If you're looking for a salad that screams freshness and color, the Vibrant Garden Seven Layer Salad is your answer. It's a visual delight and a festival of flavors that will make any meal feel like a special occasion. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a simple family dinner, it's a dish that impresses without stress.
To start, the mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy base for the dressing, while apple cider vinegar adds a pleasant tang. A touch of honey balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness. Salt and black pepper round out the dressing with essential seasoning. The base of the salad is built with romaine lettuce for its crisp texture. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy pop, and cucumber contributes a refreshing crunch. Red bell pepper delivers a sweet, crisp bite, and shredded carrots introduce a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. Sweet corn and peas provide bursts of sweetness, while shredded cheddar cheese adds richness. Green onions bring a mild, savory note, and finally, chopped cooked bacon offers a smoky, salty finish that ties the whole salad together.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect main course. It's also a great side dish alongside a hearty pasta or a juicy roast. To serve, scoop down through the layers to get a bit of everything in each serving.
First, grab a small mixing bowl and combine your dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until smooth and set the bowl aside. You'll want this ready to go once your layers are set.
Next, take out a large glass bowl. Start with the chopped romaine lettuce as the base layer. It's the foundation of your salad and provides that satisfying crunch. On top of the lettuce, spread the halved cherry tomatoes evenly. Follow with a layer of diced cucumber and then the diced red bell pepper. Keep these layers even for a nice visual appeal.
Now, sprinkle on the shredded carrots, sweet corn, and peas in that order. These layers add so much color and vibrancy to your salad. Once your veggies are layered, drizzle half of your prepared dressing over the top. This will seep through and flavor each layer.
Spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dressed vegetables, followed by the sliced green onions. Finish by drizzling the remaining dressing across the top, making sure to spread it to cover the surface. Finally, sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over everything, adding that irresistible salty crunch.
Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Share