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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Side Dish

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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a vibrant summer side dish featuring crisp cucumbers, savory bacon, and creamy ranch dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 medium Cucumbers Freshness and crunch; substitute with pickling cucumbers for extra crunch.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Adds sweetness and a juicy texture; any small tomato variety can work well.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Provides zesty flavor and crunch; substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 4 strips Cooked Bacon Adds savory depth and crunch; consider using turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese Creaminess and flavor; use mozzarella for a lighter option or vegan cheese for a dairy-free twist.
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing Provides creaminess and tang; opt for Greek yogurt-based ranch for a lighter version or a homemade ranch for freshness.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill Enhances herby notes; substitute with dried dill (1 tablespoon) or other fresh herbs like parsley.
  • to taste Salt Enhances flavor; adjust according to personal taste preferences.
  • to taste Pepper Enhances flavor; adjust according to personal taste preferences.
For Extra Flavor (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce Introduces heat and spice; perfect for those who like a little kick.
  • 1/2 cup Additional Cheese Consider adding feta or goat cheese for more richness.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad
  1. Wash two fresh cucumbers under cool running water, then dice them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Halve a handful of cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
  2. Finely chop about a quarter of a red onion and add it to the mixing bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes, gently stirring to combine.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook several strips of bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and crumble into pieces.
  4. Add the crumbled bacon and a generous amount of shredded cheese to the mixing bowl, folding gently to combine without crushing the fresh vegetables.
  5. Pour ranch dressing over the salad and sprinkle with fresh dill. Carefully mix everything together until well incorporated.
  6. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and give the salad one final gentle toss to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  7. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
  8. Toss the salad before serving and transfer it to a colorful serving bowl, garnishing with extra dill or cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and add crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

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