Ultimate Crunchy Ranch Layer Salad
Introducing the Ultimate Crunchy Ranch Layer Salad, a vibrant and delectable dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This show-stopping salad features a rainbow of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy dressing that will have your guests raving. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a family gathering, this salad is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Plus, it can be prepared a day in advance, making your party prep a breeze. Transport it easily, and watch it vanish within minutes—everyone will be asking for your secret! With a delightful medley of crunchiness from fresh veggies and the savory richness of bacon and cheese, this dish is sure to become a staple at your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce
1 small (cored and cut into pieces)
Baby spinach
1 cup (washed and spun dry)
Frozen corn
1 cup (rinsed and drained (optional))
Frozen peas
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (thinly sliced)
Petite baby carrots
1 cup (diced)
Cucumber
1 (peeled, seeded, and sliced)
Red onion
1/4 cup (very thinly sliced)
Sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (shredded (or use Monterey jack pepper cheese))
Bacon
1/2 lb (cooked nice and crisp, crumbled into pieces)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup
Sugar
1 tablespoon ((adjust to taste))
Minced chives
1 teaspoon
Greek yogurt
3/4 cup
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix
1 (1 ounce) package
White balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a large glass bowl, layer the following ingredients one by one starting with iceberg lettuce followed by spinach, frozen corn, peas, celery, carrots, cucumber, and red onion, ensuring each layer is visible.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Hidden Valley Ranch Dips Mix, sugar, minced chives, and white balsamic vinegar until smooth and well combined.
3
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the layered salad ingredients, making sure to cover thoroughly.
4
Top the salad with a generous layer of shredded cheese and then sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly on top.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
6
When ready to serve, use tongs to dig deep into the bowl, ensuring everyone gets a delightful blend of all layers in their serving.
7
For an elegant touch, optionally serve individual portions in margarita glasses, shredding the lettuces for easy eating.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Crunchy Ranch Layer Salad?
The Ultimate Crunchy Ranch Layer Salad is a vibrant dish featuring layers of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a creamy ranch dressing, topped with cheese and bacon.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 16 ingredients, including various fresh vegetables, bacon, cheese, and dressing components.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead; it should be refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What are the first layers of the salad?
The layers start with iceberg lettuce at the bottom, followed by baby spinach, frozen corn, and peas.
What vegetables are included in the middle layers?
The middle layers consist of thinly sliced celery, diced petite baby carrots, sliced cucumber, and very thinly sliced red onion.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Hidden Valley Ranch Dips Mix, sugar, minced chives, and white balsamic vinegar.
Is the corn and peas used frozen or thawed?
The recipe calls for frozen corn and frozen peas that have been rinsed and drained.
How should the bacon be prepared?
You should use 1/2 lb of bacon, cooked until it is nice and crisp, then crumbled into small pieces.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests 6 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, though Monterey Jack pepper cheese can also be used.
How do I serve the salad to ensure all layers are included?
When serving, use tongs to dig deep into the glass bowl to ensure every portion contains a blend of all the layers.
Can I serve this salad in individual portions?
Yes, for an elegant touch, you can serve individual portions in margarita glasses, shredding the lettuce for easier eating.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
A small head of iceberg lettuce, cored and cut into pieces, is the recommended base for this salad.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced celery.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and sliced before adding it to the salad.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1 tablespoon of sugar, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
What is the best way to display the salad?
A large glass bowl is recommended so that each colorful layer of the salad is visible to your guests.
How much Greek yogurt is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt combined with 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
What specific ranch mix is used?
One 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix is used to flavor the dressing.
How should the carrots be cut?
One cup of petite baby carrots should be diced for this recipe.
Can I substitute the red onion?
While red onion provides a specific flavor and color, you can use other mild onions, though they should be very thinly sliced.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight before serving.
Does the dressing go on top or between layers?
The dressing is drizzled evenly over the vegetable layers before being topped with cheese and bacon.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is highly recommended for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings because it is easy to transport and feed a crowd.
What provides the 'crunch' in this salad?
The crunch comes from a combination of fresh celery, diced carrots, crisp iceberg lettuce, and the topping of crispy crumbled bacon.
Should the spinach be dry?
Yes, the cup of baby spinach should be washed and spun dry before layering.
How much chives are in the recipe?
The dressing includes 1 teaspoon of minced chives.
Is this salad a good choice for a summer event?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing and vibrant dish that is perfect for any occasion, especially outdoor events.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While specific serving numbers aren't listed, it is designed as a large bowl salad suitable for group gatherings.
Can I use Monterey Jack cheese instead of Cheddar?
Yes, the recipe notes that Monterey Jack pepper cheese is a great alternative to sharp cheddar.