Description
This refreshing Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is the perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. Easy to make and quick to prepare, it’s a flavorful side dish or light meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 English cucumbers (or regular cucumbers if unavailable), thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried dill or parsley)
Dressing and Dairy
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, yogurt-based for lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Protein
- 6 slices crispy bacon (or turkey bacon or 1 cup crispy chickpeas for vegetarian option)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons based on your preference. Place all sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Vegetables: While the bacon cools, chop the green onions and bell peppers. Add them to the cucumber-filled bowl.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cucumber and vegetable mixture.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine everything without mashing the cucumbers.
- Combine Bacon and Herbs: Add the crumbled bacon and fresh herbs to the bowl. Mix lightly to incorporate all flavors. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor melding, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold and enjoy this crisp, flavorful salad!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute crispy bacon with crispy chickpeas.
- Use yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter, healthier alternative.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor but it can be served immediately in a pinch.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add freshness, but dried herbs can be used if fresh are not available.
- Adjust the amount of ranch dressing to your preference for creaminess.
