least 1 hour): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, gently stir to combine the layers or serve layered for a classic look. Optionally, sprinkle extra green onions or bacon on top.
Notes
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to layer ingredients gently to avoid mixing. Bake bacon on a sheet pan for even crispiness. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor; up to 4 hours improves taste. Keep lettuce well-drained to prevent sogginess. For lighter versions, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado mayo and use reduced-fat sour cream. Salad keeps fresh up to 2 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: seven layer salad, creamy salad, picnic salad, bacon salad, easy side dish, potluck recipe, summer salad