Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary cucumbers into an irresistible salad. This refreshing salad features creamy ranch dressing, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and savory cheese, creating an addictive blend of flavors that you won’t be able to resist. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad is a perfect choice for warm days and summer gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad
This cucumber ranch salad is not just delicious; it’s packed with benefits! Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Light and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables.
- Rich in flavors, thanks to the creamy ranch dressing.
- A great option for healthy eating, being a healthy cucumber ranch salad.
- Perfect for parties and gatherings—everyone will love it!
This salad is part of American Cuisine and can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients for Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad
Gather these items:
- 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled beef bacon
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Make Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash and dice the cucumbers (peeling is optional for English or Persian varieties, recommended for garden cucumbers). Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked, crumbled beef bacon.
- Step 3: Pour the ranch dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. If using, add the chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for optimal crispness. If preparing ahead, combine just before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the ranch dressing to your taste preferences.
- If you want to add a twist, try incorporating cucumber salad with avocado for creaminess!
Best Ways to Serve Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad
This salad shines at gatherings and summer barbecues. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It’s also perfect as a cucumber ranch salad for parties where guests can help themselves!
How to Store and Reheat Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad
For the best experience, enjoy your salad immediately. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember that the cucumbers will release water, so it’s better to combine the dressing just before serving. This easy cucumber ranch salad is great for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad
What is cucumber ranch salad?
Cucumber ranch salad is a refreshing dish made with cucumbers, ranch dressing, and assorted vegetables. It’s a popular choice for summer meals due to its lightness and flavor.
Can I make Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance, but mix in the dressing right before serving to maintain crispness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad?
To avoid sogginess, don’t dress the salad too early. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Also, ensure your ingredients are as fresh as possible for the best taste.
Variations of Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad You Can Try
Experiment with these delicious variations:
- Cucumber ranch salad with tomatoes for added sweetness.
- Try a cucumber ranch salad with herbs for an aromatic touch.
- Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
These variations are not only fun but also keep this salad exciting every time you make it!
For more delicious salad recipes, check out our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil. You can also explore Caprese Salad for a fresh twist!
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Addicting Cucumber Ranch Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This irresistible ‘crack’ salad features refreshing cucumbers, creamy ranch, and savory additions for an addictive blend of flavors and textures, perfect as a vibrant side or light lunch.
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled beef bacon
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice the cucumbers (peeling is optional for English or Persian varieties, recommended for garden cucumbers). Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked, crumbled beef bacon.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. If using, add the chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for optimal crispness. If preparing ahead, combine just before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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