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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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