Easy Seven Layer Salad Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis Seven Layer Salad recipe is a colorful, delicious, and satisfying dish perfect for your next potluck or side dish at home. It’s a fresh mix of veggies, protein, and a homemade dressing that combines to deliver a punch of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why you will love making 7 Layer Salad
This salad isn’t just a feast of flavor; it’s also a visual treat that’s incredibly easy to put together. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
- Quick Prep: All it takes is some baking, chopping, and layering—no complex techniques needed.
- Versatility: You can swap ingredients based on what’s available or to suit dietary preferences. Want to add some crunch? Throw in some red bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Make-Ahead: Perfect for busy schedules, make it the night before, and it’s ready to serve at your convenience.
- Always a Hit: Whether it’s a family reunion, a holiday gathering, or a potluck, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and bacon, it’s both filling and flavorful.
- Customizable Dressing: The homemade dressing can be adjusted to your liking, making it as tangy or mild as you prefer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Seven Layer Salad with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Here’s how to bring all these fresh, tasty ingredients together in one spectacular dish.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 180ºC (350°F). Take the chicken breast filets, pat them dry, and season generously with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lay them out on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Once done, let them cool before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Dressing
While the chicken is cooling, grab a small mixing bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, some freshly ground pepper, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a bit of raw honey. Whisk it all together until smooth, then pop it in the refrigerator to chill.
Layer the Salad
Now, take a tall clear glass bowl—this will showcase your salad’s vibrant layers beautifully. A trifle bowl is great. Start by layering the shredded iceberg lettuce at the base. Follow with a layer of halved fresh cherry tomatoes, then the thawed peas and sweet corn, chopped celery, the cooled, diced chicken, and finally, the cooked and chopped bacon.
Finishing Touches
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the chilled dressing over the top layer of the salad. To serve, use a long-handled spoon to reach deep, getting all seven layers onto your plate. Once served, mix and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts in filets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or your favorite seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper
- ½ head of iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 cup frozen organic peas thawed
- 1 cup frozen organic sweet corn thawed
- 1 cup chopped celery about 3 ribs
- 1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup bacon cooked and chopped
For the dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 fresh garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F).
- Dry the chicken breast filets and season them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Let them cool and dice.2 chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk all of your dressing ingredients then refrigerate until ready to use.1 cup Greek yogurt, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 fresh garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon raw honey, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- To assemble, use a tall clear glass bowl.
- Arrange the salad by layering the lettuce, tomatoes, peas, corn, celery, chicken and bacon.½ head of iceberg lettuce, 1 cup frozen organic peas, 1 cup frozen organic sweet corn, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes, ½ cup bacon
- Once ready to serve, drizzle your dressing over the top of the salad and mix.
- Serve this salad with a long handle spoon to dig deep, toss and enjoy!
Notes
- Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Depending on your preference, you might want a bit more lemon for tartness or honey for sweetness.
- Layer Firmly: Pack each layer slightly to keep the ingredients from shifting. This ensures every spoonful gets a bit of everything.
- Bacon: For extra crispness, sprinkle the bacon on top just before serving instead of mixing it in early. This keeps it nice and crunchy.
- Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal favorites. For example, red onions or sliced cucumbers can add a nice bite.
- Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some grated sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese between the layers or on top before serving.
- Make It Meatier: If you want more protein, adding diced ham or turkey can be a great touch.
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just layer it up and cover it with plastic wrap to keep in the fridge. If using a dressing, add it just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Airtight and Cool: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container, and refrigerate the leftover salad. It’s best to consume it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and to ensure the ingredients don’t start to wilt or lose their crunch.
- Dressing on the Side: If you anticipate having leftovers, serve the dressing on the side. This way, the layers don’t get soggy from sitting in the dressing too long.
- Revive the Crunch: If the salad does start to look a bit limp, a quick freshening trick is to add some fresh chopped veggies to the mix when you serve it again.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to make sure this easy salad comes out perfect every time:
- Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Depending on your preference, you might want a bit more lemon for tartness or honey for sweetness.
- Layer Firmly: Pack each layer slightly to keep the ingredients from shifting. This ensures every spoonful gets a bit of everything.
- Bacon: For extra crispness, sprinkle the bacon on top just before serving instead of mixing it in early. This keeps it nice and crunchy.
- Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal favorites. For example, red onions or sliced cucumbers can add a nice bite.
- Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some grated sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese between the layers or on top before serving.
- Make It Meatier: If you want more protein, adding diced ham or turkey can be a great touch.
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just layer it up and cover it with plastic wrap to keep in the fridge. If using a dressing, add it just before serving to keep everything crisp.
How to Store Leftover Seven Layer Salad
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your seven layer salad tasting fresh even after the party’s over:
- Airtight and Cool: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container, and refrigerate the leftover salad. It’s best to consume it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and to ensure the ingredients don’t start to wilt or lose their crunch.
- Dressing on the Side: If you anticipate having leftovers, serve the dressing on the side. This way, the layers don’t get soggy from sitting in the dressing too long.
- Revive the Crunch: If the salad does start to look a bit limp, a quick freshening trick is to add some fresh chopped veggies to the mix when you serve it again.
Our Top 3 Money Saving Tips for This Recipe
Creating a delicious seven layer salad doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three money-saving tips to keep both your belly and wallet full:
- Alternative Proteins: Try less expensive proteins like canned tuna or chickpeas as a substitute for chicken.
- Imperfect Produce: Some stores sell “imperfect” or “wonky” vegetables at a discount—they’re perfect for recipes where shape doesn’t matter.
- Reuse Glass Jars: Store your homemade dressing in reused glass jars, saving on storage containers.
What to Serve with Seven Layer Salad
Here are some ideas to complement your colorful salad:
Grilled Meats
The smoky flavor of grilled chicken, steak, or fish is a perfect match for the freshness of the salad. Grilling these proteins keeps the meal light and easy, especially during the summer months.
Sandwiches
Whether it’s a juicy smash burger, a pulled pork slider, or an air fryer tuna sandwich, sandwiches pair wonderfully with the crispness of the salad. They make for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Side Dishes
A crusty loaf of bread or some garlic bread can be great for scooping up the salad and dressing. On the other hand, a light soup, like tomato basil or a vegetable minestrone, can complement the salad without overpowering it.
Drinks
Refreshing and simple, iced tea or lemonade keeps everything light and enjoyable, enhancing the salad’s flavors rather than competing with them.
