Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe
Introduction
Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s an easy-to-make salad perfect for summertime gatherings or as a tasty side to your favorite meal.
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
- Step 1: Begin by washing the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes carefully.
- Step 2: Finely chop the red onion to add a zesty crunch to the salad.
- Step 3: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
- Step 5: Mix in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese of your choice.
- Step 6: Pour the ranch dressing over the vegetable mixture, add the chopped dill, and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 7: Season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting the taste as needed.
- Step 8: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 9: Before serving, toss the salad well to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes to enhance flavor and texture.
- For a lighter salad, substitute traditional ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based version.
- Add extra crunch by including chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- Prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Try variations such as adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, diced fruits like apples or strawberries, or a spicy kick with sliced jalapeños.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days to keep it fresh. Avoid freezing as the fresh ingredients lose their texture. When ready to serve, give the salad a good toss. Leftovers can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature but should not be left out for more than 2 hours.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, pepper jack, goat cheese, or any cheese you prefer to suit your taste.
How long can I leave this salad out?
For food safety, avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy red onions, savory bacon, and shredded cheese all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing with fresh dill. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side salad, it comes together quickly with minimal cooking and can be customized to suit different tastes. Chilling the salad allows the bold flavors to meld beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings and everyday meals alike.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
Protein & Dairy
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Dressing & Seasoning
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes evenly to ensure a balanced texture in every bite.
- Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion, releasing its sharp and zesty flavor that will add a delightful crunch and brightness to your salad.
- Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, crumble it into small pieces. If you have pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it directly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Mix gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Incorporate the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the vegetable mixture, folding them in carefully so the flavors blend without crushing the ingredients.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients. Add the chopped dill and stir gently until every component is well-coated with the creamy dressing.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference to enhance the overall flavor balance.
- Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste experience.
- Toss Before Serving: Just before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and combine all the flavors once again for a fresh and tasty presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a lighter variation, substitute traditional ranch dressing with Greek yogurt-based ranch.
- Add extra crunch with chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots if desired.
- Prepare the salad a few hours in advance but add bacon last minute to keep its crispiness.
- This salad can be customized with different herbs, cheeses, or protein options as per preference.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for the best freshness.
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in fresh vegetables and dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Salad, Bacon Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Lunch, Gluten Free Salad, Creamy Salad
