Description
This Cowgirl Salad is a colorful, flavorful, and hearty salad that combines fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, corn, black beans, and a tangy ranch-style dressing. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and savory goodness, ideal for a picnic, potluck, or just a satisfying meal. Top with grilled chicken or steak for extra protein!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, arugula, or spinach)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits (about 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble into pieces.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss everything together to combine.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, sour cream, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Add the toppings: Top the salad with diced avocado, crispy bacon, cilantro, and green onions.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy as a side dish or add grilled chicken, steak, or any protein of your choice to make it a main meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding grilled tofu or extra beans for protein.
- If you prefer a creamy dressing, you can swap out the ranch for a creamy vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing.
- This salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing and avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Feel free to add in roasted peppers, cucumbers, or any other salad vegetables you enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cowgirl salad, salad with bacon, ranch salad, black bean salad, fresh salad with avocado, easy salad, Tex-Mex salad, hearty salad, salad with corn