Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a fresh and flavorful mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory bacon, all tossed in creamy ranch dressing. It’s a quick, easy salad perfect for summer meals or as a refreshing side dish any time of year.

Ingredients

• 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Peel if desired, then dice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
3. Step 3: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the fresh dill and mix again.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese or omit it for a lighter version.
• Add bell peppers or avocados for extra flavor and texture.
• Use fresh dill to enhance the salad’s brightness, or leave it out if you prefer a simpler taste.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving leftovers, stir well to redistribute the dressing and freshen the flavors.

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 in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir before serving to mix the dressing evenly.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based dressing or a light vinaigrette for a different flavor profile and fewer calories.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 145 reviews

A fresh and crunchy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad combining cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite. Optional fresh dill adds a fragrant touch, and it can be customized with different cheeses or additional veggies for extra flavor and texture.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Dressing and Seasoning

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, peel them if desired, and dice into bite-sized pieces to form the salad base.
2. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the vegetables.
4. Season and Add Herbs: Season with salt and pepper to your taste. If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad and mix again to distribute flavor.
5. Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Customize Cheese Option: Substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter version of the salad.
7. Optional Additions: Feel free to add extra ingredients such as diced bell peppers or sliced avocados to enhance texture and flavor.
8. Make Ahead Tip: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Before serving, stir well to redistribute the dressing evenly throughout.

Notes

• Peeling the cucumbers is optional and depends on your texture preference.
• For a lighter salad, omit the cheese or use a lower-fat variety.
• Fresh dill adds a nice herbal note but can be excluded if unavailable.
• Add ingredients like bell peppers or avocado for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Refrigerate the salad before serving to enhance the flavor melding.
• Toss gently to keep cucumbers and tomatoes intact and prevent them from becoming mushy.

Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Dressing, Bacon Salad, Quick Salad, Summer Salad