Description
This creamy cucumber ranch crack salad is a quick and easy low carb side dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Featuring crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, red onion, and fresh dill tossed in a smooth ranch dressing made from sour cream and ranch seasoning, it’s a refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced (English or Persian cucumbers preferred)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (4–5 slices)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
Instructions
- Cook and crumble the bacon: Crisp the bacon in a pan or microwave until fully cooked. Once done, crumble the bacon into small pieces and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch rounds. There’s no need to peel them if you are using English or Persian cucumbers.
- Make the ranch dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and dry ranch seasoning mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and dill.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season and serve: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld for extra flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, use English or Persian cucumbers as they are less watery and have thinner skins.
- To save time, bacon can be cooked in the microwave.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed immediately after mixing.
- Adjust the amount of dill according to your taste preference. Fresh dill is preferred for best flavor.
- Make sure bacon is fully cooled before adding to the salad to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for bacon)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Classic Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad, cucumber salad, ranch dressing, bacon salad, low carb salad, summer salads, easy side dish
