Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with colorful vegetables, crispy bacon, and creamy Colby Jack cheese, it’s dressed in a zesty ranch that brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups of broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 3-4 cups of cauliflower, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of red sweet pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of carrots, finely sliced and diced
- 1/2 cup of sweet corn (canned or fresh)
- 10 slices of bacon, cooked, drained, and chopped
- 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- Your favorite ranch dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, green bell pepper, red sweet pepper, carrots, and sweet corn.
- Step 2: Add the chopped bacon and shredded Colby Jack cheese to the bowl.
- Step 3: Toss the salad ingredients together until well mixed.
- Step 4: Drizzle with your favorite ranch dressing and toss again to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
- Substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option without losing flavor.
- If you prefer, make your own ranch dressing for a fresher taste.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the ranch dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain crispness. Re-toss well if refrigerated before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and bacon in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
You can substitute ranch with a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of your choice, such as blue cheese or Caesar, depending on your preference.
PrintBacon Ranch Chopped Salad Recipe
This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad is a vibrant, crunchy mix of fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and creamy Colby Jack cheese, all tossed in a tangy ranch dressing. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main course, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that come together in minutes without any cooking beyond crisping bacon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (bacon cooking time)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3–4 cups of broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 3–4 cups of cauliflower, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of red sweet pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of carrots, finely sliced and diced
- 1/2 cup of sweet corn (canned or fresh)
Protein and Dairy
- 10 slices of bacon, cooked, drained, and chopped
- 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Dressing
- Your favorite ranch dressing, as needed for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, cauliflower, diced red onion, green bell pepper, red sweet pepper, finely sliced and diced carrots, and sweet corn. Ensure all vegetables are evenly chopped for a consistent texture in the salad.
- Add bacon and cheese: To the bowl with the vegetables, add the cooked, drained, and chopped bacon along with the shredded Colby Jack cheese. These ingredients add savory flavors and creamy richness.
- Toss the salad ingredients: Gently mix all the salad components together until they are well combined and evenly distributed to get a balanced bite every time.
- Add the ranch dressing: Drizzle your favorite ranch dressing over the salad gradually, tossing again to coat the ingredients evenly without making the salad soggy.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness and crunch, or refrigerate it for a short time to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- For best texture and freshness, chop the vegetables finely and uniformly.
- Use crisp cooked bacon for a flavorful crunch; baking the bacon in the oven helps achieve even crispiness.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella depending on your preference.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead but add the ranch dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh corn if possible for the best flavor; canned corn should be drained well.
Keywords: Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad, chopped salad, bacon salad, ranch dressing salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, easy salad recipe, no-cook salad, American salad
