Description
This Crack Corn Salad is an irresistible blend of sweet corn, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy ranch with a zesty kick from jalapeño and lime. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish—cool, crunchy, and bursting with bold flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
4 cups sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
12 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
¼ cup green onions, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced
½ cup Ranch salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For homemade ranch dressing (optional):
1½ cups mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
⅓ cup whole milk
¼ cup buttermilk
¼ teaspoon onion powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh dill
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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If making homemade ranch dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, buttermilk, onion powder, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate.
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In a large bowl, combine sweet corn, bacon, green onions, jalapeño, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
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Add ½ cup of ranch dressing to the mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Add more dressing if a creamier texture is desired.
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Optional: Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
Notes
You can use fresh grilled corn for a smoky depth of flavor.
Adjust spice level by using more or less jalapeño—or substitute with bell pepper for a milder version.
Great for BBQs, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: American