This creamy cucumber salad mixes crisp cucumbers with crunchy bacon and cheese for a delicious treat. It’s the perfect side dish for summer barbecues or family dinners!
Who knew salad could be this fun? The salty bacon and cheesy goodness make every bite a little party in your mouth! I love to serve it cold on a hot day—such a refreshing choice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use medium cucumbers for a perfect crunch. If you want a sweeter and crunchier option, consider using Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, so no peeling is needed!
Bacon: Crisp bacon adds wonderful flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too. You could also skip the meat and use crispy chickpeas or coconut bacon for a vegan twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or feta for a tangy flavor. Cream cheese can also work for an extra creamy texture.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill brightens the salad. If you don’t have fresh, use dried dill, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Chives or parsley can be great substitutes too!
How Do You Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
The dressing is key to this salad, and making it just right is simple! Start by mixing the sour cream and mayonnaise for a base that’s creamy yet not too heavy. Then add vinegar for that tangy kick and sugar to balance it out. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Whisk until smooth!
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper together.
- Adjust your seasoning—if you like it tangier, add more vinegar!
Chilling the salad helps develop the flavors, so giving it at least 30 minutes in the fridge is a must. It’ll taste even better after resting!
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 10-15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve—perfect for a refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will form the delicious base of your dressing!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the sliced cucumbers and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss gently to make sure all the cucumber slices are evenly coated in the dressing. This step makes your salad super flavorful!
3. Mix in the Yummy Ingredients:
Now it’s time to stir in most of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the salad. Save a little bit of the bacon and cheese for garnishing at the end. Mix everything gently to keep the cucumbers intact!
4. Add Fresh Dill:
Add in the fresh chopped dill and give it another gentle mix. This will add a burst of fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
5. Chill Time:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This is when the flavors will meld, and the cucumbers will get nice and crisp!
6. Garnish & Serve:
Before you serve the salad, give it a quick stir to mix things up again. Garnish with the reserved bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, extra dill, and lemon zest if you’d like. Serve it cold as a refreshing side dish with any meal!
This creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is not only easy to make, but it also balances flavors wonderfully. Enjoy your delicious, refreshing salad for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It will add a nice creaminess and a bit of tang to the salad, making it a healthier option! Just make sure to use plain Greek yogurt for the best results.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch. You can also experiment with adding roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
Can I Prep This Salad a Day in Advance?
Yes, you can! This salad tastes even better after resting, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be aware that the cucumbers may release some water as they sit, so give it a quick stir before enjoying it again!
