Description
A colorful, crunchy salad with crispy bacon and fresh vegetables, dressed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup good quality mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice plus 1/2 cup regular milk)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 large English cucumbers, diced into half inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced or finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 8-10 slices thick cut beef bacon, cooked until very crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup homemade croutons or crushed butter crackers
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir in fresh chives, dill, and parsley. Whisk until thoroughly blended and taste to adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook thick cut beef bacon until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble.
- Dice cucumbers, wash and halve cherry tomatoes, and finely dice red onion, celery, and bell pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, celery, and bell pepper. Add three-quarters of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Retrieve the chilled dressing, whisk briefly, and pour about two-thirds over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with reserved bacon, cheese, and croutons. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added crunch, consider using a variety of vegetables. Make the dressing a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Cooking
- Cuisine: American