• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Southern Discourse

Southern Discourse

Food, Faith & Southern Hospitality!

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Collections
  • Hospitality
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Everyday
  • About
  • Subscribe
Home › Recipes › Cookouts
Rate & Comment

Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Updated: Jul 8, 2023

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

This post may contain affiliate links.

Bright & crisp, Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad wows with pops of green peas, salty bacon, cubed cheddar, lettuce, tomato and green onions all topped with a creamy dressing! Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, holidays and even family meals, this easy salad is as pretty as it is tasty!

7 layer pea salad with bacon layered in a trifle dish

Two words. Surprisingly delicious. The secret? Those crazy little green peas. Bright, with fresh pops of flavor, they’re not even cooked. They’re just defrosted and poured right out of the bag. Who knew those little peas could bring all that garden veggie taste we crave!

This retro salad never ceases to amaze. I’ve never served it when a slow smile didn’t spread across someone’s face after that first bite. “I think I’ve had this before…” as they search for that memory. I can always help with “at church?” That’s when the smile broadens. And with a happy nod, the real eating begins!

Ingredients for 7 layer pea salad

What’s In 7 Layer Pea Salad

This layered salad is easy and versatile. There are plenty of ways to make your own special version with add-ins or substitutions!

  • iceberg lettuce– just the leafy green layers
  • frozen green peas– DEFROSTED only
  • grape tomatoes– contain less water and more meat which keeps this salad from getting soggy
  • green onions– use the tops and the white parts
  • cubed cheddar cheese– we like sharp cheddar, but mild or regular will work also.
  • bacon– thick sliced bacon works best in this salad
  • dressing (real mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, all purpose creole seasoning<< That’s the secret ingredient that will make YOUR salad the best!)

You might want to add: sliced hard boiled eggs, celery, red onion (instead of green), broccoli, cauliflower or broccoli. Whatever you choose, think color! After all, that’s what this bright salad is all about!

pro tips for best pea salad
How to make the layers of classic pea salad

How To Make Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad

Choose Your Bowl. I love to make this salad in a trifle dish so all of those colorful layers can be seen. But it also can be made in any clear bowl or even a 9×13 dish or foil pan if you’re taking it somewhere.

Prep. Real, thick sliced bacon reallys amps up the yum in this salad. To prep, cook your bacon and chop your veggies. Whisk together your dressing and get ready to layer!

Mayo based  dressing for 7 Layer Pea Salad

Make Your Layers. This salad works because the lettuce is on the bottom and the “non wilty” layers are up top close to the dressing.

To have pretty layers that always look nice in a glass bowl, start each layer on the outside closest to the glass first. Make sure all the gaps are filled around the edges, then fill in the center.

Layer lettuce, tomatoes, defrosted peas, green onions and cubed cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and spread evenly to the edges. Top with bacon.

For a little extra flair, I always add a few peas that I kept out or maybe a bit of shredded cheese. Sometimes both!

Bacon, cheese, peas, onion, tomatoes, lettuce and dressing layers of the layered salad.

Make This 7 Layered Pea Salad Ahead of Time

Layered Pea Salad is one green salad that can be made ahead of time and still taste delicious! Simply layer it all up, even the dressing. The word is the dressing seals off the top, keeping everything crisp below. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Top with bacon the next day and serve!

serve Classic 7 layer pea salad at potlucks and cookouts

What To Serve With Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad

  • Easy Crockpot Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs
  • Juicy Lucy Broiler Burgers
  • Easy Southern Salmon Patties
  • Cherry Cola BBQ Pulled Pork

Other Classic Salad Recipes You’ll Love

  • Layered Muffuletta Salad
  • Confetti Frito Corn Salad
  • Southern Macaroni Salad
  • Catalina Taco Salad
  • Creamy Dill Potato Salad
  • Layered Strawberry Jello Salad

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse
7 layer pea salad

Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad

Bright & crisp, this classic layer salad wows with pops of green peas, salty bacon, cubed cheddar, lettuce, tomato and green onions topped with creamy mayo based dressing with a little creole twist!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookout, picnic, potluck, tailgate
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Ingredients

  • ½-1 head iceberg lettuce, no core
  • 10 oz grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 10 oz frozen green peas, defrosted (NOT cooked)
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 6 slices thick cut bacon, rough chopped

Dressing

  • 1 C real mayonnaise
  • ½ C sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoon all purpose creole seasoning

Instructions

  • Get frozen peas out of freezer and allow to defrost while preparing bacon and salad dressing.
  • Cook bacon in a skillet stovetop or in the oven. Allow to drain on a paper towel. Rough chop and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together ingredients for salad dressing and set aside.
  • In a glass bowl or 9×13 dish, layer: lettuce, tomatoes, defrosted green peas, green onions & cubed cheddar. Top layers with dressing. Spread to evenly cover top of the salad. Top with chopped bacon. Garnish with extra peas or shredded cheese if desired.

Video

Notes

Substitute Romaine for traditional iceberg for an updated twist and nutritional boost.
This salad can be made ahead of time.
7 layer pea salad
Did you make my Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad?Show me how it went! Share on Instagram, tag @southerndiscourse, and use the hashtag #SouthernDiscourse!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating
Bright & crisp, classic 7 layer pea salad wows with pops of green peas, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions & a creamy dressing with a little creole twist!

Share this!

  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Email

Filed Under: Cookouts, Salads Tagged With: picnic

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Mail

Join Southern Discourse

Subscribe today to never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Rate & Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Mail

Join Southern Discourse

Never miss a new post!

Reader Favorites

  • A finished skillet of Dirty Rice.Louisiana Dirty Rice
  • Whipped Feta Dip with honeyWhipped Feta with Honey Dip
  • Fresh salsa with cilantro and lime titleFresh Salsa with Cilantro & Lime
  • Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato WedgesGarlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges
  • upclose of fried cornmeal coatingHomemade Cornmeal Fish Fry Mix
  • Easy Crock Pot BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Recipes by Category

  • Appetizers
  • Beverages
  • Bread
  • Breakfast & Brunch
  • Casseroles
  • Desserts
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads
  • Sandwiches
  • Sauces & Dessings
  • Side Dishes
  • Soups
Southern Discourse
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Mail

Join Southern Discourse

Subscribe today to never miss a post!

© 2023 · Southern Discourse · Terms · Privacy · Cookies · Accessibility