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Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad

This light and creamy salad features crunchy cucumbers, tangy ranch dressing, and addictive cracker toppings, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced English cucumbers work great for fewer seeds.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Swap for diced roma tomatoes if you prefer.
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced Soak briefly in cold water to tame the bite.
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed For poppy sweetness — or use diced bell pepper.
Dairy and Sauces
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For a lighter version, use reduced-fat or feta.
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Plain Greek yogurt is a tangy, healthier swap.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Or more Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix Or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning.
Crunchy Toppings
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers Or fried crispy onions for that 'crack' factor (gluten-free crackers work too).
Garnish
  • Fresh dill and chives, chopped For garnish.
  • Salt and black pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash cucumbers and thinly slice them into coins.
  2. Place slices in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
  4. Add thawed peas and shredded cheddar to the cucumbers.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch dressing packet until smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Combining
  1. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Just before serving, fold in the crushed crackers or sprinkle over the top.
Chilling
  1. Sprinkle chopped dill and chives over the salad.
  2. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
Serving
  1. Give one final gentle toss and plate.
  2. The salad should be cool, creamy, and satisfyingly crunchy.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use plant-based mayo and yogurt. For more crunch, add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped radish.