Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a tasty side. Combining crisp cucumbers with savory bacon, creamy ranch, and fresh dill creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite at your table.

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: Prepare the vegetables by washing 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 if using raw bacon, then crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, crumble it directly.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
5. Step 5: Mix in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese of your choice.
6. Step 6: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and add the chopped dill. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
8. Step 8: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: Before serving, toss the salad to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Try adding chopped avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
• Substitute ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a tangier, healthier twist.
• Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried dill works well if fresh is not available.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be gently tossed again before serving if separated. Avoid freezing, as the cucumbers and dressing do not freeze well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a few hours ahead or the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator and toss before serving.

What type of cheese works best in this salad?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use any shredded cheese you prefer such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing with fresh dill. Perfect as a light side or a satisfying snack, this no-cook salad combines crunchy textures and savory flavors for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking bacon)
• Total Time: 45 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

Other Ingredients

• 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. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. This forms the fresh base of your salad.
2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a sharp, zesty crunch that complements the other ingredients.
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 have pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. Mix together gently.
5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Incorporate the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the vegetable mixture for richness and flavor.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Add chopped fresh dill (or dried dill) and stir gently until everything is well coated, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon and ranch dressing. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
8. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Toss Before Serving: Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and combine all ingredients evenly.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked bacon for a quicker preparation time.
• Feel free to swap cheddar with any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
• For a lighter dressing, use a low-fat or homemade ranch dressing.
• Fresh dill adds a more vibrant flavor but dried dill works well too.
• Chilling the salad is essential for melding the flavors but it can be served immediately if needed.
• Adjust salt carefully since bacon and ranch dressing add saltiness.

Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Salad, Bacon Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Summer Salad, No-Cook Salad