17.5.13

Seven Layer Salad

easy salad

     At least once a year, usually around Mother's Day, we make one or two big seven layer salads. They are always delicious. My girls and I make two because otherwise there are a lot of leftover ingredients. Since they keep well in the fridge when made a day ahead, I usually make one to take somewhere and one to enjoy at home. The order of the layers can be changed. Sometimes, as pictured above, we dice the eggs and include them in a layer. Other times, as pictured below, we slice the eggs and place them with the sliced edge facing the edge of the bowl in the lettuce layer.

Ingredients:

  • finely chopped or shredded iceberg lettuce
  • chopped purple onion
  • sliced or chopped boiled eggs
  • fresh or frozen green peas
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked chopped bacon pieces
  • 1 cup mayonnaise mixed with 1 cup sugar 


     Fill a pretty serving dish 3/4 full of lettuce. It compresses, so use more than you think you need. I use the bowl pictured and a straight edged trifle bowl.


     Layer each of the remaining ingredients except the mayonnaise and sugar (which make the topping) in any order that you choose.


     Be generous with the cheese! I prefer to purchase shredded cheese for this as it is much prettier than when we grate it ourselves.


     Several family members don't like peas, so this layer (sort of) just covered half of the salad. These can be fresh or frozen, but the canned ones are too soft.


     This is another shortcut. Of course you can cook bacon if you prefer, but for convenience it is easy  to sprinkle this layer straight from the bag of pre-cooked bacon pieces. Be generous with this layer!

     Mix the mayonnaise with the sugar. A sugar substitute can replace the sugar, but it significantly decreases the total volume of the dressing. My husband prefers Miracle Whip, but the topping isn't white if you make that substitution. Gently cover the top layer, carefully sealing the edges. This salad can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated if you prepare it a day ahead.

     Share and enjoy!
Jennifer

6 comments:

  1. That looks so good- I know my family will love it when I try it :) Thanks for sharing!

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  2. how many servings does this make?

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  3. How many servings does this make?

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    Replies
    1. Julie, this salad can be made in a larger container if you want even more servings. I often prepare it when we have more than ten guests. There is plenty, but we have other food with it, too. It would work to make a single serving layered in a small bowl or jar, too.

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  4. I've made this before with spinach, and I mix my mayo with some garlic powder, salt and pepper instead of the sugar (which I think is yummy). I should try the sugar some time!

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  5. This looks so good! Looking at Meredith's comment above...good idea...I love spinach.

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