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Classic Creamy Old-Fashioned Seven Layer Salad

classic creamy old-fashioned seven layer salad - featured image
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A nostalgic, creamy seven layer salad perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, featuring layers of crisp lettuce, bacon, cheese, corn, tomatoes, onions, and a velvety dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion or green onions
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few more times to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Cook and crumble bacon if not pre-cooked: Fry 6-8 slices until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  3. Prepare vegetables: Shred iceberg lettuce finely and spread evenly into the bottom of your serving bowl. Halve cherry tomatoes, chop onions finely, and thaw frozen corn if using.
  4. Layer the salad: Start with shredded iceberg lettuce as the base. Spread thawed corn evenly over the lettuce. Add halved cherry tomatoes in a layer. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the tomatoes. Distribute chopped onions evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Pour the creamy dressing over the top layer, spreading gently with a spatula to cover completely.
  5. Chill the salad: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld and layers set.
  6. Optional final touch: Just before serving, add a sprinkle of extra bacon or chopped fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh color pop.

Notes

Blend cottage cheese for a smooth dressing texture. Pour dressing on top just before chilling to keep lettuce crisp. Use fresh iceberg lettuce for best crunch. Cook bacon evenly until crispy. Thaw and pat dry frozen corn to avoid watering down the salad. Salad tastes better after chilling overnight. Keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated but lettuce softens over time. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut-based sour cream alternatives and omit or substitute cheese and cottage cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: seven layer salad, creamy salad, potluck salad, old-fashioned salad, layered salad, bacon salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/classic-creamy-old-fashioned-seven-layer-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-salad-for-potlucks/