Seven-Layer Salad (Original Recipe)

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Seven-layer salad is a tasty dish that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. This colorful salad has layers of lettuce, cheese, veggies, and bacon topped with a creamy mayo dressing. It’s easy to make and looks great in a glass bowl. You can prep it ahead of time, which makes it handy for busy cooks.

The original recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a yummy salad that serves 12 people. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty seven-layer salad:

For the dressing:

• 1 1⁄4 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2⁄3 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the layers:

• 1 pound bacon
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce
• 1 red onion
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green peas
• 10 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped cauliflower

Before you start, make sure to rinse and dry the lettuce, then chop it up. Chop the red onion too. Thaw the frozen peas.

You’ll layer these ingredients in a big glass bowl. Start with the lettuce at the bottom. Then add onions, peas, cheddar, cauliflower, and bacon on top.

The dressing goes on last. Mix it up and spread it over everything else. Your salad will look pretty with all the different colors showing through the glass.

This recipe makes enough for 12 people. It’s great for parties or big family dinners.

Instructions

Start by mixing the mayo, sugar, and parmesan in a bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. Set this dressing aside for now.

Next, cook your bacon. Heat up a large skillet and fry the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Let it cool on paper towels, then crumble it up.

Now it’s time to build your salad! Grab a big glass bowl. Put the chopped lettuce at the bottom. This is your first layer.

Add the other layers in this order:

1. Chopped red onion
2. Thawed green peas
3. Shredded cheddar cheese
4. Chopped cauliflower
5. Bacon crumbles

Finally, spread your mayo dressing over the top. Make sure it covers everything evenly.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for about 4 hours. This gives all the flavors time to mix and mingle.

When you’re ready to eat, just take it out of the fridge and serve. Enjoy your yummy seven-layer salad!

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out ingredients in this Seven Layer Salad to make it your own. Here are some tasty options:

• Lettuce: Try romaine or mixed greens instead of iceberg
• Onions: Swap red onions for green onions or shallots
• Peas: Use corn or edamame as a replacement
• Cheddar cheese: Try Swiss or pepper jack for a different flavor
• Cauliflower: Broccoli or bell peppers work great too

For the dressing, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version. If you want to skip the bacon, try sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for crunch.

You can also add extra layers like:

• Diced cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced hard-boiled eggs
• Diced ham or turkey

Feel free to mix and match these ideas. The best part about this salad is how easy it is to customize. Just keep the layers separate and you’ll have a beautiful, tasty dish every time!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make this tasty seven-layer salad more diabetes-friendly with a few easy changes. Start by using light mayonnaise instead of regular. This simple swap cuts down on calories and fat.

For the dressing, replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia. This keeps the flavor without adding extra carbs. You can also use less dressing overall to reduce calories.

Try these veggie swaps to boost nutrition:

• Use spinach or mixed greens instead of iceberg lettuce
• Add extra non-starchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumber
• Use less cheese, or try a reduced-fat version

For the bacon, pick a lean turkey bacon and use half the amount. This lowers the fat and calories while still giving that yummy bacon flavor.

When serving, use smaller portions. Fill your plate with mostly veggies and a little dressing. This helps control carb intake and keeps blood sugar steady.

Remember to check with your doctor about how this recipe fits into your meal plan. With these tweaks, you can enjoy this classic salad while managing your diabetes.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use a clear glass bowl to show off the pretty layers of your salad. It will look great on your table!

Pat the lettuce dry with paper towels before adding it to the bowl. This keeps your salad crisp and fresh.

For the best flavor, let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. You can even make it up to 24 hours ahead – perfect for busy days!

Try swapping out ingredients to make the salad your own. You could use spinach instead of lettuce, or add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will stay good for 3-4 days, but the lettuce might get a bit soggy.

To make serving easier, toss the salad gently before dishing it out. This mixes the layers and spreads the dressing evenly.

For a lighter version, use low-fat mayo and cheese. You can also skip the bacon for a vegetarian option.

Don’t forget to bring the salad to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This brings out the flavors better.