Seven layer salads make a lovely presentation on the buffet table but after the first couple people take a serving, it looks downright messy. To solve this problem, serve the salad in tumblers, glass or plastic. The same visual effect is there but it is much more simple.
A traditional seven layer salad contains lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, bacon, peas, red onion and green peppers with a creamy and thick dressing. The salad pictured above is a Greek version of a seven layer salad. It contains chopped cucumber, tomatoes, feta, onion, sardines, olives and an herb dressing of oil and vinegar with lots of oregano and parsley. Use whatever salad ingredients you like so long as you keep them in neat layers.
A good Buttermilk Salad Dressing goes well on the traditional version. Using reduced fat buttermilk and fat-free mayonnaise lowers the calories significantly. In fact, 2 teaspoons of dressing has only 19 calories and 0 fat.
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
2 cups fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon very finely minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground or cracked pepper
Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Store in fridge. Yield: 4 cups.
