This Crack Corn Salad mixes sweet corn, bacon, cheese, and a creamy ranch-style dressing. It tastes fresh and rich. If you like similar dips, try a simple version like crack corn dip for another idea.
why make this recipe
This salad comes together fast. It uses common ingredients and works for parties, picnics, or quick dinners. It pairs well with crunchy chips or crackers like these taco crackers for a simple snack plate.
how to make Crack Corn Salad
This section shows the full list and clear steps. Read the Ingredients and Directions below and follow the simple steps.
Ingredients :
- 4 cups sweet corn
- 12 slices cooked bacon (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup Ranch salad dressing
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions :
Ranch Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Ranch salad dressing, 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup whole milk, and 1/4 cup buttermilk.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon fresh dill.
- Stir until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Chill while you make the salad.
Salad:
- Place 4 cups sweet corn in a large bowl. If you use frozen corn, thaw and drain it well. If you want, warm and char the corn in a skillet for more flavor.
- Add 12 slices cooked bacon (finely chopped), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and 1 finely diced jalapeño.
- Pour the chilled ranch dressing over the corn mix.
- Add juice of 1 lime, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir gently until all ingredients combine.
- Chill for 30 minutes so flavors blend. Serve cold or at room temperature.
If you want a richer plate idea to serve with, try a hearty main like garlic steak tortellini while this salad cools.
how to serve Crack Corn Salad
- Serve in a bowl as a side dish.
- Scoop on chips or crackers for a quick snack.
- Use as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions or crumbled bacon.
how to store Crack Corn Salad
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Use within 3–4 days for best taste.
- Stir once before serving again.
- If the salad thins after chilling, add a bit more mayo or sour cream and mix.
tips to make Crack Corn Salad
- Cook bacon until crisp, then chop it for the best texture.
- Taste the dressing before adding to the salad and adjust salt and lemon for brightness.
- For a smoky flavor, char the corn on a hot pan or grill.
- If you want less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds.
- For dessert after the meal, consider something sweet and crunchy like caramel crunch cheesecake fruit salad.
variation (if any)
- Add black beans and chopped red pepper to make it heartier.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for more spice.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy, lighter dressing.
- Make it with grilled corn for a smoky summer version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned corn?
A: Yes. Drain well and rinse. Pat dry so the salad does not get watery.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It keeps 3–4 days in the fridge. Add fresh toppings right before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free mayo and a vegan ranch dressing substitute.
Q: How can I reduce the calories?
A: Use low-fat mayo and sour cream, and skip the cheddar or use a small amount.
Q: Can I freeze this salad?
A: No. Freezing will change the texture of the dressing and corn. Keep it cold in the fridge instead.
Conclusion
For more versions and inspiration, see this take from Crack Corn Salad – Bad Batch Baking. If you want another simple recipe to compare, check out Crack Corn Salad – Plain Chicken. For a step-by-step list and photos, visit Crack Corn Salad Recipe | In Good Flavor.
Crack Corn Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together Ranch salad dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, and buttermilk.
- Add minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
- Stir until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Chill while you make the salad.
- Place sweet corn in a large bowl. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well.
- Add chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced jalapeño.
- Pour the chilled ranch dressing over the corn mixture.
- Add lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Stir gently until all ingredients combine.
- Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve cold or at room temperature.
