Ranch style viral cucumber salad

The next viral cucumber salad (or it should be)

I know, I know…another viral cucumber recipe. But trust me, this one definitely deserves the viral status. 

This cucumber shaker salad is one of those recipes that looks almost too simple, but sometimes simplicity is best. Sometimes just a good combo of ingredients and a vigorous shake can produce the most addictive side going. 

To explain in a little more detail we’ve got thinly sliced cucumber, homemade creamy ranch-style dressing with sour cream, mayo, buttermilk, garlic, onion powder and loads of fresh chives and a container (for all that shaking). 

Why the cucumber shaker salads are going viral

I think 50% down to the incredible taste and 50% down to how simple it is and the fact that you can let out some anger 

Instead of whisking a dressing in a separate bowl, everything goes into one container with a tight-fitting lid. Give it a proper shake and the dressing emulsifies while coating every single slice of cucumber.

It’s basically the salad equivalent of a cocktail shaker… and I’m very into it.

The secret to the crunch

For the best texture, mix the salad just before serving. Don’t let it sit for ages. 

Cucumbers naturally release water as they sit, so if you make it too far ahead, the dressing can become a little thinner and we don’t want that. Keep the sliced cucumber and dressing separate if you’re prepping in advance, then shake everything together when you’re ready to eat.

An even bigger shortcut…

If you want this recipe to be even quicker, you can use a ready-made ranch dressing. Just thin it out a little with a splash of milk or buttermilk until it has a pourable consistency that we’re after, then shake it through the cucumber. Same feel, but even less effort. 

What to serve with?

This cucumber shaker salad is perfect alongside one of the following options:

• Burgers and hot dogs (check out my BBQ series over on YouTube)
• BBQ chicken or grilled halloumi
• Crispy smashed potatoes
• Air fryer wings
• Salmon or grilled prawns
• Sandwiches and wraps as a bit of a side salad

FAQs

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

You can, but for the crunchiest cucumber it’s best to shake everything together just before serving. The dressing can be made ahead and kept in the fridge.

What type of cucumber is best?

Any really! Mini cucumbers have fewer seeds if you prefer that, but a regular cucumber works perfectly too.

Can I use bottled ranch dressing?

Yesss. Use your fave ranch dressing and thin it with a splash of milk or buttermilk so it coats the cucumber evenly.

How long does cucumber shaker salad last?

It’s best eaten on the day it’s made, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The cucumber will soften slightly as it sits so prepare fresh if you can. 

Can I make it lighter?

You can swap the sour cream for Greek yoghurt and use a lighter mayonnaise if you’d prefer a lower-fat version. But typically, we don’t do low fat here! 

What can I add to it?

Oooh I love crispy bacon bits, grated parmesan, dill, sliced spring onions or jalapeños to bulk it out even more.