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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad: Your New Summer Favorite

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing summer dish combining crispy cucumbers, savory bacon, and creamy ranch dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups fresh cucumbers Choose firm cucumbers for best texture.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Regular tomatoes can be used if halved or diced.
  • 1/4 cup red onion Chop finely to avoid overpowering the salad.
  • 6 slices cooked bacon Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to swap for crumbled feta for a different flavor profile.
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup ranch dressing A vinaigrette or Greek yogurt dressing can be used for a different taste.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Opt for full-fat for richer flavor; Greek yogurt makes a great substitute.
Optional Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley Use these herbs interchangeably or together for added flavor.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by rinsing the fresh cucumbers under cool running water to remove any dirt. Once clean, pat them dry with a paper towel and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Next, rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and slice them in half. Gently add the halved tomatoes to the mixing bowl with the cucumbers.
  3. Finely chop a small amount of red onion and add it to the bowl, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then chop and add to the mixing bowl.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and sour cream until smooth.
  7. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently yet thoroughly until evenly coated.
  8. Add salt and pepper to taste, blending the flavors further.
  9. Cover the salad and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best flavor experience, ingredients can be prepped separately. Experiment with add-ins like bell peppers or avocado for customization.

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