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Easy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

5 from 142 reviews

This Easy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a healthy, refreshing, and creamy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and optional bacon bits with a tangy ranch dressing, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s chilled before serving to enhance the taste, making it an ideal cool and creamy salad to enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup bacon bits (optional)

Dressing & Seasoning

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Cucumbers: Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly. Leave the skin on for added color and texture or peel them if you prefer a milder taste and smoother texture.
  2. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, balancing flavor against the creaminess of the dressing.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, red onion, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits if using. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  4. Add the Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss gently to coat all the components in the creamy dressing for a cohesive flavor.
  5. Season It Right: Taste your salad and add salt and pepper to your preference, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  6. Let It Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad wonderfully refreshing when served.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or bell peppers.
  • Bacon bits can be replaced with cooked crispy bacon pieces for richer flavor.
  • Use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing according to your preference.
  • This salad is best served chilled but can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit bacon bits entirely or substitute with vegetarian bacon alternatives.

Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Healthy Salad, No-Cook Salad, Refreshing Salad, Summer Salad