Family Favorite Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

Name: Family Favorite Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Croutons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head butter lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces; 1/2 head red leaf lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces; 3/4 cup Ranch Dressing, recipe follows; 1 cup Croutons, recipe follows; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in 1/2; 2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and flesh diced; 2 pieces bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled; 1/3 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup buttermilk; 3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian parsley leaves; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 teaspoons garlic paste, (2 cloves garlic smashed with the flat side of a knife and a sprinkle of salt, to make paste); 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 4 cups cubed stale Italian bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

Servings: persons

1 head butter lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 head red leaf lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces
3/4 cup Ranch Dressing, recipe follows
1 cup Croutons, recipe follows
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in 1/2
2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and flesh diced
2 pieces bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
2 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons garlic paste, (2 cloves garlic smashed with the flat side of a knife and a sprinkle of salt, to make paste)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups cubed stale Italian bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1
In a chilled salad bowl, add the greens and lightly coat the inside of the bowl with Ranch Dressing.
2
Add the Croutons and toss lightly.
3
Garnish with the tomatoes, avocado and bacon, serve immediately.
4
1 tablespoon garlic paste, (use half of the salt and 5 cloves garlic smashed with the flat side of a knife, to make paste
5
In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients and blend well with fork or stick blender.
6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
7
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
8
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, except the bread, until well combined.
9
Adjust the seasoning, if needed.
10
Add in the bread and mix well with your hands, tossing to coat all sides of cubes.
11
Pour out onto a baking sheet and spread evenly.
12
Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, turning after 10 minutes.
13
Remove from the oven and let cool.
14
Store in an airtight container.

1157

kcal

Calories

113

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.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

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

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 25 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 head butter lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces, 1/2 head red leaf lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces, 3/4 cup Ranch Dressing, recipe follows, 1 cup Croutons, recipe follows, and more.

Yes, Family Favorite Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Croutons 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!

Family Favorite Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Croutons

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions