Introduction
When Lina Vexley hosted her first family reunion, she wanted to prepare a dish that looked as stunning as it tasted. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s vintage recipes, she crafted the 7 Layer Salad — a colorful, crowd-pleasing masterpiece of crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and cheese. As she carefully layered each ingredient in a glass bowl, the rainbow of colors reflected the joy of togetherness that filled her kitchen. Ever since, Lina’s 7 Layer Salad has become a staple at gatherings, loved for its freshness, flavor, and simple beauty. It’s a timeless classic — easy to make, yet always impressive.
7 Layer Salad
Equipment
- Large glass bowl
- Mixing Bowl
- Serving Spoon
Ingredients
Salad Layers
- 3 cups chopped lettuce iceberg or romaine
- 2 cups sliced cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup hard-boiled eggs sliced or chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes for garnish
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, drying, and chopping as needed.
- In a glass bowl, layer the salad ingredients in this order: tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, lettuce, eggs, cheese, and cherry tomatoes on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Spread the dressing evenly over the top layer of the salad, sealing to the edges to keep freshness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon before serving if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make 7 Layer Salad
Start by preparing all your vegetables — wash, dry, and chop them into even pieces for the best presentation. The beauty of this dish lies in its colorful layers, so take care to select fresh, vibrant ingredients. In a large clear glass bowl or trifle dish, begin layering your salad.
Start with a base of chopped tomatoes at the bottom for a juicy foundation. Add a layer of sliced cucumbers for crunch, followed by chopped green bell peppers for a pop of color. Next, spread a layer of crisp lettuce to add volume and freshness. Top it with chopped or sliced hard-boiled eggs for protein and richness. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese to create a savory contrast. Finish with a final garnish of cherry tomatoes and green onions for brightness.
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the top layer of the salad, sealing it to the edges to help preserve freshness and prevent the lower layers from wilting.
Cover the salad tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully while keeping the texture crisp. Just before serving, you can add optional toppings like crumbled bacon, avocado slices, or an extra sprinkle of cheese.
This 7 Layer Salad by Lina Vexley is a feast for the eyes and the palate — crisp, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Conclusion
Lina Vexley’s 7 Layer Salad is a showstopper — fresh, colorful, and effortlessly elegant. Each layer brings a different texture and flavor, from the crunch of cucumbers to the creaminess of the dressing. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility — you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add a protein twist with bacon or chicken. Best served chilled, it’s the ultimate combination of taste and presentation. Perfect for any occasion, this salad proves that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular when layered with care.