Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful mix perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side dish. Combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, savory bacon, and creamy ranch, it’s easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying.

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 tomatoes for bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the red onion to add a crisp, zesty crunch to the salad.
3. Step 3: Cook 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 tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
5. Step 5: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl, mixing gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Pour ranch dressing over the mixture and add chopped dill. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
8. Step 8: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
9. Step 9: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute dressing and ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes to boost flavor and texture.
• Try a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter option.
• Add extra crunch with chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
• Make the salad ahead and add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for new flavor profiles.
• Add diced apples or strawberries for a hint of sweetness.
• Include sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• For a Mediterranean twist, add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and extra cucumbers.
• Switch bacon for diced rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for more protein.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to maintain freshness. Avoid freezing as the fresh ingredients don’t retain texture well when frozen. If prepping ahead, keep vegetables separate from dressing and bacon until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, pepper jack, goat cheese, or your favorite cheese can be used to create different flavors and textures.

How long can I leave this salad out?

For safety and freshness, do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

What if I don’t like ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch with other creamy dressings like blue cheese, Caesar, or a simple vinaigrette based on your taste preference.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and crunchy vegetable salad featuring diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions combined with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side or a light meal, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors with hints of fresh dill and a cool, tangy dressing.

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Ingredients

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Salad 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)
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing

• ½ cup ranch dressing

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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 for easy eating.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces. If you are using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it without additional cooking.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion, mixing them evenly.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Mix in the crispy bacon bits and shredded cheese to the vegetable mixture.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients and add the chopped fresh dill. Stir gently until everything is well coated in the dressing.
7. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning based on your preference.
8. Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
9. Toss Before Serving: Before serving, toss the salad once more to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• For a lighter dressing option, substitute traditional ranch with a Greek yogurt-based ranch.
• Enhance crunchiness by adding chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead to let flavors meld but add bacon last minute to retain crispiness.
• Keep salad chilled until just before serving for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cucumber salad, Ranch dressing salad, Bacon salad, Summer salad, Easy side dish, Fresh vegetable salad