Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for summertime gatherings or as a quick side for any meal. Its vibrant textures and tastes will keep you coming back for more.

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.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch to the salad.
3. Step 3: Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
5. Step 5: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad, add the chopped dill, and stir until everything is well coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired.
8. Step 8: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
9. Step 9: Toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• For a lighter dressing, substitute traditional ranch with a Greek yogurt-based version.
• Add extra crunch by including chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
• Make the salad ahead of time but add the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
• Try variations like adding fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley), fruits (apples, strawberries), or a spicy kick with jalapeños.
• Swap bacon for rotisserie chicken or chickpeas to boost protein content.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as fresh vegetables and dressing do not freeze well. To keep bacon crispy, add it fresh before serving if you prepare the salad in advance. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or goat cheese to vary the flavor.

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.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 100 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and creamy salad featuring diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a flavorful ranch dressing with fresh dill. Perfect as a side dish for BBQs or family dinners, its simple preparation and customizable nature make it a crowd-pleaser any time of year.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

Proteins & Cheese

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

Dressing & Herbs

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes for optimal texture and flavor distribution.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a sharp and zesty crunch, ensuring it complements the freshness of the cucumbers and tomatoes.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it into your preferred size.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion, creating the fresh vegetable base for the salad.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Mix in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese of your choice, adding savory depth and richness to the salad.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients, then add the chopped fresh dill. Stir well until all components are evenly coated with the dressing and herbs.
7. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference to balance and enhance the flavors of the salad.
8. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dressing to infuse the ingredients.
9. Toss Before Serving: Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing, bacon, cheese, and vegetables for consistent flavor in every bite.

Notes

• Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• For a lighter option, substitute traditional ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based ranch.
• Add extra crunch by including chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
• For best texture, add bacon just before serving if making the salad ahead of time.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days; freezing is not recommended.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cucumber salad, Ranch Salad, Bacon salad, Summer salad, No-cook salad, Easy salad recipe, Healthy salad