Keto 7-Layer Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Gluten-free layered salad featuring crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and a creamy mayo-sour cream dressing. Built in a trifle dish for visual appeal, this keto-friendly salad can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 36 hours before tossing and serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ heads iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 4 eggs, hard boiled
- 2 packages bacon, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 stalks green onions, chopped
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large cucumbers, chopped or sliced
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream, full fat
- 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sugar substitute(optional)erythritol1:1ketovegan
neutral sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Cook bacon until crisp, cut into bite-size pieces, and reserve 1/4 cup for garnish.
- 2
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar substitute, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar until fully combined.
- 3
Chop iceberg lettuce and spread in bottom of large salad bowl or trifle dish.
- 4
Layer cucumber slices over lettuce and press down lightly.
- 5
Add even layer of chopped green onions, reserving a couple tablespoons for garnish.
- 6
Add layer of sliced red onion.
- 7
Add cherry tomatoes and press lightly using a small plate.
- 8
Add layer of shredded carrots.
- 9
Add layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- 10
Add layer of bacon pieces, covering surface completely.
- 11
Pour dressing over entire top layer.
- 12
Top with shredded cheddar cheese to cover completely.
- 13
Garnish with reserved bacon, green onions, and egg slices.
- 14
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
Use a trifle dish for best visual presentation of layers.
Press each layer lightly to help them settle and compress slightly.
Reserve garnish ingredients before layering to add fresh texture at service.
Good to Know
Covered container, refrigerated up to 36 hours. Do not toss until ready to serve.
Assemble entire salad 36 hours in advance. Refrigerate covered. Toss just before serving.
Toss salad to distribute dressing through all layers. Serve chilled.
Common Mistakes
Do not toss salad before refrigerating to avoid wilting tender vegetables.
Do not omit pressing layers to avoid excessive liquid pooling at bottom.
Do not add dressing until final assembly to prevent soggy lettuce.