Name: Crispy Bacon Ranch Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice plus 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 3 large English cucumbers, diced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced or diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 8-10 slices thick cut beef bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup homemade croutons or crushed butter crackers

Description

A delightful salad combining fresh vegetables with crispy bacon and tangy ranch dressing, perfect for a light lunch or as a hearty dinner side.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup buttermilk or 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice plus 1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
3 large English cucumbers, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced or diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
8–10 slices thick cut beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup homemade croutons or crushed butter crackers

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir in fresh chives, dill, and parsley. Whisk until thoroughly blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook beef bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Crumble bacon.
Prepare vegetables: dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice or dice onion, and dice celery and bell pepper.
In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, celery, bell pepper, and 3/4 of the bacon and cheese. Add 2/3 of the dressing and toss.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with reserved bacon, cheese, and croutons. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and turkey bacon for beef bacon. Customize by adding other veggies or different cheeses.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg