Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Chopped Salad Recipe is a creamy and classic recipe, which is made with crispy bacon and a homemade ranch-style dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck, ready in about 25 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Chopped Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 pt. grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chopped Salad Recipe
- Cook the bacon: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, and minced garlic until smooth. Season with the salt and black pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, quartered tomatoes, sliced green onions, crispy bacon, and all but 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to get extra crispy bacon? For perfectly crisp bacon, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook it in batches if necessary, and make sure to drain it well on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, the dressing is perfect for making ahead. You can mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld and get even better overnight.
- How do I keep the salad from getting soggy? For the best, crunchiest salad, wait to add the dressing until you are just about to serve it. You can have all the salad components chopped and ready to go in the bowl.
- Can I lighten up the dressing? For a lighter version of the dressing, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use a low-fat mayonnaise and buttermilk.
What To Serve With Chopped Salad
This hearty salad is a great side dish for a variety of meals.
- Grilled Chicken, Steak, or Pork Chops
- Hamburgers or Hot Dogs
- A simple bowl of soup
- Crusty bread for a light lunch
How To Store Chopped Salad
- Refrigerate: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after it’s dressed. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator, but the lettuce will become wilted. For best results, store the undressed salad components and the dressing in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Chopped Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely. While iceberg provides a classic crunch, romaine lettuce would be a great substitute. You could also use a mix of greens for more variety.
What other ingredients can I add to this salad?
This is a great base salad for additions. Diced avocado, hard-boiled eggs, croutons, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken would be delicious in it.
Is this similar to a ranch dressing?
Yes, the dressing is very similar to a classic, homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, thanks to the combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and fresh herbs.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chickpea Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Three Bean Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Chopped Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, crunchy, and creamy chopped salad loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a homemade ranch-style dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy; drain and set aside.
- Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, bacon, and most of the cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor the crispiest salad, toss with the dressing just before serving.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe homemade ranch-style dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIceberg lettuce provides the best crunch, but romaine is a great alternative.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eEnsure the bacon is well-drained on paper towels to avoid a greasy salad.u003c/liu003e
