Vibrant Seven Layer Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 20 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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Looking for a salad that's as visually stunning as it is flavorful? This Vibrant Seven Layer Salad is a delightful symphony of colors and textures, perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner. It's layered with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together.

Ingredients for Vibrant Seven Layer Salad

Romaine lettuce serves as the crisp, fresh base of the salad, providing a sturdy foundation for the layers. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and vibrant red color. Cucumber cubes bring a refreshing crunch, while red onion adds a subtle sharpness that wakes up the palette.

Sweet corn offers a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements. Shredded cheddar cheese lends a creamy, mild tang that complements the veggies and ties the whole dish together. Bacon brings that irresistible smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.

The dressing is a creamy blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, with a hint of tang from the apple cider vinegar and a touch of mustard for depth. It’s all rounded off with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a fragrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful layers for a stunning presentation.
  • Cook the bacon until it's extra crispy; it will add a delightful crunch to the salad.
  • For a healthier twist, substitute regular mayonnaise with light mayonnaise or more Greek yogurt.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a hearty meal. It's also a great side dish for barbecues and picnics, offering a fresh contrast to heavier mains. Consider serving with a crusty baguette to soak up the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and add it shortly before serving.
What can I use instead of bacon?
For a vegetarian option, try roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for a similar crunch.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt if needed.

Vibrant Seven Layer Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Begin with a large glass bowl to showcase the beautiful layers. Start by spreading the Romaine lettuce evenly across the bottom. This will create a fresh, crunchy base for the salad.

Next, scatter the cherry tomatoes on top of the lettuce. Be sure to distribute them evenly so each bite gets a pop of sweetness. Follow with a layer of diced cucumber, adding a refreshing crunch to the mix.

Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped red onion over the cucumbers. This will add a bit of sharpness without overpowering the salad. After that, add a layer of sweet corn, spreading the kernels out for a hint of sweetness.

Generously cover the corn with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This will not only add creaminess but also help hold the layers together. Now, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese for that savory, smoky flavor everyone loves.

Now, it’s time to make the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This creamy mixture will enhance all the flavors of the salad.

Pour the dressing evenly over the top of the salad layers, ensuring it drips down to coat each element. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped dill. Serve immediately for a crisp salad or refrigerate if you prefer a chilled version.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A feast for the eyes with brilliantly colored layers.
  • Combines crunchy, creamy, and savory in every bite.
  • Quick to assemble and perfect for make-ahead meals.
  • Great for potlucks or as a centerpiece dish at home.

Ingredients

4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup sweet corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large glass bowl, layer the Romaine lettuce as the base.
2. Evenly spread the halved cherry tomatoes over the lettuce layer.
3. Next, add a layer of diced cucumber, followed by the finely chopped red onion.
4. Sprinkle the sweet corn over the onions, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. On top of the cheese, add the crumbled bacon bits evenly.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad layers, ensuring even coverage.
8. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

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