Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy is one of those recipes that just screams comfort and flavor, all while being incredibly easy to whip up. It’s a dish I often found myself making on busy weeknights, needing something quick and satisfying. This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy brings back memories of laughter around the dinner table, sharing stories, and simply enjoying the deliciousness of a homemade meal.
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This recipe is all about embracing those moments of craving something crunchy, creamy, and utterly delicious. You’ll love how incredibly simple it is to prepare, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. It’s the perfect side dish or a light lunch option. Are you ready to make a Crunchy & Ready in Minutes salad?
Why You Will Love This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
This salad is a total game changer for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to make. Literally, Crunchy & Ready in Minutes. With minimal chopping and just a handful of ingredients, you can have a vibrant and satisfying salad on the table faster than you can say “ranch dressing”!
The combination of crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and crunchy vegetables is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
One of my favorite memories involves making this salad for a last minute summer barbecue. Everyone raved about how good it was and asked for the recipe! It’s always a crowd pleaser, no matter the occasion.
This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy is not only tasty but also relatively healthy. Packed with lots of different fresh vegetables, it’s a fantastic way to get in your daily dose of vitamins and fiber. It also works great with a lower fat ranch dressing if you are looking to reduce the calories!
Ingredients Needed for This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor packed salad:
- For the Salad:
* 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
* 1/4 cup crispy fried onions, optional
- For the Creamy Ranch Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 packet ranch dressing mix (dry)
* 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for tang)
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your Crunchy & Ready in Minutes masterpiece:
- 1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, milk (or buttermilk), parsley, and dill until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the milk until desired consistency is reached.
- 2. Chop the Vegetables: Chop your romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Dice the cucumber.
- 3. Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. You’ll want it really crunchy for maximum flavor.
- 4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced cucumber.
- 5. Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- 6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crispy fried onions (optional) over the salad just before serving for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
This salad is incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. It also makes for a satisfying light lunch on its own.
Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, can also elevate the presentation. You can also serve with a side of your favorite soup! For a summer lunch try my Pesto Pasta Salad.
Experiment with different toppings to customize your salad. Sunflower seeds, croutons, or even avocado slices can add extra texture and flavor. Get creative and make it your own!
How to Store This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
To store any leftover Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad, it’s best to keep the dressing separate. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The dressing can be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the vegetables and the mayonnaise based dressing. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture!
Tips to Make This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
Want to take your Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad to the next level? Here are some useful tips! For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add some chickpeas or black beans. You can also use plant based bacon substitute.
For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. To add a touch of sweetness, consider including some corn kernels or dried cranberries. Don’t overcrowd the bowl when tossing, or you’ll end up with a messy salad.
Avoid adding the dressing too far in advance, as it can cause the salad to wilt. Prepare all the components ahead of time and combine just before serving. If you don’t have any ranch dressing mix, you can easily make your own with a blend of dried herbs and spices.
Helpful Notes for This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
For the ranch dressing mix, I recommend using a high quality brand for the best flavor. You can also find ranch dressing mixes with reduced sodium content if you are watching your salt intake.
When chopping the vegetables, make sure they are all roughly the same size. This will ensure that every bite is balanced and enjoyable. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
If you’re using store bought bacon bits, toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crispness. I promise you will notice the difference!
Variation of This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy Recipe
For a fun summer twist, try adding grilled corn and black beans to your Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad – Creamy. This combination adds a touch of sweetness and heartiness to the salad.
In the fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a cozy seasonal flavor. You can also experiment with different kinds of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or spinach, for a unique texture.
For a Creamy twist, add some shredded parmesan cheese.
How do I make a bacon ranch chopped salad creamy?
To make a bacon ranch chopped salad creamy, use a ranch dressing with a mayonnaise base or add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to your favorite ranch dressing. This enhances the richness and texture of the salad.
What are the best ingredients to include in a bacon ranch chopped salad?
The best ingredients often include crisp lettuce, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, shredded cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing. You can also add avocado, grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor and protein.
Can I prepare bacon ranch chopped salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual ingredients (chopping vegetables, cooking bacon) ahead of time. However, it’s best to mix the salad and dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the salad from becoming soggy.
What kind of lettuce works best in a bacon ranch chopped salad?
Romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce are excellent choices because their crisp texture holds up well with the creamy dressing and other ingredients. You can also use a mix of different lettuce types for a more varied flavor.
Creamy Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad: Easiest, Crispiest, EVER!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and crunchy bacon ranch chopped salad that’s ready in minutes. Perfect as a side or light lunch.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions, optional
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (dry)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, milk, parsley, and dill until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Chop the Vegetables: Chop your romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Dice the cucumber.
- Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced cucumber.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crispy fried onions (optional) over the salad just before serving for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
