Introduction

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing with crispy bacon and shredded cheese. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings or as a tasty side for any meal.

A gray bowl filled with fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has several layers: the bottom layer is thinly sliced round green cucumbers, some sprinkled with small white cheese crumbles. Mixed on top are halved bright red cherry tomatoes and white cheese cubes, all covered in creamy white dressing with green herbs scattered throughout. Thin shaved yellow cheese pieces and small bits of seasoning add texture on top, finished with a small green mint leaf in the center as garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
½ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumbers and halve the tomatoes.
Step 2: Finely chop the red onion for a zesty crunch.
Step 3: Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then crumble it. If pre-cooked, simply crumble.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Step 5: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl.
Step 6: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and add the chopped dill. Stir everything until well coated.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 9: Toss the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Swap traditional ranch dressing with a Greek yogurt-based version for a lighter salad.
Add chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
Make the salad ahead but add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
Try variations like adding fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley), diced fruits (apples, strawberries), or a spicy kick with jalapeños.
For a Mediterranean twist, include feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
Substitute bacon with diced rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for added protein.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Because of the fresh ingredients, it is best enjoyed chilled and within this timeframe. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or serve cold. If prepared ahead, keep dressing and bacon separate until ready to serve for best texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh cucumber salad showing several thin, bright green cucumber slices layered at the bottom and sides, mixed with halved red cherry tomatoes scattered throughout. On top, there are white dollops of creamy dressing dotted with small green herbs and black pepper. Thin light yellow cheese shavings and small bits of crunchy toasted pieces are sprinkled over the salad. The dish is topped with a few fresh green mint leaves, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or goat cheese work well and bring unique flavors to the salad.

How long can I leave this salad out?

For food safety, avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

What if I don’t like ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch with any creamy dressing you prefer, such as blue cheese or a yogurt-based dressing.

How do I make it vegan?

Use tofu or avocado instead of cheese, replace bacon with crispy chickpeas, and choose a plant-based ranch or alternative dressing.

Can this salad be made gluten-free?

Yes, all the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought dressings for gluten-containing additives.