Description
Broccoli Ranch Salad features crisp broccoli florets coated in a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Enhanced with sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and savory crumbled bacon, this salad delivers a rich, tangy, and satisfying bite. It’s a convenience salad perfect as a quick side dish or a wholesome light meal that stays flavorful with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons ranch flavoring
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 oz crispy bacon, crumbled (approximately 8 slices)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Stir in the chopped red onion.
- Place broccoli florets in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Add cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the broccoli mixture. Mix well. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Before serving, toss the salad once more and serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.
Notes
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Pre-chop broccoli and prepare dressing up to 1 day ahead; store separately, then combine and chill. Leftovers keep chilled for 2 days, though bacon may lose crispness. For crisper broccoli, use fresh, not frozen florets, and dry thoroughly to prevent the dressing from becoming watery. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg