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Cucumber bacon ranch salad

Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad: A Refreshing BBQ Favorite

Cucumber Bacon Ranch Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer BBQs, combining crispy cucumbers, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cucumbers Freshness and crunch; substitute with zucchini for a different texture.
  • 6 slices bacon Adds richness and flavor; use turkey bacon for a leaner option or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Provides sweetness and color; substitute with chopped regular tomatoes if unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup red onion Adds sharpness and zest; substitute with green onions for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Offers creaminess and depth; use a non-dairy cheese for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing Creamy dressing to bind flavors; homemade or store-bought works, use yogurt for a healthier alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill Enhances flavor with herbal notes; substitute with parsley or omit if not available.
  • to taste salt Essential seasoning for flavor adjustment.
  • to taste black pepper Essential seasoning for flavor adjustment.

Equipment

  • medium skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • paper towels

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium skillet, heat over medium heat and add your bacon strips. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then allow it to cool for a few minutes before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. While the bacon cools, take a large mixing bowl and add sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the vegetables together to distribute the colors and textures evenly.
  3. Next, incorporate the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently combine everything without crushing the vegetables.
  4. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients in the bowl. Toss the salad gently until all components are coated with the creamy dressing.
  5. Once the salad is dressed, sprinkle fresh dill over the top, followed by a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Toss it lightly once more to ensure even seasoning throughout the salad.
  6. You can serve the salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes for flavors to meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 10gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Do not freeze as the texture won’t hold up after thawing.

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