The Ultimate Picnic Salad
I have always had a love for picnic salads. Not only are they really delicious and perfect for everything from a backyard barbecue to a church potluck, but this Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad is great for even more important reasons. The combination of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese makes this a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s hard to resist.
These kinds of classic cold salads are a staple in my household. They’re so versatile – you can serve them as a light lunch, a refreshing dinner side, or bring them to any kind of gathering. And let me tell you, this Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad is quickly becoming a new family favorite. Home Cooking Rocks for the win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about this flavor-packed salad? The combination of broccoli, bacon, and ranch is simply irresistible. But there are a few other reasons why this recipe is a total winner:
1. It’s Super Easy to Make
This Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad comes together in just a few easy steps. Simply whip up the creamy ranch dressing, toss it with fresh broccoli florets, then top it all off with crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
2. It’s Make-Ahead Friendly
One of the best things about this salad is that you can make it in advance. Just prepare the dressing and toss it with the broccoli up to 2 days ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply add the bacon and cheese. This makes it a breeze to bring to potlucks or enjoy for easy weeknight meals.
3. It’s Versatile
This salad is the perfect side dish for all kinds of main courses, from burgers and hot dogs to grilled chicken or steak. You can also make it more of a meal by adding chopped cooked chicken or steak bites. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner, and always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Crispy bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- White vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Now, let’s talk about some possible substitutions:
- Bacon: If you don’t want to cook the bacon yourself, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits or pieces instead.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, but you could also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses.
- Dressing: While homemade ranch is delicious, store-bought will work just fine if you’re short on time.
- Sour Cream: You can use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier flavor.
No matter how you customize it, this salad is sure to be a hit!
How to Make Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad
Making this salad is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Toss with Broccoli
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the dressing and toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Top with Bacon and Cheese
Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad.
That’s it! Once you’ve got the dressing made, the rest comes together in a snap. And the best part is, you can do steps 1 and 2 up to 2 days in advance, then simply add the final toppings when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad is the perfect side dish for all kinds of main courses. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: The creamy, crunchy salad is a natural match for classic summer cookout fare.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: The fresh broccoli and tangy dressing balance out the richness of the protein.
- Baked Ham or Turkey: This salad would be a delicious accompaniment to a holiday meat dish.
You can also turn it into more of a meal by adding chopped cooked chicken or steak bites. And of course, it’s always a hit at potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues.
No matter how you serve it, this Broccoli Bacon Ranch Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews!
Easy Family Recipes | Deliciously Sprinkled | Plain Chicken | Leen Cuisine | That Low Carb Life
