If you’ve been on the hunt for a salad that’s not just appetizing and healthy but also visually appealing, then my Seven Layer Salad is just what you need! This salad hails from the American Midwest, where it is a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. Its layers represent a harmony of flavors and textures, with each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the others. The seven layers typically include lettuce, celery, green pepper, green peas, mayonnaise, sugar, and cheddar cheese. But what’s great about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily switch out ingredients based on your preferences. I adore this salad not just for its taste, but also for its stunning presentation. The clear bowl showcasing the vibrant layers never fails to wow guests. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! So, whether you’re a salad lover looking for something new, or you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet, this Seven Layer Salad is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 head lettuce, chopped (for bottom layer)
- 1/2 c. chopped celery (next layer)
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper (next layer)
- 1 pkg. frozen green peas (10 oz.), cooked and drained (next layer)
- 1 c. mayonnaise, spread over top
- 2 Tbsp. sugar, sprinkled on top of mayonnaise
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded (next layer)
Layering Steps
- Seal and refrigerate overnight. Next day, mix. Can add cooked bacon (approximately 8 slices, chopped).
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Saga of the Seven Layer Salad
A Green Beginning
Let’s get things straight. When I first heard about the Seven Layer Salad, I was a bit skeptical. How could seven simple ingredients, stacked upon each other, make a dish that’s worth the hype? I mean, we’re talking about a head lettuce, celery, green pepper, frozen green peas, mayonnaise, sugar, and Cheddar cheese. Are these ingredients even supposed to be together in one dish? But hey, life’s about trying new things, right?
So there I was, in my humble kitchen, starting off with a fresh head lettuce. I chopped it like a pro, or at least I’d like to think I did. The bottom layer of my salad was ready, and it was looking, well, very green.
The Crunchy Saga Continues
Next in line were celery and green pepper. Now, chopping these two was a task. I’m not sure who came up with the measurement of half a cup, but let me tell you, it’s a lot of chopping. I felt like a celery-chopping machine that day. But the result? A beautiful, crunchy layer on top of my lettuce. So far, so good.
The Great Pea Incident
Then came the frozen green peas. I cooked and drained them according to the instructions, and as I added them to my salad, I was feeling pretty confident. But then, disaster struck. I dropped the bowl. Yes, you heard it right. Peas. Everywhere. After a few moments of dramatic silence, I picked up the peas, one by one, laughing at my own clumsiness. A little mishap added a pinch of humor to my cooking escapade.
A Layer of Sweetness
The next step was to spread a cup of mayonnaise over the top. Now, this was tricky. I felt like an artist trying to make a masterpiece, carefully spreading the mayo. And then – wait for it – I sprinkled sugar on top! Yeah, you heard it right, sugar on mayonnaise. I was as surprised as you are. But hey, cooking is all about surprises, isn’t it?
The Cheesy Finish
As I shredded the Cheddar cheese, I couldn’t help but sneak in a few bites. I mean, who can resist good cheese? I generously spread it over the salad, and voila, my last layer was ready.
The Waiting Game
The hardest part? Sealing the dish and refrigerating it overnight. The anticipation was killing me. I even had dreams about it. Yes, I dreamt about a salad. Don’t judge me.
The Finale
The next day, I mixed the salad and added some chopped bacon. As I took the first bite, my taste buds were hit with an explosion of flavors. The crispiness of the lettuce, the crunch of celery, the tanginess of the green pepper, the sweetness of the peas, the creaminess of the mayonnaise, the surprise hint of sugar, and the oozing Cheddar cheese. It was surreal.
The End of the Saga
So, what’s the verdict? The Seven Layer Salad is definitely worth the hype. It’s not just a salad; it’s a story, a saga, a fun journey. So, pick up your chopping board, and give it a go. And remember, it’s okay if you drop the peas.
