Recipes 7 Layer Salad
There’s just something about the combination of flavors and textures in a classic 7 layer salad that tickles our tastebuds. Maybe it’s the sweet, tangy, and slightly salty dressing; or perhaps it’s the crisp and cool greens. In any case, we love a good 7 layer salad – especially when it’s homemade! So today we’re sharing some of our favorite recipes for this classic side dish.
What is a 7 layer salad?
A 7 layer salad is a salad that has 7 layers of ingredients. The classic recipe calls for iceberg lettuce as the base, 3 layers of veggies, 2 layers of protein, and a creamy dressing. The salad is said to have originated at a popular restaurant in Los Angeles, California, called the Brown Derby.
The original recipe was created by the chef of the Derby, who thought the salad would be the perfect accompaniment to the restaurant’s “create your own” menu. Today, the 7 layer salad is served in restaurants and homes across the country. People enjoy it because it’s easy to make, and it’s a great way to use up all your veggies in one place!
How to make a 7 layer salad
Start with a bed of lettuce. The lettuce layer is the base of your 7 layer salad, so it shouldn’t be missed! Choose your favorite lettuce, or try a new one. When the lettuce is washed and ready, build your salad. Add the rest of the ingredients to the top of the lettuce.
The number of layers will depend on what size bowl or serving dish you’re using. The rest of the ingredients can be in any order, although the traditional 7 layer salad has the veggies at the bottom, followed by the protein, and then the dressing on top.
7 Layer Salad Recipe: The Base
For the base of your 7 layer salad, we recommend using a crisp, crunchy lettuce – like iceberg, romaine, or green leaf. Don’t skip this step! The lettuce is what holds your entire salad together, so it’s essential to begin with a good base. Now that you’ve selected your lettuce, wash and dry it thoroughly. If you’re making your 7 layer salad ahead of time, you can also tear or chop the lettuce into smaller pieces to make it easier to eat.
7 Layer Salad Recipe: The Meat
For the meat in your 7 layer salad, you have lots of options. For example, you could use ham (our favorite!), canned tuna, or even chicken. Depending on what you choose, you’ll probably want to lightly cook it before adding it to your salad. Ham and canned tuna both go well on a salad, but if you want to kick it up a notch, try adding crispy bacon or canned salmon. If you want to keep your 7 layer salad vegetarian, sunflower seeds are also a great option.
7 Layer Salad Recipe: The Veggies
Veggies are an essential part of any salad, and they’re especially important in a 7 layer salad. You can add anything you like to your 7 layer salad, but here are a few of our favorites. Your base lettuce is already quite nutritious, but you can boost the health benefits even more by adding veggies to your 7 layer salad. Veggies like carrots (raw or grated), broccoli, tomatoes, sprouts, and olives are great additions to any salad. Just make sure to chop them up fairly small so you can fit them inside your bowl.
7 Layer Salad Recipe: The Dressing
The dressing for your 7 layer salad doesn’t have to be fancy – in fact, it doesn’t even have to be homemade! For a traditional 7 layer salad, we recommend a mayonnaise-based dressing, but you can use a variety of different options.
You can also add extra flavor to your salad dressing by adding a few spices, like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even cinnamon. You can make your 7 layer salad dressing in a large bowl and then drizzle it over your salad once all the ingredients have been added. Or, you can put your dressing in a small bowl or cup and then build your salad on top of it. Whatever works best for you!
7 Layer Taco Salad
This 7 layer taco salad is super easy to make, and it’s a fun twist on the traditional recipe! Simply follow the instructions above to build your salad, and then add a bit of sour cream on top. Let’s be honest – a taco salad almost always tastes better when it’s made in a bowl rather than on a plate!
7 Layer Greek Yogurt Taco Salad
Like the 7 layer taco salad, this Greek yogurt taco salad combines two classic recipes into one delicious meal! Simply follow the instructions above to build your salad, and then top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
You can use plain Greek yogurt or a flavored yogurt, depending on your preferences. We recommend using a thicker yogurt, like full-fat Greek yogurt, so that it doesn’t run off the salad too much.
Conclusion
Salads are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. And the 7 layer salad is the perfect base for any veggie-filled salad creation! Depending on the ingredients you choose, the 7 layer salad can be a side dish or even a full meal. It makes a great lunch or dinner, and it can even be served as a side to a hearty breakfast.
For the best results, it’s important to use fresh greens and veggies. You also have a few options as to how you can build your salad. You can follow the traditional method and start with the lettuce at the bottom of the bowl. Or, you can choose to start with the ingredients you like best. Either way, it’s a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet!
Recipes 7 Layer Salad