Seven‑Layer Christmas Salad

• 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or iceberg + romaine mix)

• 1 large red onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups apples, chopped (choose crisp variety)

• 2 cups dried cranberries or pomegranate arils

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

• 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (or substitute feta if you prefer)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (optional)

For the dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Components

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce (drying well ensures crispness).

2. Chop the red onion, apples, and walnuts (if not already chopped). Cook and crumble bacon if using.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and maple syrup until smooth. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

Step 2: Layer the Salad

4. Choose a large clear glass bowl or trifle dish so that the layers are visible (this enhances the festive look). According to one layering guide: “Use a big clear bowl so you can see all the glorious layers.” Culinary Hill

5. Add the chopped romaine as the bottom layer, spreading it evenly.

6. Next layer: finely chopped red onion.

7. Follow with chopped apples.

8. Next: dried cranberries.

9. Layer chopped walnuts.

10. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese (or feta) evenly.

11. If using bacon, add a layer of bacon crumbles now.

12. On top of everything, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly, smoothing it to cover the top layer gently.

Step 3: Chill & Finish

13. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; ideally 1–2 hours. Some recipes allow up to 1‑2 days ahead of time. Two Healthy Kitchens+1

14. Just before serving, if desired, add extra toppings (e.g., additional cranberries, a sprig of fresh herbs) and give a gentle toss so each portion includes a little of every layer.

15. Serve with a large spoon to ensure guests dig through each layer.

Tips for Success

• Dry lettuce thoroughly: Excess moisture will cause layers to become soggy. One guide emphasizes this step for layered salads. Culinary Hill

• Chop consistently: Uniform pieces help each layer hold together and look tidy.

• Use a clear‐sided dish: Presentation is part of the magic—people eat with their eyes first.

• Make ahead smarter: Chill the salad—without final crunchy toppings like nuts or bacon—then add them right before serving to preserve crunch. One prep tip: “Stop layering after dressing, cover and chill up to 2 days, then top with bacon & nuts just before serving.” 12 Tomatoes

• Balance textures & flavors: Crisp lettuce, sweet apples/cranberries, crunchy nuts, creamy dressing, optional savory bacon.

• Adapt to your bowl size: If using a smaller bowl, reduce quantities proportionally.

Variations

• Vegetarian / Bacon‑Free: Omit bacon and add extra walnuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

• Nut‑Free: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit completely if allergens are a concern.

• Tropical Twist: Use mango slices instead of apples, add toasted coconut instead of nuts.

• Cheese Swap: Use crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of gorgonzola for a milder flavor.

• Vinaigrette Option: Instead of a mayo/sour cream base, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, a dab of honey and Dijon mustard for a lighter dressing.

• Layered Dessert Style: For a sweeter version, replace lettuce with kale or spinach, apples with mandarin oranges, walnuts with pecans, and top with whipped yogurt dressing and candy cane crumbles for a dessert salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Romaine lettuce → iceberg or a blend of greens.

• Apples → pears or pineapple chunks (fresh) depending on flavor profile.

• Dried cranberries → pomegranate arils or raisins.

• Walnuts → pecans, almonds or pumpkin seeds.

• Gorgonzola cheese → feta, goat cheese or skip for non‑cheese version.

• Bacon → chopped turkey bacon or omit entirely.

• Mayonnaise/sour cream dressing → Greek yogurt + olive oil + vinegar for lower fat.

• Maple syrup → honey or agave if you prefer.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best served chilled and fresh. You can store assembled salad (without crunchy toppings) in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24‑48 hours. After that, the layers may begin to compress and lose crispness. allrecipes.com

• Crunch Save‑Up: Store walnuts and bacon crumbles (if used) separately in an airtight bag and sprinkle on top just before serving.

• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, stir together so you get bits of each layer and store in an airtight container. The texture will soften but flavor remains delightful for a day.

• No reheating required. This is a cold salad meant to stay bright and crisp.

What to Serve With This Seven‑Layer Christmas Salad

Ideal Pairings

• Main dishes: Glazed ham, roasted turkey, baked salmon — all pair beautifully with the bright, fresh layers in this salad.

• Other sides: Sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, green bean almandine, or roasted root vegetables.

• Drinks: A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling cider or holiday punch make great companions.

• Presentation tip: Serve scoops of salad on festive plates so the layered effect is revealed when plated.

Nutrition Facts (Estimate per Serving)

(Estimation assuming 10 servings, with apples, walnuts, cranberries, no bacon)

• Calories: ~220 kcal

• Protein: ~4–5 g

• Carbohydrates: ~18–20 g

• Fat: ~14 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~10 g (from apples and cranberries)
  Note: Values vary depending on cheese, bacon, nuts, and dressing choices.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen peas instead of apples or cranberries?
A: Some traditional seven‑layer salads include peas (especially classic versions). If using peas, thaw and drain them well. For this festive version, apples or cranberries add color and sweetness, but yes—you can adapt. allrecipes.com
Q: My lettuce wilts when made ahead. What’s wrong?
A: Wilting typically happens when moisture from other layers seeps down. Dry the lettuce thoroughly, and consider layering fridge‐cold ingredients, then add final toppings just before serving. The thick dressing layer also acts as a barrier. The Pioneer Woman
Q: Can I omit the cheese for a dairy‑free version?
A: Absolutely. Skip gorgonzola or feta and use roasted seeds or extra nuts instead to maintain crunch.
Q: What bowl size works best?
A: A clear glass trifle dish or large bowl with straight sides gives the best visual effect—aim for 3‑quart or larger depending on yield. The visibility of layers is part of the charm. Culinary Hill

Related Recipes

• Classic Seven‑Layer Salad (potluck version) (using peas, bacon, cheddar)

• Holiday Pasta Salad with Cranberries & Pecans

• Festive Wreath Salad with Spinach & Pomegranate

Conclusion

This seven‑layer Christmas salad delivers a festive burst of color, texture and flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks and dinners where a dish that looks special while being easy to assemble is exactly what you need. Prep ahead, layer smartly, and serve with confidence. Your guests will be impressed — and you’ll have more time to enjoy being part of the celebration.