Remember the Seven-Layer Salad? This is a salad that has been around the block and back yet has held its own through time.
A Classic
The layered salad idea isn’t a new one. I think many families have their own version of how they make this favorite classic Seven-Layer Salad. This is an appealing salad when made in a trifle bowl or large clear glass bowl, and the dressing couldn’t be easier. They say we first eat with our eyes. The visual appearance of food is part of the experience of eating it! It’s a great way to whet your appetite before you even get your salad on a plate. Then, when you take a portion and put it on your plate, it all is mixed together, and the combination of flavors is outstanding!
The Fixings
It starts with crisp romaine lettuce on the bottom, followed by layers of vegetables, and then a layer of dressing topped with crispy bits of smoky bacon, cheese, and fresh basil. Feel free to vary the ingredients according to your taste and what you have in your fridge, and you can dress it up a bit with fresh herbs. Some options for layers are leaf lettuce, mixed lettuces, spinach, thin red onion slices, avocado chunks, sliced water chestnuts, pepper rings or cubes, sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, cooked corn, diced celery, sliced radishes, small broccoli and/or cauliflower florets…the list could go on, but you get the drift. Add more meat, such as diced ham, tuna, salmon, shredded turkey, or roast chicken. You can also change up the cheese if you like. Try Monterey jack, Colby jack, provolone, Swiss, Parmesan, or anything else that you can easily grate or purchase shredded.
Top it Off
The dressing ingredients raise the eyebrow, but there is only a small amount of it per serving. You may also make a creamy buttermilk herb, bleu cheese, or Thousand Island dressing. If you’re in a hurry, a quality prepared dressing would work on this salad.
Plan Ahead
One thing I love about this salad is that you can make it ahead of time and place it in the fridge. It won’t get soggy or wilted since the dressing is separated from the greens.
Use What You Have
If you don’t have a trifle bowl or large glass bowl, this salad works extremely well in a 9 x 13-inch glass pan. You can even pack healthy layer salads in mason jars or see-through plastic containers. It’s a layered salad but in one portion. Just dump the salad from the jar onto a plate or bowl, mix, and devour!
Appeal
Almost any salad can be layered, and since most salads consist of beautiful, colorful ingredients, the layers form an enticing pattern, showing off the elements much more elegantly than a tossed salad. It takes a little time, but it’s well worth the effort.
It’s not only beautiful to look at, but it’s a meal all on its own. I wouldn’t be surprised if this salad, or some variation of it, becomes a staple at your family dinners, too. Enjoy!
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator