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Easy Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

4.5 from 117 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, fresh contrast to the creamy dressing and cucumbers.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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