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Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad Recipe

Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad Recipe

Olivia Brooks
This Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad Recipe is crisp, creamy, and packed with flavor. Fresh romaine, iceberg, crispy bacon, sweet corn, cheddar cheese, and cool ranch dressing come together in one bold, satisfying bowl.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large cutting board
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Skillet for cooking bacon
  • Paper towels
  • Salad tongs or large spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce finely chopped
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup sweet corn fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (optional but lovely)

For the Ranch Dressing (Homemade Option)

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Bacon

  • Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook slowly, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop once cooled.

Prepare the Vegetables

  • Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly. Chop the romaine and iceberg into small, even pieces. Dice the cucumber, quarter the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and prepare the corn.

Make the Ranch Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, dill, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine, iceberg, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sweet corn, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy chopped bacon. Toss gently to distribute evenly.

Add Dressing and Toss

  • Pour the ranch dressing over the salad gradually, tossing as you go. Coat everything lightly so each bite stays balanced and fresh without becoming heavy or overly drenched in dressing.

Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a bright finish. Serve immediately while the bacon is crisp, the lettuce is crunchy, and the creamy ranch dressing ties every flavorful bite together.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and richer flavor.
  • Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent watery dressing.
  • Toss dressing gradually to avoid overdressing.
  • Add grilled chicken for a heartier main course option.
  • Store dressing separately if making ahead.
Keyword Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad Recipe