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7 layer salad in a clear bowl being served

Traditional 7 Layer Salad Recipe

This old fashioned 7 layer salad is a classic, traditional side dish made with crisp lettuce, peas, eggs, bacon, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 small head iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounce can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
  • 16 ounce package frozen green peas, thawed and drained
  • ½ small red onion, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Method
 

  1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, then peel and chop.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, seasoned salt, and garlic powder until smooth.
  3. Pat the peas and water chestnuts dry. In a large dish, layer the lettuce, tomatoes, water chestnuts, peas, chopped eggs, red onion, and shredded cheese.
  4. Spread the dressing evenly over the top, making sure to seal it to the edges. Sprinkle with bacon, cover, and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Pat ingredients dry to avoid excess moisture
  • Chill before serving for best flavor
  • Keeps refrigerated up to 2 days

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