Description
Crac Corn Salad is a delightful and crunchy chicken salad featuring Cracker Jack popcorn, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing with ranch and mayonnaise, balanced with fresh celery and green onions. This no-cook, quick-to-assemble salad offers a unique twist on traditional chicken salads with a sweet and savory popcorn addition perfect for a light meal or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup Cracker Jack popcorn
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook and shred the chicken: Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or two forks to prepare for mixing.
- Combine chicken and popcorn: Place the cooked, shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl, and add the Cracker Jack popcorn, ensuring it’s fully popped and ready.
- Prepare vegetables: Dice the celery into small, even pieces and chop the green onions after removing the ends, then add them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Add cheese and bacon: Shred the cheddar cheese and crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces, then add both to the mixing bowl.
- Incorporate dressings and hot sauce: Pour in the ranch dressing and mayonnaise evenly over the ingredients, then add the hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until fully combined and the dressing evenly coats everything.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add salt or extra hot sauce if desired for perfect seasoning balance.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld, then serve cold and enjoy the crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the popcorn is freshly popped and cooled to maintain its crunch.
- Cook chicken thoroughly before shredding; rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice tolerance.
- Refrigeration enhances the flavor melding and improves texture.
- Serve chilled for best taste and crispiness.
