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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad

Section: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

This salad combines crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and green onions in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s quick to make, requires no cooking, and is perfect for hot weather or casual gatherings. The addictive flavor comes from the contrast of textures—cool, crunchy, creamy, and savory all in one. Best chilled before serving, this dish improves as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks. Its forgiving measurements and flexible ingredients make it easy to adapt and personalize. It’s a refreshing, satisfying side that’s sure to disappear fast.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:28:38 GMT
A cucumber ranch crack salad with bacon. Bookmark
A cucumber ranch crack salad with bacon. | ioanacooks.com

This cucumber ranch crack salad earned its name because I literally could not stop eating it once I started and apparently neither could anyone else who tried it. It began as a way to use up a pile of cucumbers from a neighbor's garden but quickly turned into my most requested dish for every gathering. The combination of cool crisp cucumbers with creamy ranch tangy cheddar smoky bacon and fresh green onions created something far beyond the sum of its parts. Now I double the recipe every time and still end up with an empty bowl.

I first whipped this up during a last-minute cookout and it completely stole the show. Now it is my default recipe when I need something quick that people will rave about.

A dish of cucumber ranch crack salad. Bookmark
A dish of cucumber ranch crack salad. | ioanacooks.com

Ingredients

  • Fresh cucumbers: Choose firm ones with smooth skins and slice about a quarter-inch thick to keep them crunchy
  • Good ranch dressing: Use high-quality refrigerated dressing or homemade for the richest flavor
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Go for a strong variety that can hold its own with the bacon and ranch
  • Real bacon pieces: Cook and crumble your own or use good quality pre-cooked bits for convenience
  • Fresh green onions: Slice both the white and some green parts to add flavor and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep your cucumbers right:
Wash and slice your cucumbers into rounds about a quarter-inch thick. Leave the skin on for color and texture unless it is too tough. If the cucumbers are oversized and seedy scoop out some of the seeds to reduce moisture.
Get everything ready:
Chop the green onions finely. If using fresh bacon cook and let it cool completely before crumbling. Measure out or shred your cheddar cheese.
Combine the base ingredients:
Place cucumbers shredded cheese crumbled bacon and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
Add the flavor magic:
Pour ranch dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle with garlic powder dried dill salt and pepper. Start light on the seasonings and adjust to taste.
Mix until everything is coated:
Use clean hands or a big spoon to toss gently until the dressing covers all the cucumber slices and the mix-ins are evenly distributed.
Let it chill and meld:
Refrigerate the salad for ten to fifteen minutes to let the flavors blend. It is delicious right away but resting brings out the full richness of the dish.

Storage Tips

Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. It is best on day one or two while the cucumbers are crisp. Stir before serving to redistribute dressing. If it looks too watery you can drain a bit but that dressing will be extra flavorful.

A cucumber ranch crack salad with bacon. Bookmark
A cucumber ranch crack salad with bacon. | ioanacooks.com

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick or use feta for something more tangy. Greek yogurt ranch makes it lighter and fresh herbs like parsley or dill give it brightness. Try cherry tomatoes corn or sunflower seeds to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in a big bowl with a spoon or scoop onto individual plates. It pairs well with grilled chicken ribs or pulled pork and shines next to picnic classics like baked beans and macaroni salad. For presentation scatter extra bacon and green onion on top.

Cultural Context

This salad fits right into the tradition of simple American potluck dishes that use humble ingredients to create something wildly craveable. Like many great Southern side dishes it blends cool creamy textures with bold savory accents to balance out richer meats or spicy barbecue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Why is it called crack salad?

It gets this nickname because it's so addictive—once you start eating it, you can't stop! The flavors are incredibly craveable.

→ How long does this salad keep?

It's best eaten fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

→ What type of cucumbers work best?

Regular slicing cucumbers are great, but English cucumbers stay crunchier longer and have fewer seeds.

→ Can I substitute the ranch dressing?

Yes! Caesar, blue cheese, or a light vinaigrette can all be used as tasty alternatives depending on your preference.

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad

Chilled cucumber salad with ranch, bacon, cheese, and green onion in every crave-worthy bite.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
~
Overall Time
10 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Salads

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves (1 large bowl)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb Friendly, No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Salad Base

Ingredient 01 4 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Ingredient 02 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
Ingredient 03 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup real bacon pieces, cooked and crumbled

→ Dressing & Seasoning

Ingredient 05 1/2 cup high-quality ranch dressing
Ingredient 06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 07 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
Ingredient 08 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Ingredient 09 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Wash cucumbers and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Leave skin on for texture and color. Remove seeds if cucumbers are overly large or seedy.

Step 02

Finely chop green onions, shred cheddar cheese if using a block, and crumble cooked bacon once cooled.

Step 03

Place sliced cucumbers, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions into a large mixing bowl. Toss lightly to distribute evenly.

Step 04

Pour ranch dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle in garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper. Start with less seasoning and adjust to taste.

Step 05

Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing, being careful not to crush the cucumbers.

Step 06

Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold for best texture and taste.

Extra Tips

  1. For optimal flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator before serving. The dressing will absorb into the cucumbers and improve the texture.
  2. Use a high-quality ranch dressing for best results. Homemade or refrigerated-section options are ideal.
  3. Add-ins like cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or sunflower seeds can provide additional color, texture, and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon or tongs

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, ranch dressing)
  • Contains pork (bacon)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 215
  • Total Fat: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 6 grams
  • Protein Amount: 7 grams