Imagine a refreshing burst of crisp cucumbers mingling with savory bacon and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a luscious dressing that dances on your taste buds. This is what Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese brings to your table. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you crave comfort but also want to keep things light and nutritious. With a delightful blend of flavors and textures, this salad effortlessly combines comfort food with health benefits, making it a standout meal option.
Serving Versatility
What I love most about Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese is its versatility. You can enjoy it in different ways, whether served over fluffy rice, tossed with noodles, hugged inside a wrap, or simply enjoyed on its own for a low-carb treat. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, effortlessly fitting into any meal.
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (or 4 slices bacon, crumbled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a colander. Add a pinch of salt, let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix the sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, and dill until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the drained cucumbers with the creamy dressing until coated.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top, mixing gently if desired.
- Chill for 15 minutes, then serve your Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon & Cheese fresh!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shines for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy evenings. Second, the ingredients are budget-friendly, bringing big flavor without breaking the bank. Plus, you get the cozy taste of bacon and cheese while still enjoying the nutritional benefits of fresh cucumbers. And best of all, this salad is fully customizable you can swap out the cheese or add your favorite herbs to make it your own!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
Cucumber salads are popular in many cultures, often showcasing fresh produce’s simple yet vibrant flavors. The technique of salting cucumbers before mixing them with dressing helps draw out excess water, ensuring a crisp and not watery salad. This makes it delightful every time!
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few fun ways to serve your Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese:
- Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal.
- Toss it with whole wheat pasta to create a delightful pasta salad.
- Spoon it into a whole-grain wrap for a tasty on-the-go lunch.
- Enjoy it solo with some whole-grain crackers for a light snack.
Pro Tips for Success
To get the best flavor from your dressing, mix it in advance and let it sit for a few minutes that way, the flavors can meld beautifully. For a creamy texture, make sure you pat the cucumber slices dry before combining them with the dressing. This will keep your salad from getting soggy!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Creamy Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to make it ahead, I suggest adding the bacon and cheese just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful. There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold.
Closing Paragraph
I hope you’re inspired to whip up this delightful Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese tonight! Its simplicity and vibrant flavors make it a winner, and I can’t wait for you to customize it to your liking. If you try this recipe, please share your experience! Rate it, leave a comment, or tag me on social media I’d love to hear from you!
🎀 Final Thoughts
Cooking brings joy, and I truly believe everyone can find happiness in a simple, homemade dish. So grab your cucumbers and let’s create something delicious together!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits or 4 slices of bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, and dill. Stir until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained cucumbers to the creamy dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the salad. Mix gently if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.