The Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad is everything you want in a side dish: cool, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor. The refreshing crunch of fresh cucumbers pairs beautifully with smoky bacon, tangy cheddar cheese, and a rich, savory ranch dressing. It’s a low-carb, high-flavor option that can work as a side or stand proudly on its own.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a weeknight favorite, this salad takes just minutes to throw together but leaves a lasting impression. The fresh dill and green onions add brightness to balance the creamy dressing, and you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re on a keto journey or just want something crisp and delicious, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, sliced
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
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1/2 cup chopped green onions
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1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the dressing.
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In a large bowl, add sliced cucumbers, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and dill.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve chilled as a side dish or a refreshing salad on its own.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for bacon if needed) | Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling time
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad Bliss – A Chilled Side Dish You’ll Crave Again and Again
When it comes to dishes that check all the right boxes, easy to make, bursting with flavor, low in carbs, and universally loved,few recipes do it quite like the Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, fresh, and absolutely addictive (in the best way possible). Whether you’re prepping a summer picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just trying to spice up a weekday lunch, this salad fits seamlessly into nearly every occasion.
At first glance, the name might raise an eyebrow “Crack Salad”? But that quirky name isn’t about ingredients; it simply refers to how irresistibly delicious this salad is. Once you take a bite, it’s impossible not to go back for more. The magic lies in the perfect harmony of textures and flavors: crisp cucumber slices, creamy ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and the herbaceous bite of fresh green onions and dill. Every forkful delivers a refreshing burst of coolness with a punch of savory richness. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to put together.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
The Creamy Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad has grown in popularity thanks to how adaptable and satisfying it is. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it, too:
1. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This salad comes together in just minutes. With a bit of slicing and stirring, you’ll have a side dish that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
2. No Cooking (Minimal, If Any)
Aside from cooking your bacon, unless you’re using store-bought bits, there’s zero heat involved. That makes it perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing and don’t want to turn on the stove.
3. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
For anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, this salad is a dream. It’s high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs, which aligns perfectly with most low-carb dietary needs.
4. Customizable to Taste
Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, higher-protein version. Prefer your dressing spicy? A dash of hot sauce or cayenne gives it a kick.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
Make it ahead, refrigerate, and let the flavors deepen. It’s even better after sitting for a few hours, making it a top-tier make-ahead side dish.
Ingredient Highlights
Each ingredient in this salad contributes something special, creating a balance that keeps every bite interesting.
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Cucumbers – Crisp, cool, and hydrating. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.
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Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharp and creamy contrast to the freshness of the cucumbers.
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Bacon – Smoky, crispy, and salty, bacon gives this salad its addictive savory element.
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Green Onions – They bring a gentle sharpness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
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Dill – Optional but highly recommended, dill gives the salad a light, herby finish.
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Ranch Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs, garlic, onion, and spices that ties everything together.
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Sour Cream + Mayonnaise – These are the base of the creamy dressing. The sour cream adds tang, while the mayo gives it richness.
Serving Ideas
The Creamy Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad is highly versatile when it comes to pairing. Here are some creative and classic ways to serve it:
– Grill Companion
This salad is a favorite side dish for grilled meats, especially burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or steaks. The creamy texture cuts through smoky meats beautifully.
– Brunch Table Star
Include this on a brunch menu with quiches, deviled eggs, and muffins for a well-rounded spread.
– Stuffed Wraps
Use the salad as a filling inside low-carb wraps, pita pockets, or lettuce boats for a quick lunch option.
– Potluck and BBQ Favorite
Bring this to any gathering and watch it disappear fast. It’s chilled, hearty, and stands out on the buffet table.
– Light Meal on Its Own
Add grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform it into a full meal that’s both satisfying and low-effort.
Tips for Success
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Use Fresh Ingredients: The crispness of fresh cucumbers and the aroma of just-chopped herbs make a big difference.
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Don’t Skip Chilling: While the salad is technically ready after mixing, letting it chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors develop fully.
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Double the Batch: It stores well in the fridge for 2–3 days, so go ahead and make extra. Just keep it in an airtight container.
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Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Benefits
Although it tastes indulgent, this salad has a surprisingly clean nutritional profile:
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Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water and fiber, which aid digestion.
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Sour cream and mayonnaise provide healthy fats, essential for those following keto diets.
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Cheddar cheese adds calcium and protein.
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Bacon, when consumed in moderation, offers flavor and protein.
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Green onions and dill contribute antioxidants and vitamins like A and C.
By adjusting the portion of dressing or swapping some ingredients, it’s easy to scale the salad’s nutrition to fit your goals.
Variations to Try
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
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Add Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado pairs incredibly well with the other ingredients.
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Swap Proteins: Crumbled turkey bacon or diced ham can be great substitutes.
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Fresh Herbs: Try chives, parsley, or cilantro if you’re out of dill.
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Vegan Version: Use vegan bacon, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based mayo to keep it plant-friendly.
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Crunch Factor: Top with sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for texture.
Conclusion
The Creamy Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad isn’t just a side, it’s an experience. With its bold flavors, refreshing crunch, and creamy, rich dressing, it manages to feel indulgent and healthy all at once. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or using it to balance a heavy entrée, this salad delivers.
In an era where recipes can sometimes feel overcomplicated or require obscure ingredients, this dish is a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of meal that reminds us how satisfying simple food can be when each component is chosen with care. So go ahead, grab those cucumbers and whip up this creamy creation. Chances are, once you do, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just as it has in countless others.