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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish featuring crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing enhanced with fresh dill. Perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or as a tasty light lunch, this salad is easy to prepare, customizable, and delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

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 and Dairy

  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Dressing and Seasonings

  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes to ensure they blend well into the salad.
  2. Chop the Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add a sharp, zesty crunch that balances the creamy elements of the salad.
  3. Cook the Bacon: If using raw bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it into small bits.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Add Bacon and Cheese: Incorporate the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into the vegetable mixture, blending the flavors and textures together.
  6. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients. Add the chopped fresh dill and stir thoroughly until every piece is well-coated with the dressing.
  7. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed based on your personal preference.
  8. Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully and enhance the overall taste.
  9. Toss Before Serving: Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Notes

  • Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
  • For a lighter dressing, substitute traditional ranch with a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
  • Add extra crunch by including chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
  • Make the salad a few hours ahead, but add the bacon just before serving to keep it crisp.
  • Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
  • Do not freeze the salad due to fresh ingredients; instead, store components separately if preparing in advance.
  • Use a beautiful serving bowl and garnish with extra dill, cheese, or bacon for an attractive presentation.
  • Serve chilled and pair as a side with grilled chicken, burgers, or your favorite protein.

Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Ranch Dressing, Bacon Salad, Easy Summer Salad, Low Carb Salad, Gluten-Free Salad, Picnic Salad, Fresh Dill Salad

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cucumber-ranch-crack-salad-recipe/