Description

A refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad that combines crisp cucumber slices with creamy ranch dressing, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect as a quick side dish or a light snack, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and savory flavors with minimal prep and chilling time.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2–3 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced thin (about ¼ inch thick)
½ cup creamy ranch dressing
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
⅓ cup crispy bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh green onions, chopped

Seasonings

½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried dill weed
Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep Your Vegetables: Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. Chop the green onions finely. If your bacon is not pre-cooked, fry it in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Gently toss together to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Add the Creamy Goodness: Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the cucumber mixture. Sprinkle in garlic powder, dried dill weed, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use salt sparingly since bacon and cheese add saltiness already.
Mix It All Together: Carefully toss all ingredients until every cucumber slice is coated with the ranch dressing and the seasonings are well incorporated, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold and optionally garnish with extra bacon bits or green onions for an added touch.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust ranch dressing quantity to your preference for creaminess.
For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat ranch or cheese varieties.
The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated.
Adding fresh dill instead of dried can intensify the herbaceous notes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for bacon frying)
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cucumber ranch crack salad, cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, bacon cucumber salad, quick side dish