Looking for a salad that’s rich, creamy, and packed with both flavor and texture? This Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad is the perfect choice! It’s a hearty dish that combines the crispness of fresh veggies with the savory goodness of bacon and the creamy tang of a delicious dressing. With two dressing options, you can tailor this salad to suit your taste—whether you prefer the classic ranch flavor or a lighter, tangy-sweet version. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side dish to any meal, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups of finely chopped broccoli florets
- 3 cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups carrots, finely sliced
- 15 oz of canned sweet corn, drained
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 10 strips of bacon, cooked, fat removed, and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salad Dressing Option 1 (Ranch Dressing):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or kefir or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons dry Ranch mix (or more, to taste)
Salad Dressing Option 2 (Without Ranch):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or kefir or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup of honey, warmed for easier pouring
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and finely chopping the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized pieces. Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds or small matchsticks. Dice the red onion finely. Add all the chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.
- Add the Corn and Bacon: Drain the canned sweet corn and add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain the fat and chop it into small pieces. Add the chopped bacon to the bowl as well.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the salad ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of the cheese throughout the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing (Choose One Option):
- For Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir/Greek yogurt), and dry Ranch mix until well combined.
- For Non-Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir/Greek yogurt), lemon juice, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the Salad: Pour your chosen dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until all the vegetables, bacon, and cheese are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, and Bacon Salad is a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. The crunch of the fresh veggies, the sweetness of the corn, the savory depth of the bacon, and the creaminess of the dressing make every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you go for the classic ranch dressing or the tangy-sweet alternative, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your table. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a meal on its own—either way, it’s a winning recipe! Enjoy the hearty and satisfying goodness in every bite!