How long can this salad sit before it becomes too watery?

At its freshest this salad is best within the first 30 to 60 minutes after assembly. After that time the cucumbers and tomatoes continue to release moisture even after salting and drying which gradually thins the dressing. Drain off any accumulated liquid and stir before serving if the salad has been sitting for longer than an hour. For best results always assemble the salad as close to serving time as possible.

Can I make the ranch dressing from scratch instead of using a packet?

Absolutely. A simple homemade ranch-style dressing can be made by combining 1 cup of sour cream with 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, half a teaspoon each of dried parsley and black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined and taste, adjusting the herbs and seasoning to your preference. Homemade has a fresher and more herbaceous flavor than the packet version and is well worth making if you have the dried herbs available.

Can I prepare this as a completely vegetarian dish?

Yes easily. Simply omit the bacon and replace it with a topping that provides a similar salty crunchy element. Crispy fried onions from a can, toasted sunflower seeds, roasted salted chickpeas, or seasoned croutons all work beautifully as vegetarian alternatives that provide the textural contrast the bacon would normally contribute. The sour cream ranch dressing and cucumber tomato base are already fully vegetarian.

Cucumber Salad with Bacon Easy Creamy Ranch 20 Minute Side

Name: Cucumber Salad with Bacon The Most Refreshing and Crunchy Summer Side You Will Make
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream; 2 tbsp Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix; 4 cups English Cucumber spiralized or thinly sliced; 2 cups Tomatoes chopped Roma or plum preferred; 4 strips Bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled

Description

The most refreshing and crunchy Cucumber Salad with Bacon made with crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes folded through a creamy ranch sour cream dressing and topped with smoky crumbled bacon. A completely effortless summer side dish ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream

2 tbsp Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix

4 cups English Cucumber spiralized or thinly sliced

2 cups Tomatoes chopped Roma or plum preferred

4 strips Bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled

Instructions

1. Combine sour cream and ranch seasoning mix in a bowl. Stir until completely smooth. Set aside.

2. Spiralize or thinly slice cucumbers. Spread on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.

3. Let cucumbers sit 10 to 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat firmly dry.

4. Chop tomatoes and drain any excess juice on paper towels for a few minutes.

5. Add dried cucumbers and drained tomatoes to the sour cream ranch dressing.

6. Fold gently until vegetables are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Transfer to a serving bowl.

8. Scatter crumbled crispy bacon over the top just before serving.

9. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and crunchiest bacon.

Notes

Always salt and drain cucumbers before adding to the dressing to prevent watery salad.

Add bacon at the very last moment before serving to preserve its crunch.

Store dressed salad refrigerated up to 24 hours. Drain off accumulated liquid before serving.

For make-ahead preparation store dressing vegetables and bacon in separate containers.

Cook bacon until genuinely crispy for the best textural contrast against the creamy dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 175
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cucumber salad with bacon, creamy cucumber salad, bacon cucumber salad, easy summer side dish recipe