Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad (Printable Version)
Crisp cucumber, bacon, cheddar and creamy ranch-style dressing with a crunchy topping—ready in 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 cups diced cucumber (about 2 large cucumbers)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Proteins and Dairy
04 - 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 8 slices)
05 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup ranch dressing
→ Crunchy Toppings
09 - 1 cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or gluten-free crackers (optional)
→ Seasonings
10 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# How To Make It:
01 - Place diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions in a large mixing bowl.
02 - Incorporate crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl with the vegetables.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until fully blended and smooth.
04 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Top with crushed potato chips or gluten-free crackers just before serving for added texture.
06 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor before plating.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This is one of those salads that practically begs to be scooped straight from the bowl while you stand at the counter.
- Even the staunchest salad skeptics go back for seconds thanks to the secret duo of ranch and crispy bacon bits.
02 -
- If you add the chips too early, they soak up moisture and lose all crunch—wait until the very last moment.
- I once used pre-cooked bacon bits in a hurry, but it just didn’t have the same savory impact as fresh cooked bacon.
03 -
- Letting the salad chill for 30 minutes really amplifies the ranch and herb flavors.
- Taste the dressing before tossing: adding a squeeze of lemon juice wakes up the whole salad and brightens every bite.