Seven Layer Salad a Retro Delight
Table of Contents
- Seven Layer Salad: A Retro Delight
- What You'll Need for Your 7 Layer Masterpiece
- Essential Equipment
- Let's Get Layering: The Magic of Seven Layer Salad
- Tips for the Best Retro Salad Recipes
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Layered!
- Seven Layer Salad: A Retro Delight
- Recipe Notes for the Best Seven Layer Salad Ever!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Seven Layer Salad: A Retro Delight
Quick Hook
Remember those summer barbecues? Honestly, the best part was always the 7 layer salad . It’s a classic! This isn’t just any salad; it’s a flavour explosion in every bite.
Brief Overview
This classic American salad has graced tables for generations. It's super easy to make, think prep in 20 mins, cook the bacon in 15, chill for 2 hours.
This layered salad recipe serves 8-10 folks.
Main Benefits
This recipe isn't just tasty; it's got goodness packed in. You'll get a hefty dose of protein. It's perfect for any potluck because everyone loves it! What makes this special? The layers make a beautiful presentation.
You know? It’s like a party in a bowl.
What You'll Need for Your 7 Layer Masterpiece
- 1 head of lettuce(600g)
- 450g of crispy bacon, crumbled
- 150g diced red onion
- 280g thawed peas
- 280g halved tomatoes
- 225g shredded cheddar cheese
- 240g chopped eggs
- 240ml full fat mayonnaise
- 25g granulated sugar
- 15ml white vinegar
- 3g salt
- 1g black pepper
Essential Equipment
Grab a large glass bowl. You’ll also need a skillet, cutting board, and knife. A trifle dish works great too!
Let's Get Layering: The Magic of Seven Layer Salad
First, cook your bacon until it's super crispy. Trust me, this makes a difference. Once that's done, set it aside to cool while you prep the dressing.
My grandma always said: "Bacon makes the salad!" I swear she's right.
Mix the mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Now, spread your lettuce in the bowl. Add tomatoes, red onion, peas, and eggs.
Spread the dressing over the eggs. Then, add cheese and the yummy bacon!
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill it for at least 2 hours. Honestly, overnight is even better. It allows all those flavours to mingle and get to know each other.
Then serve it chilled, and watch everyone go crazy for it!
Tips for the Best Retro Salad Recipes
Crispy bacon is important! Dry ingredients prevent sogginess. Also chilling time is key.
7 Layer Salad With Peas: Make it Your Own
Want to mix things up? Try swapping out the red onion for chives. Or, use a different cheese. You can also add in some chopped bell peppers.
Get creative with your potluck salad ideas ! After all, that’s the fun part, innit?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Layered!
Right then, let's talk ingredients for our 7 Layer Salad . Honestly, it's mostly about getting good quality stuff. We're talking classic American salads here, so let's do it proper.
It's all about the layers, baby!
Main Ingredients for the best 7 Layer Salad with Peas
- Iceberg lettuce: 1 head (about 8 cups/600g ). This needs to be crisp and fresh, not wilted.
- Thick cut bacon: 1 pound/450g . Cook it 'til it's crispy.
- Red onion: 1 medium/150g , finely diced.
- Frozen peas: 1 (10-ounce) package/280g , thawed. Don't cook them!
- Grape tomatoes: 1 pint/2 cups/280g , halved.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 8 ounces/2 cups/225g , shredded. Get the good stuff!
- Hard boiled eggs: 4/240g , peeled and chopped.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup/240ml , full fat. Trust me on this.
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons/25g .
- White vinegar: 1 tablespoon/15ml .
- Salt: ½ teaspoon/3g .
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon/1g .
Quality indicators are super important, innit? With fresh lettuce and vibrant veggies, this layered salad with creamy dressing will be a proper showstopper.
Seasoning: A Dash of Magic for this Seven Layer Salad
Don't skip the sugar in the dressing! It balances the vinegar. Here's your list of spices! The salt and pepper are essential.
Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder for a bit of extra oomph. Want a bit of tang? Use apple cider vinegar instead of white.
Essential spice combinations make it all work, you know ?
Equipment: Keep It Simple
- Large glass bowl : at least 3-quart capacity . This is crucial for showing off the layers.
- Large skillet : for the bacon.
- Cutting board and sharp knife .
Don't have a fancy glass bowl? A large salad bowl will do. No skillet? You can even bake the bacon! Retro salad recipes like this are meant to be fuss free.
Seven Layer Salad: A Retro Delight
Honestly, who doesn't love a good retro salad recipe ? This 7 layer salad is totally my jam. This Classic American salad dish is perfect for potlucks.
It's easy, looks amazing, and tastes even better. Seriously, get ready for compliments.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first. Get organized. You'll need 1 head of shredded iceberg lettuce (about 8 cups). Also, you need 1 pound of crispy, crumbled bacon.
Dice up 1 medium red onion. Thaw 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen peas, and halve 1 pint of grape tomatoes.
Shred 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. Finally, chop up 4 hard boiled eggs. For the dressing, measure out 1 cup of mayo, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Having everything prepped will seriously save you time. I always say, a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen. And a happy cook makes a tasty 7 layer salad with peas !
step-by-step: Building Your Masterpiece
Ready to assemble your layered salad recipes ? Here we go:
- Cook bacon: Fry until super crispy. Cool and crumble.
- Make dressing: Whisk mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Lettuce layer: Spread shredded lettuce in a large glass bowl.
- Tomato layer: Add halved tomatoes over the lettuce.
- Onion layer: Sprinkle diced red onion next.
- Pea layer: Spread thawed peas evenly.
- Egg layer: Top with chopped hard boiled eggs.
- Dressing layer: Carefully spread the dressing.
The best part? Sprinkle with cheese and bacon! Chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
I made this ahead of time for a family BBQ last summer, and it was a total hit.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Don't skimp on the bacon! Crispy bacon is key for that amazing texture. Make sure your ingredients are dry to prevent a soggy salad. The right bowl is key for the presentation.
Looking for potluck salad ideas ? This recipe is it. Need a make-ahead salad recipe ? Sorted! And if you're craving a layered salad with creamy dressing , you've come to the right place.
Honestly, this seven layer salad is a winner every time.
Recipe Notes for the Best Seven Layer Salad Ever!
Right then, let's dive into a few tips and tricks to make your 7 Layer Salad absolutely bangin'. Honestly, this is one of those retro salad recipes that's so easy, it's almost criminal! And who doesn’t want a bit of layered salad with creamy dressing action?
This classic American salads will become one of your go-to potluck salad ideas .
Ace Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, yeah? Plating this bad boy is easy. Use a clear glass bowl or trifle dish. That way, everyone can see those gorgeous layers.
It makes all the difference! I like to serve it with grilled chicken or a nice BBQ. A jug of proper lemonade on the side? Sorted.
For a more casual feel, scoop it straight onto plates! And if you are going to do that, try serving it with a side of potato or macaroni salad.
Storage Tips - No Soggy Bottoms, Please!
Refrigeration is key. Cover that 7 Layer Salad with Peas tight with cling film. It’ll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Just don’t leave it out too long at room temp, yeah? Nobody wants a dodgy tummy. I wouldn't recommend freezing it, the mayo will turn into a weird texture sludge when it thaws out.
As for reheating...you don't! It's a cold salad, innit? If you make the dressing separately, it will store up to 5 days.
Variations on a Theme: Layered Salad Recipes
Fancy a tweak? Go vegetarian and ditch the bacon. Add bell peppers or avocado for a bit of oomph. Want a lighter version? Use a mixture of light mayo and Greek yogurt.
No one will know! For a Pea Salad version, add more peas on multiple layers. Also, you can spice it up a bit.
Mexican blend of cheese, black beans and corn for added zest is nice as well.
Nutrition Lowdown: make-ahead Salad Recipes
Alright, let's be real. This Seven Layer Salad isn’t exactly a health food. But it's got veggies and protein, so that's something, right? You are looking at about 450-550 calories a serving, with protein, fat and carbs.
Not bad considering how tasty it is. Plus, who can resist a bit of cheddar and crispy bacon? It contains about 3g to 5g of fiber as well.
So there you have it. A few extra nuggets to make your 7 Layer Salad a right triumph. Get in the kitchen and give it a go! I know you’ll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make 7 layer salad ahead of time? I'm thinking of knocking it together the night before a barbie.
Absolutely! In fact, making 7 layer salad ahead of time is highly recommended. The flavours meld together beautifully the longer it sits in the fridge, ideally at least 2 hours but overnight is even better. Just be sure to cover it tightly with cling film to prevent it from drying out. Bob's your uncle!
Help! My 7 layer salad is soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Soggy salad is a common problem, but easily avoided. Make sure all your ingredients, especially the lettuce and tomatoes, are thoroughly dry before layering. Also, don't add the dressing too far in advance if you're worried about it; a few hours before serving should be fine. A soggy bottom is never ideal, is it?
Are there any variations I can try to spice up my 7 layer salad? I want something a bit more exciting than the standard recipe!
Definitely! The 7 layer salad is ripe for experimentation. Try a Mexican inspired version with black beans, corn, and a spicy dressing. Or, for a lighter twist, use Greek yogurt in the dressing and add some avocado. Don't be afraid to get creative, it's your salad, guv'nor!
How long does 7 layer salad last in the fridge? I made a huge bowl and have loads left over!
Your 7 layer salad should be good for up to 3 days in the fridge, as long as it's properly covered. After that, the lettuce can start to wilt and the flavours might become a bit muddled. Keep an eye on it and use your best judgement, nobody wants a dodgy tummy!
Is 7 layer salad healthy? It seems like a bit of a treat, to be honest.
The 7 layer salad can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to health, what with the mayonnaise and bacon. However, you can lighten it up by using light mayo or Greek yogurt, and adding more veggies. Think of it as a "sometimes" food, and enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Everything in moderation, including moderation itself!
Seven Layer Salad A Retro Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35-45g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |