🥗 Classic Layered Salad (7-Layer Style)

Colorful, crunchy, creamy, and perfect for parties or meal prep. This version features fresh veggies, eggs, and a light creamy dressing poured over the top.

🛒 Ingredients

Salad Layers

• 4 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce (bottom layer)

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup peas (fresh or thawed frozen)

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 2–3 cups chopped cucumber (top layer)

Optional Add-ins

(any can be included in additional layers)

• Corn

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Bell peppers

• Bacon bits

• Avocado (add last-minute)

• Celery or carrots

🥣 Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar

• 1–2 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream/Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Chill until ready to use.

2. Layer the Salad

Use a glass bowl to show off the layers. Add ingredients in this order:

1. Chopped lettuce

2. Cherry tomatoes

3. Peas

4. Red onion

5. Chopped eggs

6. Cucumbers (top layer)

Lightly press the layers to keep them compact.

3. Add the Dressing

Pour the creamy dressing evenly over the top layer of cucumbers.
Spread gently with a spatula if needed.
(Traditionally, dressing stays on top to prevent sogginess.)

4. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours before serving — this helps the flavors meld without wilting the veggies.

5. Serve

Toss just before serving or let guests scoop down through the layers.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish

• Perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs

• Works great in meal prep jars (dress the bottom, lettuce on top)

❓ Q & A / FAQ

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s designed for that.
Make up to 24 hours ahead but don’t mix the layers. Add the dressing on top only.

Q2: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

• Put lettuce on the bottom.

• Keep the dressing on top, not mixed in.

• Avoid watery veggies like cucumbers near the bottom.

Q3: Can I make it healthier?

Absolutely!
Swap options:

• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream

• Light mayo

• Add chickpeas for protein

• Use spinach instead of iceberg

Q4: Can I add cheese or bacon?

Yes — very common in traditional layered salads.
Add shredded cheddar right under the dressing.
Add bacon on top of cucumbers for crunch.

Q5: Can I make this vegan?

Yes:

• Replace mayo + dairy with vegan mayo and vegan yogurt

• Omit eggs

• Add chickpeas or roasted tofu for protein

Q6: How long does it last in the fridge?

Without tossing: 2 days
After tossing: best eaten within 24 hours.

Q7: Can I use different vegetables?

Great alternatives:

• Corn

• Broccoli florets

• Shredded carrots

• Bell peppers

• Olives

• Radishes

Just avoid vegetables that release lots of water.