Description
I still remember the first time I served this Crack Corn Salad at a family gathering. As I spooned it into the serving bowl, the vibrant colors and delicious aroma filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in like bees to honey. The combination of sweet corn, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar mingled together in a creamy dressing that instantly made it a hit.
Preparing this crowd-pleaser couldn’t be easier! In just a few minutes, you can whip up a dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, brightens up picnic spreads, or even doubles as a delightful dip for Fritos. Every bite bursts with flavor, from the crunch of green onions to the smoky bacon that adds just the right amount of indulgence.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your taste buds, this easy Crack Corn Salad is a must-try that elevates any meal from mundane to memorable. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delightful side dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 oz ranch dressing mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chopped bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy, inviting that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.
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Gently fold in corn kernels, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions into the creamy mixture. Ensure everything is well-coated and evenly distributed, bringing together all those irresistible flavors.
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Using a spatula, toss all the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly combined. Aim for that beautiful, colorful mix that reassures you this salad will be a hit!
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
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When ready to serve, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor that makes your salad look even more tempting.
Notes
- Fresh Corn is Best: Using fresh, in-season corn yields the sweetest flavor, but frozen or canned options work well in a pinch.
- Prep in Advance: For a truly creamy Crack Corn Salad, prepare it a day ahead. The flavors have time to meld beautifully overnight!
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t be shy with seasonings! Taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing for optimal flavor; each brand of ranch dressing mix varies.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you're watching calories, turkey bacon is a great substitute that still provides the smoky flavor without the extra fat.
- Creative Add-ins: Experiment with fun variations like avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and a twist to the classic recipe!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg