Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing, flavorful side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with savory bacon and creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a light lunch. This easy-to-make salad comes together quickly and bursts with fresh, satisfying 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. 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 it. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
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 bowl.
6. Step 6: Pour ranch dressing over the mixture, add chopped dill, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
8. Step 8: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: Before serving, toss the salad well to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked or flavored bacon for extra depth of flavor.
• Try swapping cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
• For a lighter version, use a low-fat ranch dressing or Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, it’s best eaten within this time frame for optimal texture and flavor. Give the salad a good toss before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, making this salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld, but avoid making it more than a day in advance to keep the vegetables crisp.

Can I substitute the cucumbers with other vegetables?

You can replace cucumbers with sliced zucchini or celery for a similar crunch, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 131 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bacon, shredded cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing infused with fresh dill. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

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

Protein and Dairy

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

Dressing and 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 tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes for easy eating.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a crisp, zesty crunch to the salad that complements the other fresh ingredients.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it into the bowl.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion carefully.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the bowl with the vegetables, mixing to distribute evenly.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture and add the chopped fresh dill. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
7. Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, blending well to enhance the flavors.
8. Chill: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
9. Toss Before Serving: Just before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and ingredients for a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Use cooked bacon for convenience or cook fresh for best flavor and texture.
• Feel free to substitute dill with chives or parsley if preferred.
• This salad can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Adjust ranch dressing quantity based on how creamy you like your salad.
• To keep cucumbers crispier, sprinkle a little salt on them and let sit for 10 minutes before adding to the salad, then drain any excess liquid.

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