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Cucumber ranch salad: creamy, irresistible crack salad recipe.
Lady Maria

Cucumber Ranch Delight: The Crack Salad You’ll Crave All Summer

This ultra-creamy Cucumber Ranch Delight is the salad that disappears first at every gathering — tangy, crunchy, and totally addictive. It’s the ultimate BBQ side or weekday lunch you'll crave again and again!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium cucumbers (English or Persian preferred)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional)

Equipment

  • Colander
  • mandoline slicer or knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • paper towels or salad spinner

Method
 

  1. Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Peel if using regular cucumbers; leave skin on for English or Persian cucumbers.
  2. Slice cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife (about 1/8 inch thick).
  3. Place slices in a colander and sprinkle with 1 tbsp salt. Let sit for 30–60 minutes to release moisture.
  4. While cucumbers drain, whisk together sour cream, mayo, buttermilk, ranch mix (or homemade seasoning), dill, parsley, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with extra salt, vinegar, or herbs as needed.
  6. Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water. Then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels or spin dry.
  7. Add dried cucumber slices to a large bowl and pour ranch dressing over. Toss gently to coat.
  8. Add optional red onion and bacon if desired. Fold in gently.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Salt and drain cucumbers well to prevent a watery salad. Dry them completely. Use fresh herbs if possible and chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Add red onion or crumbled bacon to boost flavor. Great for potlucks, BBQs, or picnics!