7 Layer Salad Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis 7 Layer Salad is a delicious and easy way to bring color and flavor to your table. With layers of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and crispy bacon, it’s the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this salad comes together quickly and looks stunning when served in a clear glass bowl.
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This is the salad I make when I want to make a big impression. All those layers of tasty goodness in a glass bowl look amazing, and it looks like you’ve gone the extra mile, but in reality, it’s really easy and only takes 30 minutes. It’s a perfect salad for the holidays, potluck, tailgating, and summer picnics and is a real crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make 7 Layer Salad with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This 7 layer salad recipe is so easy to make when you follow my straightforward instructions.
Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350°F). Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Let the chicken cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey. Once well combined, refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.
Layer the Salad
In a tall, clear glass bowl, layer the ingredients, starting with the shredded lettuce at the bottom. Follow with layers of halved cherry tomatoes, thawed peas, sweet corn, chopped celery, diced chicken, and finally, the cooked bacon pieces.
Serve
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad. Use a long-handled spoon to mix and scoop deep into the layers. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are my top tips for perfecting the best seven layer salad.
- Chicken Temperature: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This prevents the chicken from drying out and ensures it’s juicy and tender when added to the salad.
- Layer for Crunch: Start with the shredded lettuce at the base of your salad bowl to keep it crisp. This layer acts as a foundation, protecting the delicate ingredients from wilting under the weight of the heavier toppings like chicken and bacon. Keeping it at the bottom helps the salad retain its crunchiness, even after dressing.
- Chill the Peas and Corn: After thawing the frozen peas and corn, keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables, keeping the salad vibrant and refreshing.
- Bacon Tip: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy, then let it cool before chopping it up. Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, contrasting perfectly with the creamy dressing and tender chicken. You can also add Gluten Free Fried Onions for extra crunch.
- Serving Suggestion: Use a tall, clear glass bowl to assemble your salad. Not only does this create a beautiful presentation that showcases the vibrant layers, but it also makes it easier for guests to scoop down through all the ingredients, ensuring they get a little of everything in each bite.
- Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of lemon juice slightly. On the other hand, if you like a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey. The balance of flavors can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep. Assemble the salad and store it in the fridge, but wait to drizzle the dressing over the top until right before serving. This keeps the layers fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Yogurt Substitution: If Greek yogurt isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with mayonnaise or a mix of both for a richer, creamier dressing. The mayonnaise will add more indulgence to the dressing, while the yogurt keeps it lighter and tangier.
How to Store Leftover 7 Layer Salad
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days, but keep in mind that the lettuce and some of the other vegetables may lose their crunch as they sit with the dressing.
To preserve the crispness of the layers, it’s best to store the dressing separately and only mix it with the salad when you’re ready to eat.
What to Serve with Seven Layer Salad
This 7 Layer Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal. Its bright, fresh flavors and layers of textures complement rich, savory mains, but it can also stand on its own as a satisfying dish. Here are a few ideas on what to serve alongside:
- Grilled Meats: The salad’s refreshing layers make it the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. The crisp lettuce and veggies balance out the smoky, charred flavors from the grill.
- BBQ Spread: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a potluck, this salad fits right in with classic BBQ dishes like ribs, burgers, or hot dogs. Its lightness contrasts beautifully with the heavier, saucy meats.
- Roasted or Baked Chicken: Serve this alongside roasted or baked chicken for a complete meal. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables provide a lovely contrast to the tender, flavorful chicken.
- Seafood Dishes: This salad is a great companion to seafood like grilled shrimp, salmon, or even a light seafood pasta. The salad’s layers of veggies, combined with the creamy dressing, complement the delicate flavors of seafood without overpowering them.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Pair the salad with a hearty sandwich, such as a club sandwich, chicken wrap, or pinwheel sandwich. The salad adds a refreshing, crunchy side to the meal and can be easily served as part of a casual lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts in filets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or your favorite seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper
- ½ head of iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 cup frozen organic peas thawed
- 1 cup frozen organic sweet corn thawed
- 1 cup chopped celery about 3 ribs
- 1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup bacon cooked and chopped
For the dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 fresh garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F).
- Pat the chicken breast filets dry, then rub them with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.2 chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey to create the dressing. Store the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use.1 cup Greek yogurt, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 fresh garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon raw honey, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- To assemble the salad, take a tall, clear glass bowl and begin layering. Start with the shredded lettuce at the base, followed by halved cherry tomatoes, thawed peas, corn, chopped celery, diced chicken, and finally, the cooked bacon.½ head of iceberg lettuce, 1 cup frozen organic peas, 1 cup frozen organic sweet corn, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes, ½ cup bacon
- When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad. Serve with a long-handled spoon to ensure you can scoop through all the layers and mix everything together. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Temperature: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This prevents the chicken from drying out and ensures it’s juicy and tender when added to the salad.
- Layer for Crunch: Start with the shredded lettuce at the base of your salad bowl to keep it crisp. This layer acts as a foundation, protecting the delicate ingredients from wilting under the weight of the heavier toppings like chicken and bacon. Keeping it at the bottom helps the salad retain its crunchiness, even after dressing.
- Chill the Peas and Corn: After thawing the frozen peas and corn, keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables, keeping the salad vibrant and refreshing.
- Bacon Tip: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy, then let it cool before chopping it up. Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, contrasting perfectly with the creamy dressing and tender chicken.
- Serving Suggestion: Use a tall, clear glass bowl to assemble your salad. Not only does this create a beautiful presentation that showcases the vibrant layers, but it also makes it easier for guests to scoop down through all the ingredients, ensuring they get a little of everything in each bite.
- Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of lemon juice slightly. On the other hand, if you like a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey. The balance of flavors can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep. Assemble the salad and store it in the fridge, but wait to drizzle the dressing over the top until right before serving. This keeps the layers fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Yogurt Substitution: If Greek yogurt isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with mayonnaise or a mix of both for a richer, creamier dressing. The mayonnaise will add more indulgence to the dressing, while the yogurt keeps it lighter and tangier.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
