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Cucumber bacon ranch salad

Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad: A Crunchy Summer Delight

Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad is a refreshing, crunchy dish perfect for summer BBQs with crispy bacon and vibrant vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 medium Cucumbers Fresh and crunchy; try pickling cucumbers for extra crispness.
  • 6 slices Bacon Adds a savory crunch; swap for turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Sweet and tangy; halved regular tomatoes can work in a pinch.
  • ¼ medium Red Onion Offers sharpness and vibrant color; use green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Brings creaminess; crumbled feta can be a flavorful substitute.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Dill Elevates the herbaceous flavor; dried dill works as a backup if fresh isn’t available.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Ranch Dressing Creamy and tangy to bind everything together; consider light ranch or homemade for dietary preferences.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and allow it to cool slightly before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. While the bacon cools, wash and slice 2 medium cucumbers into half-moons. Cut 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and halved tomatoes with ¼ thinly sliced red onion.
  3. Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together.
  4. Pour approximately ½ cup of ranch dressing over the salad mix, and gently toss until the dressing is evenly distributed.
  5. Sprinkle a handful of fresh dill on top for added flavor and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently one last time.
  6. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best taste and freshness, serve the salad immediately after assembling it. If preparing ahead, keep bacon separate until serving.

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