Seven Layer Salad

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Seven Layer Salad is a tasty and easy dish you can make for your next get-together. This colorful salad takes only 25 minutes to prepare and serves 12 people. It’s a great choice for summer cookouts or potlucks.

You’ll love how simple it is to put together. Just layer lettuce, onion, celery, and peas in a glass bowl. Top it with mayo, sugar, cheese, and bacon. Then chill it until you’re ready to serve. It’s a cool and crunchy treat that everyone will enjoy.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Seven Layer Salad:

• 1 head lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 2-3 celery ribs, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 12 ounces frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 pound bacon, fried and crumbled

The prep is quick and easy! You’ll spend about 15 minutes getting everything ready.

Cook the bacon for 10 minutes until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble it up.

This recipe makes 12 servings, perfect for a crowd. Each serving is about 285 calories.

Remember to thaw the peas before using them. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or running them under cool water.

For best results, use a clear glass bowl so you can see all the colorful layers. Your friends and family will love how pretty it looks!

Instructions

Start by shredding 1 head of lettuce. Spread it evenly in the bottom of a large glass bowl.

Next, dice 1/2 cup of red onion. Slice 2-3 celery ribs to make about 1 cup. Thaw 12 ounces of frozen peas.

Layer the onion, celery, and peas on top of the lettuce in that order.

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture over the peas.

Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese if needed. Sprinkle it evenly over the mayo layer.

Fry 1/2 pound of bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble it. Add the bacon as the final layer on top.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

When ready to eat, use a large spoon to scoop out portions. Make sure to get some of each layer in every serving.

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out ingredients in this Seven Layer Salad to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Lettuce: Try spinach, mixed greens, or romaine instead of iceberg
• Red onion: Green onions or shallots work well too
• Celery: Cucumber or bell peppers add a nice crunch
• Peas: Corn, edamame, or chickpeas are tasty alternatives
• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist
• Cheddar cheese: Feta, blue cheese, or Swiss are yummy options
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or diced ham for a different flavor

Feel free to get creative! You can add extras like cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, or sunflower seeds. The beauty of this salad is how easy it is to customize.

Remember to keep the layers separate for that classic look. Have fun mixing it up!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Seven Layer Salad more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple changes. Start by using a low-fat or light mayonnaise instead of regular. This cuts down on calories and fat.

Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia. You’ll get the same sweet taste without the blood sugar spike. Choose reduced-fat cheese to lower the overall fat content.

For the bacon, pick turkey bacon or Canadian bacon. These options have less fat than regular bacon. You can also use less bacon overall.

Add more non-starchy veggies to boost fiber and nutrients. Try adding cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes. These add volume without many carbs.

Here’s a quick list of swaps:

• Light mayo for regular mayo
• Stevia for sugar
• Reduced-fat cheese
• Turkey bacon
• Extra veggies like cucumber and tomato

These small changes make a big difference. The salad will still taste great, but it’ll be better for managing blood sugar levels.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your Seven Layer Salad extra tasty with these handy tips! Use a clear glass bowl to show off the pretty layers. Pat the lettuce dry to keep the salad crisp.

For best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. You can make it up to 24 hours ahead – perfect for busy days!

Try these yummy add-ins:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced hard-boiled eggs
• Chopped bell peppers

To store leftovers, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. The lettuce may get a bit soggy, but it will still taste great.

For easy serving at picnics, make individual portions in mason jars. Layer ingredients in the same order, put lids on, and chill until ready to eat.

Don’t toss the salad before serving – let everyone dig in and mix their own portions. This keeps the layers looking nice and the bacon crispy.