Ten Layer Salad

Do you remember the seven layer salad that was so popular many years ago? When I was a kid, my mom brought that to almost every family gathering. Until her famous pasta salad made an appearance, then the seven layer salad seemed to disappear…forever.
Well, the other day I was having a bit of nostalgia about the Seven Layer Salad so I decided to give it a go. It was the fourth of July and I figured that was perfect. I can remember enjoying it at so many barbecues, family reunions and parties when I was young.
My only problem was the layers. I don’t like to be told what to do. If I want more than seven layers, I should be able to have more than seven layers.
I began layering, and it was hard to stop. I went a little over, but it is okay. It is the seven layer salad for the new millennium! I was also a little surprised that the dressing was not counted as a layer in the old version. The dressing makes the salad! It is counted in my book.
A few updates, and I was there. Tasting it was like going back in time. The crunchy veggies, the smoky bacon, the creamy dressing. It brought back so many great memories and my kids loved it! I think this ten layer salad is the new seven.

Ten Layer Salad–makes 1 really big salad! Adapt for a smaller crowd.

3 cups romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces
3 cups baby spinach
2 cups cucumber, sliced and quartered
2 cups mixed color cherry tomatoes, cut in half
4 hard boiled eggs, sliced
8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
5 green onions, sliced thin
2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, prepared, or more to taste based on your preference (you can use the hidden valley mix or this one is my favorite!)
Salt and pepper (I like lightly salting and peppering each layer)

Make sure all layers are prepared (torn, cut, dressing made, bacon cooked, cheese shredded, eggs boiled, peeled and cooled, peas thawed). Once you have all of the layers ready, begin layering in a clear glass bowl or trifle bowl.
Start with the lettuce, and then layer on the spinach.

Continue with the cucumber, making sure to evenly layer over the spinach, and then cover with the sliced and crumbled hard boiled eggs.