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This 7 Layer Salad recipe is a classic that will be the hit of your next potluck, BBQ, or summer party! Lettuce is layered with fresh veggies like bell peppers, celery, and green onions and finished with cheese, salty bacon, green peas, and ranch dressing. Plus, you can make this layered salad up to a day in advance!
Classic 7 Layered Salad Recipe
There’s a reason 7 layer salad is a classic – the combination of flavors, and crunchy textures are always a crowd pleaser! If you’ve never tried it, I think you’ll love it. No church potluck, family gathering, or BBQ is complete without this crisp, cool, layered lettuce salad with peas.
There are a lot of variations salad, but they all have one thing in common – they have seven distinct layers and some kind of creamy dressing. This kind of salad is often centerstage at gatherings – it’s pretty and delicious!
Maybe you’ve seen Pioneer Woman seven-layer salad recipe with eggs or other versions with all kinds of different salad ingredients? From Betty Crocker to Paula Deen, everyone seems to have their spin on this retro salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Close to the original southern version with most of the standard ingredients. The only difference is I don’t add eggs and tomatoes, but it’s just as delicious!
- This is a favorite salad of mine because it’s an easy recipe that is layered instead of tossed. It makes a great make-ahead delicious side dish because the dressing is on top of the salad, so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy on the bottom.
- It’s great for special occasions, holiday meals, or anytime you need a salad for large gatherings – this classic recipe is always a family favorite during the summer months.
What’s in Layered Pea Salad?
- Peas: You can use thawed frozen green peas or fresh green peas
- Bacon: Cook it until it’s crisp.
- Lettuce: Shredded or chopped romaine lettuce or swap iceberg
- Green layers: Chopped celery, green onion, and green peppers
- Dressing: Plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, Ranch Dressing Mix
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the best!
How to make 7 Layered Salad
- Cook the peas following the package instructions. Drain them and allow them to cool.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Drain it on a plate lined with paper towels and then crumble it into small pieces.
- Place the chopped lettuce in a clear glass bowl or large trifle bowl. Layer the celery, green onion, and green bell peppers, and finish the layers with the cooled peas.
- Combine the yogurt, sour cream, and ranch seasoning in a small bowl. Mix the dressing ingredients and then spread the mixture over the top of the peas. Top the salad dressing with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
- Cover the layered pea salad with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
- You can make it up to a day in advance, so it’s easy to serve the next day – just set it out with a serving spoon with a long handle so everyone can get a big scoop.
Expert Tip
- I highly recommend serving it in a big glass dish or a trifle dish so you can see all the colorful layers.
- This salad is best served the same day it’s made.
7 Layer Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen peas
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce shredded or chopped small
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook peas according to package direction and drain well. Set aside to cool.
- Cook bacon until crispy, drain and crumble. Set aside.
- Add the lettuce to a large glass bowl. Layer celery, green onion, and green pepper. Add the cooled peas.
- Stir together yogurt and sour cream, add ranch dressing packet and stir to combine. Spread yogurt mixture over the top of the peas to the edges of the bowl. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and cheese.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. May be prepared 24 hours ahead of serving time.
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise for the yogurt or sour cream, if you prefer.
Recipe Nutrition
7 Layer Salad is a layered pea salad with 7 layers of amazing flavor – bacon and cheese and a creamy dressing. This is the perfect salad recipe for potlucks!
