Name: Cucumber Ranch Salad: The Ultimate Creamy & Crisp Side Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers (thinly sliced); 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

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Meet your new favorite side dish: the ultimate Cucumber Ranch Salad. This recipe is refreshingly simple, incredibly quick to prepare, and bursting with crisp, creamy flavor. Whether you need a last-minute addition to a weeknight dinner or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this salad delivers. We’ve perfected the balance of cool cucumber, zesty red onion, and a rich, homemade ranch dressing that ties it all together. Forget the store-bought stuff; this is the fresh, vibrant side you’ll be making all summer long.

This isn’t just any cucumber salad. It’s a versatile classic that pairs perfectly with almost any main course, from grilled chicken to hearty burgers. We’ll show you how to get the crispiest cucumbers and the most flavorful dressing in just a few simple steps.

A spoonful of Cucumber Ranch Salad being lifted from a bowl, showcasing the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions in the homemade ranch dressing. — Ready to be served! This salad is the perfect side for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Ranch Salad Recipe

Incredibly Fast: This entire salad comes together in about 15 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy days.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, you can create a side dish that tastes gourmet.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy ranch, crisp cucumbers, and a hint of zesty onion is universally loved. It’s a go-to for family dinners, BBQs, and potlucks.
Highly Customizable: We’ll share some fun variations below, but this base recipe is fantastic as is or ready for your creative additions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cucumber Ranch Salad lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal here. They have thin skin, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture that holds up well in the dressing.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp, zesty bite that cuts through the creaminess of the ranch. Thinly sliced is the way to go.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our homemade ranch. Use a good quality, full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a delightful tang and lightens up the dressing. Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a little extra protein.
Fresh Dill: Absolutely essential for that classic ranch flavor. Its bright, herbaceous notes make the salad taste incredibly fresh.
Fresh Chives: Adds a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the dill perfectly.
Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to round out the dressing.

How to Make The Best Cucumber Ranch Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously refreshing salad every single time.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and drying your cucumbers. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. Next, thinly slice your red onion. If you want to mellow out the onion’s bite, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry.

Step 2: Whisk the Homemade Ranch Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh chopped dill, fresh chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing is the heart of the salad, so make it shine!

An extreme close-up shot of the Cucumber Ranch Salad, showing the creamy texture of the dressing coating the crisp cucumber slices. — The perfect blend of creamy, cool, and crisp.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated in that creamy ranch goodness. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is perfectly cool and refreshing.

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the salad is crucial. It allows the cucumbers to marinate in the dressing, deepening the flavor and ensuring a crisp, cool bite.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh dill and chives make a world of difference in the homemade ranch dressing. Their vibrant flavor is unbeatable.
Slice Uniformly: Try to slice your cucumbers to a similar thickness. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the salad and makes for a better eating experience.

Creative Variations for Your Cucumber Salad

While this simple Cucumber Ranch Salad is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Bacon: For a salty, savory crunch, add some crispy, crumbled bacon right before serving. It’s a delicious twist that reminds me of these tasty Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts.
Include Tomatoes: Halved cherry or grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a little kick.
Make it a Meal: Turn this side into a light lunch by adding some shredded rotisserie chicken. For a heartier option, check out this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole which pairs wonderfully.

What to Serve with Cucumber Ranch Salad

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to spicy dishes and a refreshing addition to grilled favorites.

Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers. Try it with these easy cheeseburger sliders.
Barbecue Favorites: A must-have side for pulled pork, ribs, and BBQ chicken.
Spicy Dishes: Serve it with anything that has a little heat, like Cajun Steak Pasta or spicy tacos, to cool the palate.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made for the crispiest texture. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will release some water and soften over time, but it will still be delicious. If you want to prep ahead, you can slice the vegetables and make the dressing separately, storing them in different containers. Then, simply combine them about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve.

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A Refreshing Salad for Any Occasion

This Cucumber Ranch Salad recipe is a true keeper. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Once you try this creamy homemade ranch dressing, you’ll never go back to the bottled version again. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!