Cool Ranch Pickle Dorito Salad Recipe

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Ingredients

This recipe was originally created to serve 10. Quantities adjust automatically for different servings, but cooking steps remain the same. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons pickle juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

Salad

• 1 (9.25 ounce) bag Cool Ranch Doritos, lightly crushed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can corn with bell peppers, such as Green Giant Mexicorn, drained
• 1 1/2 cups diced pickle spears
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper Jack or dill havarti cheese

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, pickle juice, and fresh dill until smooth and creamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Doritos, drained corn, Mexicorn, diced pickles, and shredded cheese.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold everything together until all components are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle additional fresh dill on top for garnish and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 413
• Total Fat: 37g (48% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (46% DV)
• Cholesterol: 39mg (13% DV)
• Sodium: 1140mg (50% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% DV)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 7g (15% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 192mg (15% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (3% DV)
• Potassium: 190mg (4% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may vary based on your individual needs. Nutrient data is based on available information; consult a healthcare professional if following a medically restrictive diet.

History of Cool Ranch Pickle Dorito Salad

The Cool Ranch Pickle Dorito Salad is a modern American creation that combines the nostalgia of classic snack foods with the creativity of contemporary salad-making. Its origin can be traced to the rise of junk food salads in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when home cooks and social media food enthusiasts began experimenting with bold, unconventional ingredients. By blending Cool Ranch Doritos, pickles, and creamy dressings, this salad captures a playful twist on traditional picnic dishes while highlighting the American love for snack innovation.

Regional Characteristics

This salad is primarily associated with the Midwestern and Southern United States, regions known for hearty, comfort-driven cuisine. In these areas, the combination of crunchy snacks, creamy dressings, and pickles resonates with local palates that favor bold, salty, and tangy flavors. Unlike lighter, vegetable-forward salads found in coastal regions, this dish leans into indulgence, offering a satisfying texture contrast and a flavor punch that makes it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Distinguishing Features

While it shares similarities with corn or taco salads, the Cool Ranch Pickle Dorito Salad stands out due to its use of flavored tortilla chips as a primary ingredient and the addition of pickle juice in the dressing. Traditional corn salads focus on fresh vegetables, beans, and mild dressings, whereas this salad delivers a combination of crunchy Doritos, tangy pickles, and creamy ranch-dill dressing. The unique interplay of flavorssalty, sour, and slightly spicycreates a distinctive profile that cannot be easily replicated by other salads.

Typical Serving Occasions

This salad is most commonly served at casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues, potlucks, game-day parties, and family picnics. It is usually presented in a large bowl, allowing guests to scoop generous portions of the crunchy, cheesy, and creamy layers. The salad can also serve as a side dish accompanying grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried foods, offering a flavorful and textured contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of pickles and Doritos was inspired by the popular pickleback snack trend, where tangy pickles are paired with salty foods or drinks.
• Using pickle juice in the dressing not only adds flavor but also tenderizes ingredients slightly, giving a subtle zest to the salad.
• The salads popularity has grown online, with variations appearing on TikTok and food blogs, highlighting creative additions like bacon bits, jalapeos, or different cheese types.
• Despite its indulgent ingredients, it provides a playful way to include corn and vegetables in a dish, appealing to children and adults alike.
• The dish exemplifies the American trend of combining snack foods with traditional meal components to create new, eye-catching recipes.

FAQ about Cool Ranch Pickle Dorito Salad Recipe

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