Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
This salad is a perfect balance of crisp cucumbers, smoky bacon, creamy dressing, and cheesy goodness. It’s refreshing yet indulgent, making it a great side dish for barbecues, lunches, or light dinners.
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes (for bacon)
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
For the salad:
3 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or regular)
6 slices turkey bacon or regular bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare cucumbers:
Slice cucumbers thinly. For extra crunch, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Cook bacon:
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
Make dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble salad:
In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, bacon, cheese, and red onion.
Add dressing:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Garnish & chill:
Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes & Tips
Prevent sogginess: Salt cucumbers lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess water before mixing.
Cheese options: Try mozzarella, feta, or Colby Jack for different flavors.
Make it lighter: Use all Greek yogurt and reduce mayo.
Extra crunch: Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
Serving tip: Best served chilled and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for best texture, add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 days, though cucumbers may release water over time.
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
A: It already is! Just ensure your dressing ingredients are low-carb.
Q: Can I skip mayonnaise?
A: Yes, replace it fully with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220–260 kcal
Protein: 10–12 g
Carbohydrates: 5–7 g
Fiber: 1–2 g
Fat: 18–20 g
Sugar: 3–4 g
Sodium: 400–500 mg