Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumbers, tangy ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This versatile salad can be made vegetarian by substituting bacon with crispy chickpeas and is ideal as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 English cucumbers (or regular cucumbers if unavailable), thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
Dairy and Dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, yogurt-based for lighter version)
Protein and Herbs
- 4 slices crispy bacon (or turkey bacon or 1/2 cup crispy chickpeas for vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried herbs as substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds or half-moons according to your preference. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl to serve as the base of the salad.
- Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. If using turkey bacon or chickpeas, prepare accordingly to achieve crispiness.
- Add chopped vegetables: Chop the green onions and dice the bell peppers. Add these fresh veggies to the bowl with the cucumbers, enhancing texture and color.
- Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cucumber and vegetable mixture to add savory richness.
- Dress the salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors without mashing the cucumbers to maintain their crunch.
- Add bacon and herbs: Mix in the crumbled crispy bacon along with the fresh dill or parsley. Toss lightly again to evenly distribute these flavorful components. Taste the salad and season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors.
- Chill and serve: For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the salad cold and enjoy this refreshing dish.
Notes
- Use yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter, healthier option.
- Substitute crispy chickpeas for bacon to make the salad vegetarian.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper after mixing to suit your taste preferences.
- Letting the salad chill enhances the melding of flavors and texture.
