7 Layered Salad Recipe
This colourful 7-Layered Salad is a delicious combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet peas, red onion, creamy eggs, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, finished with a tangy Greek yoghurt dressing. It is easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for family meals, picnics, potlucks, and special occasions.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Medium Saucepan –
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- 1 Large Bowl For An Ice Bath
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Large Clear Serving Bowl
- 1 Long Salad Tongs
Ingredients
For The Salad
- 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 140 g bacon
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
- 180 g cherry tomatoes
- 170 g frozen peas - thawed
- ⅓–½ cup freshly shredded extra-sharp cheddar
For The Creamy Dressing
- 180 g plain Greek yoghurt
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1¼ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Bacon
- Cook the bacon until crisp and thoroughly cooked.
- Transfer to a paper-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Allow to cool slightly, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
- Reserve some for the final topping if desired.
Step 2: Cook And Cool The Eggs
- Place the eggs in a saucepan of water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 8–9 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath.
- Allow them to cool, then peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Soften The Onion
- Place the chopped red onion in a small bowl.
- Cover with cold water and soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Step 4: Make The Dressing
- Add the Greek yoghurt, Parmesan, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt and garlic powder to a mixing bowl.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed.
Step 5: Build The Green Base
- Place the chopped romaine lettuce in the bottom of a large clear serving bowl.
- Spread it into an even layer without compressing it.
Step 6: Add The Colourful Vegetables
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the lettuce.
- Add the drained red onion.
- Distribute the ingredients evenly to maintain distinct layers.
Step 7: Add The Peas And Eggs
- Spoon the thawed peas evenly over the vegetables.
- Add the chopped eggs.
- Spread each ingredient gently without mixing the layers.
Step 8: Add The Creamy Dressing
- Spoon the dressing evenly over the top.
- Carefully spread it from edge to edge to create an even layer.
Step 9: Finish With Cheese And Bacon
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the dressing.
- Finish with the crispy bacon.
- Add a few extra vegetables for decoration if desired.
Step 10: Chill And Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- For convenience, assemble the 7 Layered Salad the night before and keep chilled.
- Serve directly from the refrigerator using long salad tongs.
- Ensure each serving reaches through the layers to include the lettuce, vegetables, eggs, dressing, cheese and bacon.
Notes
- 🥬 Keep The Lettuce Crisp: Wash and dry the romaine thoroughly before layering to prevent excess moisture from making the 7 Layered Salad soggy.
- 🥓 Cook The Bacon Until Crisp: Crispy bacon adds the best smoky, savoury flavour and satisfying crunch to the salad.
- 🥚 Cool The Eggs Completely: Place the boiled eggs in an ice bath before peeling and chopping to make preparation easier and keep the layers neat.
- 🧅 Soften The Onion: Soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow its sharp flavour while retaining its crunch.
- 🥣 Taste the Dressing: Adjust the honey, vinegar, and seasoning to your preference before adding the dressing to the 7 Layered Salad.
- 🌈 Layer Carefully: Spread each ingredient evenly rather than mixing them together to create attractive, distinct layers.
- ❄️ Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 1 hour so the flavours can settle, and the salad is served refreshingly cold.
- 🥗 Use A Clear Serving Bowl: A transparent bowl beautifully showcases the colourful layers and makes the 7 Layered Salad an eye-catching centrepiece.