7 Layer Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups real mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 head romaine lettuce, cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 green peppers, seeds removed and chopped
• 3 small tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped
• 5 hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Toppings – 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled and fresh chives, chopped

How to make 7 Layer Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Layer the Vegetables: In a glass trifle bowl or large mixing bowl, start layering the vegetables. Begin with a layer of romaine lettuce cubes. Follow with layers of chopped red onion, green peppers, and tomatoes. Make sure to spread each layer evenly.

Add the Eggs: Arrange the sliced hard boiled eggs around the outer edge of the trifle bowl. Then place the remaining egg slices on top of the tomatoes in a single layer.

Layer the Peas: Add a layer of thawed frozen peas over the eggs. Do not use canned peas for this. They will just be really soggy and wet and taste nothing like a salad pea.

Spread the Dressing: Evenly spread the mayonnaise mixture over the top of the peas. I know because its a salad you think automatically dressing, but this version that is thicker, helps really cover all the vegetables better.

You can use dressing if you want or even skip putting the mayo/dressing on top and set it on the side so guests can choose. I know some of my extended family doesn’t like mayo, so this gives them a choice.

Top It Off: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mayonnaise layer. Then add crumbled bacon (fresh or pantry version) and chopped fresh chives to finish off the top layer of the salad.

Chill and Serve: Cover the trifle bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.

What other vegetables can you add to a layered salad?

This 7 layer salad is versatile and can easily have more than seven layers! Here are some additional vegetables you could include:

• Sliced cucumbers
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped celery
• Diced avocados (remember they do oxidize, so only right before serving)
• Sliced radishes

If you prefer not to use mayo, it is fine to use dressing. Here are a few alternatives:

• Ranch dressing (I also like to use my ranch dip recipe)
• Greek yogurt dressing or a thicker yogurt dip recipe
• Honey mustard
• Vinaigrette or Italian Dressing

Benefits of Using a Glass Trifle Bowl

Using a glass trifle bowl for this salad not only makes it look stunning but also allows your guests to see all the beautiful layers and exactly what is in the recipe.

It adds a touch of elegance to your presentation and makes the salad a real showstopper. This type of bowl looks great filled with fruit salad recipes or desserts like strawberry angel food cake.