Easy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe
Introduction
Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy a perfect balance of crunch, tanginess, and savory flavor. This salad is ideal for quick meals, gatherings, or anytime you want a tasty, light dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup bacon bits (optional)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the cucumbers thinly. You can leave the skin on for extra color and texture or peel them if you prefer.
- Step 2: Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp contrast to the creamy dressing.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the cucumbers, red onion, green onions, shredded cheddar, and bacon bits if using.
- Step 4: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to bring out the flavors.
- Step 6: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and create a refreshing chill.
Tips & Variations
- Add roasted almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and texture.
- Include grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.
- Mix a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
- Use dairy-free ranch dressing and omit bacon bits for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. The cucumbers may release moisture over time, so stir well before serving again. This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Chilling enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the bacon bits and ranch dressing you use are gluten-free, this salad is safe for a gluten-free diet.
PrintEasy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe
This Easy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a fresh, creamy, and crunchy dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed with ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and optional bacon bits, it’s a simple yet flavorful salad that comes together quickly. Chilling the salad enhances the tangy and refreshing flavors, making it an ideal side dish or light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bacon bits (optional)
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly, leaving the skin on for added texture and color or peeling if you prefer. Thin slices ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, fresh contrast to the creamy dressing and cucumbers.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sliced cucumbers, red onions, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits if using. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour 1 cup of ranch dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components in the creamy ranch dressing.
- Season It Right: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to your preference. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
- Let It Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly crisp when served.
Notes
- Chill Time is important to blend flavors and keep the salad crisp; don’t skip it.
- Bacon bits can be omitted for a vegetarian version, or replaced with roasted nuts for extra crunch.
- You can use homemade ranch dressing for a fresher flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- To make the recipe vegan, use a dairy-free ranch dressing and omit bacon bits.
- Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can transform this salad into a more substantial meal.
Keywords: Cucumber salad, Ranch dressing salad, Easy salad recipe, Low calorie salad, Quick side dish, Summer salad
