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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Confetti Frito Corn Salad
- Southern Macaroni Salad
- Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad
- Creamy Dill Potato Salad
- Layered Strawberry Jello Salad
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!
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Classic 7 Layer Pea Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2-1 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
- 1/2 C sour cream
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1.5 tsp 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.
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