Crafting a Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a wonderful way to brighten up any gathering or meal. This salad is fresh, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just enjoying a nice evening at home, this dish will surely please everyone at the table.
Growing up, my Dad James always made sure our summer BBQs included his favorite salad recipes. I fondly remember standing beside him in the kitchen, eagerly helping him mix everything together. Those moments were filled with laughter and joy, making the food taste even better.
Your Ingredients List
- 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
My Go-To Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Spoon for mixing
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop the red onion. This will add a zesty crunch to your salad.
- If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Next, mix in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese of your choice.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the vegetable mixture, adding in the chopped dill. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
- Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
If you want to make your Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad healthier, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of ranch dressing. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to increase the nutritional value. Substituting turkey bacon for regular bacon can cut down on fat, while still adding that savory crunch.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. I love serving it alongside some homemade garlic bread or even as a side at a summer BBQ with burgers and hot dogs. It’s also great on its own as a light lunch. Don’t forget to garnish with some extra dill before serving for a pop of color and flavor!
Getting It Just Right
Experimenting with the ingredients is part of the fun! You can adjust the amount of ranch dressing based on your taste or add a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing. Just make sure to keep the ratio of cucumbers to tomatoes balanced for the best texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Just be sure to toss it again before serving to mix the dressing back in, as it may separate.
Enjoy Every Moment
Food brings us together, and cooking with loved ones creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a simple meal or a special occasion, take a moment to savor the flavors and the laughter that comes with sharing a meal.
A Few Common Questions
How can I make Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add crunchy nuts or seeds for texture instead. This will keep the salad full of flavor while catering to different dietary preferences.
Can I prepare Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. However, I recommend adding the dressing closer to serving time to keep the cucumbers crisp.
What can I serve with Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad?
Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a versatile side dish. It complements grilled meats, sandwiches, and wraps well. You can also serve it as part of a potluck spread or a picnic feast.
I hope you enjoy making this refreshing salad as much as I do!
Print
Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A fresh and flavorful salad that brightens any meal, featuring cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing.
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
- Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes, then dice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop the red onion.
- If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan until crispy, then crumble it. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Mix in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and add the chopped dill; stir until well-coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of ranch dressing. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Dressing, Summer Salad, BBQ Side Dish, Easy Salad