Classic Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe
A refreshing and savory Classic Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad combining crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing seasoned with dill and red onion. Perfect as a light side dish or snack with a delightful crunch and rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (except bacon), mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced (English or Persian cucumbers preferred)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
Dairy
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Meat
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (4–5 slices)
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook and crumble bacon: Crisp the bacon in a pan or microwave until fully cooked and crispy, then crumble into small pieces and allow to cool.
- Slice cucumbers: Cut cucumbers into ¼-inch rounds. No need to peel if using English or Persian cucumbers.
- Make ranch dressing: Stir together sour cream and dry ranch seasoning mix in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
- Add dressing and mix: Pour the ranch dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use English or Persian cucumbers as their thinner skin means no peeling necessary and they remain crisp.
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning mix according to your taste preference.
- The salad can be prepared ahead and chilled; allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving for deeper flavor infusion.
- To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving if preparing in advance.
- For a healthier twist, use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, ranch salad, bacon salad, easy side dish, summer salad
