This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a cool and crunchy dish, packed with fresh cucumbers, crispy bacon, and rich cheese. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or a tasty side dish!
Who knew salad could be so exciting? The combination of crispy bacon and creamy dressing makes it hard to stop at just one spoonful! I love serving this alongside grilled meats for a crunchy contrast.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers are the star here. I love using English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads. If they are unavailable, any tight-skinned cucumber will work, like Persian cucumbers.
Bacon: You definitely want crispy bacon for texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas instead.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, but you can swap it for other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor. I usually stay with cheddar for its robust taste.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: This creamy dressing gives the salad richness. If you’re watching calories, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for both sour cream and mayo. It adds creaminess without the extra fat!
How Do You Get the Bacon Perfectly Crispy?
Getting crispy bacon is key to this salad’s success. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold bacon in a skillet over medium heat. This helps render the fat slowly.
- Cook it for about 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally until it’s nicely browned.
- Drain on paper towels immediately after cooking to absorb excess grease, which keeps it crispy.
Don’t rush this step! Taking time will reward you with delicious crumbles to add texture. Enjoy this step as part of the preparation!
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For The Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need an additional 30 minutes for it to chill in the fridge, allowing all the delicious flavors to blend together. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on it until it becomes nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain the excess grease. After it cools down, crumble it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the bacon is cooking, slice your cucumbers thinly. You want the slices to be uniform so they mix well with the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing will give your salad a nice creamy texture!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber and cheese mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Add the Bacon and Optional Ingredients:
Next, add the crumbled bacon to the bowl. If you’re using the optional chopped dill and green onions, sprinkle them in as well. Gently toss all the ingredients to combine them nicely without breaking the cucumbers.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes the salad super refreshing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give it a quick stir and serve it chilled as a tasty side dish. You’re all set to enjoy this delicious creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese! It’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
FAQ for Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream and Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for both, providing a tangy flavor and creamy texture while reducing calories. Use the same amount as indicated in the recipe for a healthier twist!
How Do I Keep the Cucumbers Crunchy?
To maintain crispness, make sure to pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels after slicing. This removes excess moisture, preventing the salad from becoming soggy. Enjoy that crunch!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
You can customize the salad further by adding diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even pickles for extra zing. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!
