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Recipe 079a87bd2c

Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad

A refreshing and satisfying salad featuring crunchy cucumbers, creamy ranch dressing, and savory turkey bacon, perfect for potlucks and quick family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cucumber, sliced Use English cucumbers for better texture; remove seeds if watery.
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced Soak in cold water for 10 minutes if people dislike raw onion.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Use a mix of red and orange for visual appeal.
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped Fresh dill is essential for flavor; use twice as much dried if necessary.
  • 1/3 cup green onions, sliced Include both white and green parts for flavor.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp or mild cheddar works; adjust based on taste preferences.
  • 1/3 cup turkey bacon bits Use store-bought or crisp raw slices; drain well.

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Substitute with homemade mix if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Use regular or light mayo based on preference.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for lower fat.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers into rounds about 1/4-inch thick.
  • Dice the red onion small enough to avoid overpowering bites. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  • If using raw turkey bacon, crisp it in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain and crumble.
  • Chop the dill and slice the green onions. Combine these with cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, cheddar, and turkey bacon in a large bowl.

Dressing

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
  • Adjust flavor with salt and lemon as needed, then taste before dressing the salad.

Assembly

  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat without squishing tomatoes.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Give the salad a gentle toss before serving and if desired, add a sprinkle of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Tasting the dressing before adding it to the salad is crucial. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor integration.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
Keyword Cucumber Salad, easy salad, Healthy Recipe, Potluck, Ranch Dressing
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