Crack Corn Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 ears corn, kernels removed (about 3.5 cups corn)
• 10 strips bacon
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
• 1 cup jalapeno ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, recipe follows)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Bacon:

   • In a large skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop into pieces.

2. Cook Corn:

   • Wipe out most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Increase the heat to medium and add the corn kernels. Cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the corn softens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.

3. Prepare Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeno, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated garlic.

4. Add Dressing:

   • Pour the jalapeno ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

5. Chill:

   • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve:

   • Before serving, garnish with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Crack Corn Salad!

Creamy Jalapeno Lime Ranch (Optional):

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapenos
• 3/4 cup cilantro leaves, large stems removed
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk as substitute)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dressing:

   • In a food processor or blender, puree the cilantro leaves with the pickled jalapenos and their juice until mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

3. Add Cilantro Mixture:

   • Add the pureed cilantro-jalapeno mixture into the sour cream mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.

4. Add Lime Juice and Buttermilk:

   • Stir in the lime juice. Gradually add buttermilk (or milk) a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency for the dressing.

5. Chill:

   • Transfer the dressing to a mason jar or tightly sealed container. Refrigerate for up to five days to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

This Creamy Jalapeno Lime Ranch dressing adds a zesty and spicy kick to the Crack Corn Salad, enhancing its flavors beautifully. Enjoy the salad and dressing together for a delicious summer dish!