Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers, savory bacon, and creamy ranch dressing for an irresistible mix. Perfect as a side or a light meal, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with delicious textures and tastes.

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: Wash the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch to the salad.
3. Step 3: Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy if raw, then crumble into small pieces. Use pre-cooked bacon crumbled if preferred.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
5. Step 5: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the vegetable mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and add the chopped dill. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
8. Step 8: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
9. Step 9: Before serving, toss the salad thoroughly to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers to the salad.
• Use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch dressing for a lighter dressing option.
• Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy twist.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing. Avoid storing longer to keep cucumbers crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and chill it. However, dressing it right before serving helps maintain the cucumbers’ crispness.

Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! You can use smoked tempeh or crispy roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that still adds texture and flavor.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful salad featuring diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing infused with fresh dill. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal, combining crisp textures with savory and tangy notes for a crowd-pleasing summer treat.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 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

Meat & Cheese

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

Dressing & Seasonings

• 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, ensuring both are dry before proceeding.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch that complements the freshness of the cucumbers and tomatoes.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat before crumbling it into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it into bite-sized bits.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss to mix the vegetables evenly.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Incorporate the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the vegetable mixture, mixing carefully to distribute the flavors.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients, then add the chopped fresh dill (or dried dill if using). Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
7. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning according to your preference for balance and flavor.
8. Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to become more refreshing.
9. Toss Before Serving: Just before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Notes

• For best texture, use firm cucumbers such as English cucumbers.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack or Colby.
• If you want to reduce calories, opt for turkey bacon and low-fat ranch dressing.
• Fresh dill provides a brighter flavor than dried, but dried dill works well in a pinch.
• Make sure to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor melding.
• This salad is best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Salad, Bacon Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Refreshing Salad