The 10-minute cucumber salad that goes with everything

And it’s guaranteed to disappear first at the potluck.

Summer calls for quick, easy sides to pair with fresh-off-the-grill proteins and round out potluck spreads. If you’re looking for an incredibly simple and crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than Million Dollar Cucumber Salad. 

Made with just eight ingredients already in your fridge and pantry, it’s somehow both refreshing and hearty. The combination of crisp cucumbers and creamy ranch is versatile enough to pair with just about anything gracing your summer table. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes and doesn’t require any marinating time, so it’s ready to serve immediately. 

How To Make Million Dollar Cucumber Salad

If you’re looking for a dead-simple summer salad, you’ll find it in Million Dollar Cucumber Salad. For this easy recipe, English cucumbers are sliced into thin quarter-inch rounds and tossed in a large bowl with garlic powder, freeze-dried dill, salt, and freshly ground pepper. To the seasoned cucumbers, you’ll add the “million dollar” elements: chopped green onions, real bacon bits, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss it all with bottled ranch dressing, and you’re ready to serve. 

Tips and Variations

The Million Dollar Cucumber Salad recipe calls for thin-skinned English cucumbers. Unlike regular cucumbers, they don’t require peeling or seeding, making the prep simple and easy. If you do use regular cucumbers, peel the thicker skin and remove the larger seeds to ensure a similar texture. 

While some reviewers noted that they “sweat” the cucumbers—tossing them with salt and letting their excess moisture drain out before mixing them with the other ingredients —this step isn’t necessary. In my experience, the dish stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy without the extra step of sweating and draining the cucumbers. Even after a couple of days in the fridge, the dish still didn’t have extra water.

One reviewer, Jon Woll, notes that the recipe could benefit from additional acid. To accomplish this, they suggest adding pickled red onions or a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar to the dish to balance it. 

Reviewer Cynthia mentioned swapping out the ranch dressing for fat-free sour cream mixed with ranch powder for a lighter alternative. Of course, using light bottled ranch dressing is another option. 

For a fresh twist, you could swap the freeze-dried dill called for in the recipe for fresh chopped dill—especially if it’s growing in your summer garden. 

What to Serve with Million Dollar Cucumber Salad

With the familiar flavors of herby ranch dressing, smoky bacon bits, tangy sharp cheddar, savory green onions, and fresh dill, Million Dollar Cucumber Salad makes a hearty yet refreshing side dish for summer meals. The creaminess of the dish pairs well with grilled fare from hot dogs and hamburgers to steaks and chicken. Since it’s so rich, we’d avoid serving it alongside other dairy-forward dishes (such as macaroni and cheese or lasagna). 

Praise from the Allrecipes Community

• “I can see how this would go fast at a potluck with very little effort. 5 stars in my book.” —Chef Mo
• “I’ve made plenty of cuke salad and this was far better than the regular sour cream versions. Def keeping this as a go to!” —Cincar 1966
• “The next time you’re looking for an easy but luxurious summer side dish for grilling or a pot luck, look no further than the crowd-pleasing Million Dollar Cucumber Salad.”

Read the original article on Allrecipes