Ranch Salad

This classic Ranch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together crisp garden vegetables with a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower florets, crisp shredded carrots, and juicy quartered tomatoes, this salad offers a delightful variety of textures and flavors. The combination of sharp shredded cheddar cheese and crunchy cooked bacon bits adds savory depth, while the mix of blue cheese and ranch dressings provides a rich, tangy coating that ties all the ingredients together. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish for grilled meats, this salad is easy to prepare and satisfies any craving for a cool, crunchy bite. It&# 226;ÂÂs a versatile recipe that holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 20

Calories: 6.2

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This classic Ranch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together crisp garden vegetables with a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Featuring tender broccoli and cauliflower florets, crisp shredded carrots, and juicy quartered tomatoes, this salad offers a delightful variety of textures and flavors. The combination of sharp shredded cheddar cheese and crunchy cooked bacon bits adds savory depth, while the mix of blue cheese and ranch dressings provides a rich, tangy coating that ties all the ingredients together. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish for grilled meats, this salad is easy to prepare and satisfies any craving for a cool, crunchy bite. It&# 226;ÂÂs a versatile recipe that holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

1 md Cauliflower -- broken into florets
1 c Shredded cheddar cheese
1 bn Broccoli flowerets
6 sm Tomatoes -- quartered
4 ea Carrots -- thinly sliced
4 ea Green onion -- sliced
8 Oz Blue cheese salad dressing
1 c Chopped celery
8 Oz Ranch salad dressing
6 sl Bacon -- cooked & crumbled

Directions

1
Cook bacon slices in a skillet until crisp, then remove and crumble into small pieces.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, broccoli flowerets, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and quartered tomatoes.
3
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon to the bowl.
4
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the blue cheese dressing and ranch dressing until smooth.
5
Pour the combined dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 20

Amount Per Serving
Calories 6.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 7.5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 1.2g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 0.5g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best results, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb the dressing.

You can substitute half of the ranch dressing with buttermilk or yogurt for a lighter version.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add extra dressing if needed before serving as the vegetables may absorb some moisture over time.

For a vegan option, omit the bacon and cheese and use dairy-free ranch and blue cheese dressings.

Keywords: salad, ranch, vegetables, bacon, cheese, dressing, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, carrots, celery, green onion, blue cheese, picnic, side dish, crunchy, creamy, fresh, potluck, lunch

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/ranch-salad/