Description
This Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed side dish featuring fresh cucumbers, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch dressing. It’s a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe—perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2-3 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
- Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Chop the green onions into small pieces. If needed, cook bacon until crispy and crumble into small bits.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle in garlic powder, dried dill weed, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Be cautious with salt as bacon and cheese add flavor.
- Toss everything gently until the cucumbers are well coated and flavors are evenly mixed.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled, garnished with extra bacon bits or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use light ranch dressing and turkey bacon.
- Make ahead for deeper flavor—chill up to 2 hours before serving.
- Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or chopped bell pepper for color.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg