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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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