Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With crisp cucumbers, savory bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a perfect side or light meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the vegetables by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch to your salad.
3. Step 3: Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
5. Step 5: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and add the chopped dill. Stir until well-coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
8. Step 8: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: Toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked bacon for a deeper flavor profile.
• Try substituting ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
• Add avocado chunks for extra creaminess and texture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added alongside dill for more herbal notes.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best taste and texture, consume within this time. When ready to serve, give it a good stir to refresh the dressing. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, it’s best to prepare the salad a few hours ahead or the day before to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and toss well before serving.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews

This Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory bacon, and shredded cheese, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing with fresh dill. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this easy-to-make salad combines crunchy textures and a delightful mix of tangy and savory flavors for an irresistible summertime treat.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

Protein & Cheese

• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Dressing & Seasoning

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes for a fresh, juicy texture.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch that complements the other fresh ingredients perfectly.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and crumble it into small pieces. For pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it directly.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion, creating the salad base.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Mix the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the bowl with the vegetables, adding savory depth and richness.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients along with the chopped fresh dill. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
7. Season: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix again to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
8. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
9. Toss Before Serving: Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly for a deliciously balanced bite every time.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with crispy fried tempeh or smoked tofu.
• Use low-fat ranch dressing to reduce calorie and fat content.
• This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Adjust the amount of dill based on your preference for herbaceous flavors.
• Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.

Keywords: Cucumber salad, ranch dressing salad, bacon salad, easy summer salad, crunchy salad, cheese salad, picnic salad, cucumber ranch crack salad