Paula Deen’s Zesty Layer Salad Recipe for Breezy Meals

Paula Deen’s 7-layer salad erupts with a symphony of ingredients that elevate mundane side dishes to culinary masterpieces.

Layers of crisp produce and velvety dressing intertwine like a delicious landscape waiting to be devoured.

Every forkful tells a story of Southern comfort and creative cuisine, blending textures that spark pure excitement.

Vegetables crunch against creamy foundations, creating a sensory experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Bright colors peek through transparent layers, promising a feast for both eyes and palate.

Each carefully constructed stratum hints at a flavor adventure that transforms ordinary meals into memorable moments.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this show-stopping salad that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

Paula Deen’s 7 Layer Salad Ingredient List

• Romaine Lettuce: Choose crisp, bright green leaves without brown edges for maximum freshness.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm tomatoes with vibrant color and smooth skin.
• Cucumbers: Pick firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots or wrinkles.
• Green Onions: Look for bright green stalks with white, firm bases.
• Radishes: Select firm, bright red radishes with smooth, unblemished surfaces.

• Bacon Bits: Choose high-quality, smoky bacon for rich flavor depth.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar with robust, tangy characteristics.

• Sour Cream: Select full-fat version for rich, smooth texture.
• Mayonnaise: Use classic, creamy variety for silky consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Pick fresh, bright lemons with firm, glossy skin.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Sugar: Select pure granulated sugar for subtle sweetness.

Kitchen Items for Preparing Paula Deen’s 7 Layer Salad

• Large Glass Trifle Dish: Clear, wide container perfect for layering salad ingredients.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dressing components smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables evenly.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Essential for precise vegetable dicing and slicing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients into creamy consistency.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tool for adding salt, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Plastic Wrap: Seals salad during chilling process to preserve flavors.
• Grater: Useful for shredding cheddar cheese into fine pieces.
• Colander: Perfect for draining and thawing frozen peas.

Salad Assembly Instructions for Paula Deen’s Version

• Build Colorful Base

Create a stunning foundation in a transparent serving dish by chopping romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Spread ingredients evenly to form a vibrant first layer.

• Layer Green Goodness

Scatter thawed peas and sliced green onions across the vegetable landscape. Add radish slices for a delightful crunch that brings texture and visual appeal to the salad.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine tangy sour cream, smooth mayonnaise, bright lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and optional sweetness. Blend ingredients until the mixture transforms into a silky, luscious sauce that will tie everything together.

• Dress and Decorate

Pour the creamy dressing over the layers, ensuring every inch gets covered. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits on top to create a mouthwatering finish.

• Chill and Serve

Cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for several hours. This resting time allows flavors to dance and mingle. Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off and enhance its delicious potential.

Tips and Ideas to Customize Paula Deen’s 7 Layer Salad

• Layer Like a Pro: Create visual appeal by chopping vegetables uniformly and arranging ingredients in transparent glassware to showcase beautiful color gradients.
• Customize Protein Power: Swap bacon for grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or smoked salmon to transform the salad's flavor profile and nutritional value.
• Dressing Destination: Experiment with Greek yogurt or buttermilk as creamy dressing alternatives, adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra zest.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal vegetable crispness and prevent soggy textures.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s 7 Layer Salad at Gatherings

• Elevate the Dining Experience: Serve this vibrant layered salad as a stunning centerpiece at summer barbecues or potluck gatherings, where its colorful presentation will impress guests.
• Pair with Protein Perfection: Complement the salad with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or sliced ham to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Create a Brunch Sensation: Offer this salad as a refreshing side dish during weekend brunches, alongside quiche, frittatas, or eggs benedict for a delightful morning spread.
• Transform Leftovers Creatively: Use remaining salad as a delicious sandwich filling or wrap ingredient, adding extra crunch and zesty flavor to your next lunch.

Keeping Paula Deen’s 7 Layer Salad Fresh

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store this layered salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and crispness. Keep sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain ingredient quality.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Bacon and cheese toppings might lose crunchiness after 24 hours, so enjoy the salad at its prime.
• Prep-Ahead Power: This dish is perfect for meal planning. Assemble completely up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to blend beautifully. The dressing helps seal in freshness and prevent vegetable wilting.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always serve chilled but not directly from the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance flavor profile and soften dressing slightly before serving.

Tantalizing Paula Deen 7 Layer Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s 7 layer salad combines crisp lettuce, bacon, peas, cheese, and creamy dressing in a delightful Southern classic. Layers of flavor and texture create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at potlucks and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16 oz/454 g) package thawed frozen baby peas
• 6 cups (1.4 L) chopped romaine lettuce
• 4 cups (950 mL) seeded and chopped tomatoes
• 4 cups (950 mL) seeded and chopped cucumbers
• 2 cups (475 mL) sliced radishes
• ½ cup (120 mL) sliced green onions
• 1½ cups (360 mL) shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (475 mL) sour cream or light sour cream
• 1 cup (240 mL) mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• ¼ cup (60 mL) lemon juice
• 2 tsps salt
• ¼ cup (60 mL) sugar, optional

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Instructions

1. Foundation Layer: Create a crisp base by spreading romaine lettuce across the bottom of a transparent glass container, ensuring even, complete coverage.
2. Vegetable Stratification: Layer chopped tomatoes, diced cucumbers, fresh green peas, and thinly sliced green onions methodically, building a colorful and textured landscape.
3. Radish Accent: Arrange thinly sliced radishes to add a peppery crunch and vibrant visual contrast to the vegetable arrangement.
4. Creamy Dressing Preparation: Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, kosher salt, and optional sugar until achieving a smooth, silky consistency.
5. Dressing Application: Gently pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable layers, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Cheese and Bacon Finale: Generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese and crumble bacon across the top, creating a rich, flavorful topping.
7. Flavor Development: Seal the container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-24 hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective taste profile.
8. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving, letting the salad reach a slightly tempered temperature to enhance overall flavor and texture.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 8 hours to allow ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more complex taste.
• Layer with Precision: Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
• Prep Ahead Advantage: Can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for potlucks and parties with minimal last-minute preparation.
• Texture Balance: Wait 15 minutes before serving to soften the ingredients and bring out the most vibrant flavors and textures.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg