Traditional seven layer salad that can be made the night before! This layered salad is bursting with texture and flavor with the onion, green peppers and peas. Topped with a miracle whip dressing that’s easy to make!

Bacon! Okay, now that I have your attention, I’m sharing a traditional seven layer salad recipe that I found in my grandma’s recipe box. It had been awhile since I had enjoyed this salad and to be honest, forgot how good it was!
Let’s also talk about the fact that this salad is easy, it can be made ahead and it feeds a crowd! All winners in my book.

How Do You Make A Seven Layer Salad?
Layer the following in order using a 9×13 pan.
- lettuce
- onion
- green pepper
- celery
- green peas
- dressing
- cheddar cheeese
- bacon
This seven layer salad recipe actually has eight layers. It might be because it was titled vegetable salad in my grandma’s recipe box, but who’s counting!?

The layered pea salad is my go to now when I want to make something fresh to go along side burgers or bratwurst when we’re cooking out, but I don’t want to make it in the moment and want to make it ahead. In fact, I made it the day before and think it’s better if you let it set! Not to mention you don’t have to thaw the peas.

This is a classic midwestern salad that brings back memories of Easter brunch and cook outs at my grandma’s house. You won’t be disappointed by this 7 layer salad! Enjoy!
More Salad Recipes

7 Layer Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head of lettuce chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 small green pepper diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 10 oz green peas uncooked
- 2 cups miracle whip
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 slices bacon fully cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Layer the following in order using a "9×13" pan.lettuceoniongreen peppercelerygreen peas
- Combine miracle whip and sugar to create the salad dressing. Add to the top of the layers.
- Sprinkle the cheese then the bacon on top.
Comments & Reviews
I make my original 7 layer salad without green peppers. But that does add a good veggie. Also the original recipe I have used Bacos. But I do use regular bacon now.
I have this same recipe pretty much. Mine has a large can peas. (Think I will use frozen).
The bacon says to buy a jar of bacon bits. ( Will use framed cooked bacon).
Instead of adding the sugar to the mayo it says sprinkle on top of peas then put mayo. I think either way should work.
Thanks for your recipe! It’s so much like mine.
Going to make this week.
Enjoy!
A wonderful idea for 7 layer salad. I never knew you could add cheese and bacon.
Wow! Very clever addition Great Grandma. Thanks.
It really ups the flavor! Enjoy!