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Classic Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe

Classic Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

A refreshing and savory Classic Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar, bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick side dish or light snack.

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)

Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bacon: Crisp the bacon in a pan or microwave, then crumble it into small pieces and let it cool completely to avoid wilting the other ingredients.
  2. Slice the cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers into ¼-inch rounds. No need to peel if using English or Persian cucumbers.
  3. Make the ranch dressing: Stir together sour cream and dry ranch seasoning mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring even flavor distribution.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, and fresh dill.
  5. Add dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and gently mix everything until well coated.
  6. Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use English or Persian cucumbers as they are less bitter and have fewer seeds.
  • Chilling the salad for 10–15 minutes allows flavors to meld nicely.
  • To lighten the dish, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
  • Adjust the quantity of dill and onion to suit your taste preferences.
  • Omit bacon for a vegetarian version, or use plant-based bacon alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, ranch salad, bacon salad, cheddar salad, easy side dish, quick salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/classic-cucumber-ranch-crack-salad-recipe/