Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful mix perfect for warm days or potluck gatherings. Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory bacon come together with creamy ranch dressing for a delicious, easy-to-make side dish.

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 into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the red onion to add a fresh crunch.
3. Step 3: Cook raw bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and crumble. If using pre-cooked bacon, crumble it directly.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
5. Step 5: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
6. Step 6: Pour ranch dressing and chopped dill over the mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
8. Step 8: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: Toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked cheddar cheese for a deeper flavor twist.
• Substitute ranch dressing with a homemade buttermilk dressing for a fresher taste.
• Add chopped green onions or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
• To make it vegetarian, omit bacon and add toasted nuts for crunch.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently toss and serve cold directly from the fridge. Avoid freezing to preserve the texture of the vegetables and dressing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead is ideal to let the flavors blend. Just be sure to toss it again before serving.

What can I use instead of fresh dill?

If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill is a good substitute. Use about one-third the amount of fresh dill since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 501 reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy red onion, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and creamy ranch dressing with a hint of fresh dill. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.

• Author: Mia
• 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 & Dairy

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

Dressing & 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 cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes for a fresh, juicy texture.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch that complements the other fresh ingredients perfectly.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and crumble it into small pieces. For pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it directly.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion, creating the salad base.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Mix the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the bowl with the vegetables, adding savory depth and richness.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients along with the chopped fresh dill. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
7. Season: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix again to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
8. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
9. Toss Before Serving: Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly for a deliciously balanced bite every time.

Notes

• Use cooked bacon for convenience or cook raw bacon until crispy for best flavor.
• Feel free to substitute ranch dressing with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
• Chilling the salad enhances the flavors but you can serve immediately if short on time.
• Cheddar cheese adds richness, but you can use any shredded cheese you prefer.
• Adjust salt and pepper carefully as bacon and ranch dressing contain salt.

Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Salad, Bacon Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Summer Salad, Side Dish