Spicy Ranch Corn Salad

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Make it Hot or Not!

Image Credit: http://tinyurl.com/kocys2r

This is a creation of my own making.  I love corn salad, but I wanted to make it with a little more pep......some spice, but not too hot.  I experimented a bit and I came up with this recipe.  I made it last labor day, for a friend's get together and it was a hit.  Even my husband likes it, and he is not a fan of spicy stuff.  If you want it hotter, add more jalapenos or leave the seeds in.  If you are really a heat freak, you can add a teaspoon of Frank's Red Hot Sauce.  Personally, I like the recipe as is, but to each his own.  You can
make it hot or not! :)

Ingredients:

4 cups corn (frozen, canned or fresh)
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

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Directions:

In a large skillet, sear the corn by cooking over high heat for two or three minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool
In a large bowl gently toss all the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly
When the corn is completely cool, add to the rest and combine

Spicy Ranch Salad Dressing

Ranch dressing is one of the most popular dressings in the world.  This dressing, however, is not your mama's ranch dressing.  This creamy dressing has a zip of it's own.  With cayenne pepper and jalapenos, it can be downright hot.  How hot you make it is up to you.  Make it to your taste, it's versatile!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
  
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon dill
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
  
• 1 green onion, chopped
  
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (more or less to taste)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, seeded (optional)
  
• salt and pepper to taste

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Put all ingredients in a blender and puree.  I prefer to make my dressing in advance and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator so the flavors can blend, but it is not totally necessary.
Add the dressing to the salad and mix until thoroughly coated.  Chill and serve.

This makes a great side dish with hot dogs and hamburgers.  It is also delicious folded in pita bread.   Try this recipe for you next BBQ!

Have a great week,

Jade    :)

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Here are some more pieces of this adorable sunflower collection, there are many more!

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