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Savory Loaded Corn Salad with Bacon and Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy salad combining fresh corn, crispy bacon, and creamy homemade ranch dressing for a flavorful and satisfying side dish perfect for cookouts and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4 ears of corn), or thawed frozen corn
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup homemade ranch dressing (½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tbsp lime juice, salt and pepper to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Save some bacon grease if desired.
  2. Husk and shuck the corn ears, slicing kernels off into a bowl. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well.
  3. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and dice the green bell pepper. Add all to a large mixing bowl with the corn.
  4. Make the ranch dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, dried dill, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl. Pour ranch dressing over ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly, being careful not to mash the tomatoes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld (optional).

Notes

Save some bacon grease to sauté corn or bell pepper for extra smoky flavor. Soak diced onion in cold water to reduce sharpness. Toss salad gently to avoid mashing tomatoes. Let ranch dressing rest 10 minutes for best flavor. Salad can be made ahead and chilled; add bacon last for crispness. Does not freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn salad, bacon salad, ranch dressing, summer salad, cookout side, easy salad, loaded corn salad

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/savory-loaded-corn-salad-with-bacon-and-ranch-dressing-recipe-easy-and-delicious/