This beautiful and delicious Overnight 7 Layer Salad has vibrant layers of fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a creamy homemade dressing, making this low-carb salad perfect for any occasion.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You’ll Love this 7 Layer Salad Recipe
• 🛒 What’s in 7 Layer Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Overnight Low-Carb Layered Salad
• What is 7 Layer Salad Made of?
• Why This 7 Layer Salad is Different
• Low-Carb Add-in's and Variations of 7 Layer Salad
• Can I Meal Prep This Salad for Work?
• Where did 7-layer salad originate?
• More Keto Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You’ll Love this 7 Layer Salad Recipe

• Loaded with crisp fresh veggies
• Perfect combination of textures and flavors
• Layered in a trifle bowl, making a beautiful presentation
• Great make-ahead meal

Are you tired of the same ole tossed salad recipes? This amazing easy overnight 7-layer salad is the perfect answer for those looking for ways to up their low-carb salad game. It's made with a delicious variety of textures and flavors that are beautifully arranged in a trifle dish. It's truly like a colorful work of art that you can eat!

The best part is, it's also a huge time-saver because you can prep it the night before, so there's no rushing around when it's time to serve. Whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party, looking for a potluck dish or just wanting a tasty low-carb side dish for a family dinner, this layered salad makes the perfect addition to any gathering.

While most 7-layer salads use store bought dressing with added sugars and preservatives, this one is dressed with a from scratch, dressing made with a healthy Ranch seasoning blend.

Once you try it, you'll want to make an extra batch! It's fantastic in this Ranch Roasted Cauliflower or these yummy Keto Ranch Crackers.

🛒 What’s in 7 Layer Salad

• Romaine lettuce
• Hard boiled eggs
• Bell peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Red cabbage
• Bacon
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Heavy cream
• Keto Ranch Seasoning (or store bought)

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• 9" Trifle bowl
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Overnight Low-Carb Layered Salad

In a small mixing bowl, add in the sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream and ranch seasoning. 

Whisk until well combined, then set aside while you assemble the salad.

In the bottom of a 9” glass trifle bowl or other large glass serving bowl, add in the romaine lettuce.

Tip: If you have another type of lettuce on hand, you can chop and use it instead.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, then add them on top of the lettuce.

Next, add the hard boiled eggs...

Next add a layer of the shredded red cabbage...

Then the colorful bell peppers...

Then, a generous amount of the zesty Ranch dressing...

Sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and top with the salty crumbled bacon.

Keep it layered, do not toss it until right before serving.  Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight before serving.

What is 7 Layer Salad Made of?

The classic 7 layers consist of lettuce, tomatoes, peas, shredded cheese, hard boiled eggs, red onion, bacon and dressing made of sour cream and mayonnaise.

Why This 7 Layer Salad is Different

I omitted the red onion and peas but added shredded red cabbage and bell pepper.  I also added ranch seasoning to the dressing to give it more flavor.

Low-Carb Add-in's and Variations of 7 Layer Salad

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create a variation of this salad to suit your personal tastes:

• Cauliflower or broccoli florets: Break them into small florets for added crunch.

• Mushrooms: Sautéed or raw mushrooms will add an earthy flavor and meaty texture.

• Shredded brussels sprouts: Slightly bitter, brussels sprouts will add nice contrast to the creamy dressing and sweet tomatoes.

• Celery: Slice celery stalks into small, diced pieces for a refreshing pop of fresh flavors.

• Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes work perfectly in this recipe and are a great way to use extra from your summer garden.

• Spinach: Swap out the lettuce for baby spinach leaves or add some to the lettuce for added nutrients.

• Nuts: Always great in salads, add toasted pecan or walnut halves.

• Dressing: Ranch is a classic choice, but this Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing, this Blue Cheese Dressing or this Caesar Dressing are other wonderful options.

Can I Meal Prep This Salad for Work?

This is the PEFECT salad for meal prepping. Instead of layering it in a large trifle dish, make individual size portions in large mason jars.

Where did 7-layer salad originate?

There are several claims to the creation of the 7-layer salad, but their exact origin is unknown. It's thought to have started in the United States during the middle of the 20th century, somewhere in the Midwest. Regardless of where it began, it has quickly grown in popularity because it is so visually appealing and easy to prepare in advance.

More Keto Salad Recipes

• Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
• Grilled Shrimp Salad with Apricot Vinaigrette
• Keto " Big Mac" Cheeseburger Salad
• Asian Grilled Chicken Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Keto Taco Salad
• Classic Cobb with Ranch Dressing