Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups thinly sliced English cucumbers (about 2 medium cucumbers)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade—see note below)
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (Ritz or similar)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Substitution suggestions: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap bacon for toasted sunflower seeds or smoked paprika roasted chickpeas for that smoky crunch. For the ranch dressing, a Greek yogurt version works beautifully and adds a nice tang while keeping it light.
Instructions
- Start by slicing your cucumbers thinly—my grandma taught me that thinner slices soak up dressing better and keep a lovely crunch. I like using a mandoline for this step, but a sharp knife works just fine.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and finely chopped red onion.
- Add the cooked, crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. The cheddar brings that comforting, melty flavor I remember from family dinners around the table.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture. Use a spoon to gently fold everything together, making sure each piece is lightly coated but not swimming in dressing.
- Gently mix in the crushed buttery crackers last—this keeps them from getting soggy. I learned this trick from a summer picnic where soggy crackers were a sad affair. This way, the salad stays crunchy and fresh until serving time.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. If you’re using fresh dill, sprinkle it over the top for that added burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I often prepare this the night before family gatherings, and it’s just as delicious the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
