Description
A crisp and refreshing cucumber ranch crack salad perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This recipe combines cool cucumbers, creamy ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon with fresh veggies and herbs for a flavorful, easy-to-make salad that pleases every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 2 English cucumbers (or regular cucumbers if unavailable)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, yogurt-based for lighter version)
Protein
- 6 slices crispy bacon (or turkey bacon or 1/2 cup crispy chickpeas for vegetarian option)
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them into thin rounds or half-moons based on your preference. Place the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. When cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Vegetables: While the bacon cools, finely chop the green onions and dice the bell peppers. Add these chopped vegetables to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cucumber and veggie mixture.
- Mix Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to combine well, taking care not to mash or crush the cucumbers.
- Combine Bacon and Herbs: Add the crumbled bacon along with the fresh or dried herbs to the salad. Mix lightly again to distribute all the flavors evenly. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor melding, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve the salad chilled and enjoy the refreshing, crunchy texture and savory taste.
Notes
- Use yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter, tangier version.
- Substitute crispy chickpeas or turkey bacon for a vegetarian or lower-fat option.
- Letting the salad chill enhances the flavor integration significantly.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- If using regular cucumbers, peeling is optional depending on preference.
