Crisp Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing Recipe

Name: Crisp Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 sprigs fresh thyme; 6 strips bacon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 8 chives, roughly chopped; 1 clove garlic; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon lemon juice, plus 1 lemon, zested; 3 teaspoons hot sauce; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into 8 wedges

Servings: persons

1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2
Put the thyme sprigs on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3
Line the bacon strips over the top then sprinkle with brown sugar.
4
Transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake until crisp, 18 to 20 minutes.
5
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool, then crumble or chop the bacon along with sticky thyme and set aside.
6
In a blender, add the chives, garlic, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest and hot sauce.
7
Blitz until smooth.
8
Taste, then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
9
Arrange the lettuce on serving platter, drizzle with buttermilk dressing, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon before serving.

718

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 6 sprigs fresh thyme, 6 strips bacon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 8 chives, roughly chopped, and more.

Yes, Crisp Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Crisp Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions