Whether you’re craving a lighter lunch or need the perfect fresh side to balance out something rich, Mother Earth’s Ranch Salad delivers on all fronts. This salad is a love letter to the produce aisle — crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together.
It’s a breeze to throw together, making it perfect for weeknights, cookouts, and quick work-from-home lunches. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable while still hitting that creamy, crunchy sweet spot every time.
Why I Love This Recipe
✅ Fast and easy – Ready in just 5 minutes
✅ Full of texture – Crisp greens + crunchy croutons + creamy dressing
✅ Simple ingredients – No special trips to the store
✅ A classic crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves ranch
✅ Perfect side dish – Balances out heavier mains
Ingredients
🥬 2 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, spring mix—your choice)
🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
🧴 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
🍞 ½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Optional add-ins: red onion, shredded carrots, sunflower seeds, bacon bits
Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies
Wash and dry your greens, slice the cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Toss It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
3. Dress and Serve
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat. Top with croutons for that perfect crunch.
Tips for Success
- Use cold ingredients for a super refreshing bite.
- Toss dressing last-minute to keep the croutons crunchy.
- Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or a hard-boiled egg.
Serving Suggestions
Mother Earth’s Ranch Salad is a total team player—it complements bold, rich dishes beautifully. Here’s what I love pairing it with:
- This One-Pan Breakfast Bake – make brunch complete with a fresh bite
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – easy crowd-pleaser with salad on the side
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip – balance all that creamy cheese
- This Beer Cheese Dip – salad + dip = game night win
- This Dorito Casserole – bold, cheesy, and begging for a crisp side
Storage Tips
- Best fresh: This salad is made for same-day eating.
- Want to prep ahead? Store chopped veggies separately and mix with dressing and croutons just before serving.
- Leftovers? Toss soggy croutons and add a fresh handful when re-serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This One-Pan Breakfast Bake
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- This Beer Cheese Dip
Final Thoughts
There’s something grounding about a salad that gets the basics just right — and Mother Earth’s Ranch Salad does exactly that. It’s not fancy, but it’s fabulous in its simplicity. Great greens, juicy veggies, creamy dressing, and a good crunch — what more could you ask for?
Make it your own, serve it on the side or as a main, and don’t forget to drop your own twists in the comments!
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