The creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is the definition of refreshing comfort. Crisp cucumbers meet a cool and tangy dressing, brought to life by the salty crunch of bacon and the richness of sharp cheddar cheese. This dish blends the freshness of a garden harvest with the indulgence of creamy, savory ingredients.
It’s a go-to summer side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone midday snack. Its simplicity is matched only by its bold flavor, making it a perfect addition to picnics, potlucks, or weekday meals when you want something cold, crunchy, and deeply satisfying.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 red onion, finely sliced
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3/4 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion to the bowl and toss to coat them in the dressing.
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Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle with fresh dill for garnish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes + 30 min chilling
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese: A Cool and Savory Classic
In the heat of summer or the heart of a hearty meal, few dishes offer the kind of satisfying contrast found in a well-made cucumber salad. With its crisp, hydrating base, this version of Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese elevates the humble cucumber with layers of creamy richness, sharp cheddar, and the salty bite of crispy bacon. It’s a recipe that manages to be both nostalgic and indulgent, refreshing enough for a summer day but decadent enough to satisfy a comfort food craving.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a holiday potluck, or just need a quick, flavorful side dish to pair with dinner, this salad delivers. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it might just become a go-to favorite in your seasonal rotation.
A Little History: From Farm Tables to Family Picnics
Cucumber salads have long been a staple in both American and European cuisines. In Germany, dishes like Gurkensalat often combine cucumbers with vinegar, sugar, and dill, creating a tangy and refreshing profile. Meanwhile, in the American South and Midwest, creamier versions using sour cream or mayonnaise became popular in the 20th century, particularly during the boom of backyard cookouts and church potlucks.
The addition of bacon and cheese, while more contemporary, is a natural evolution. Bacon adds crunch and savory depth, while cheddar cheese balances the salad with a touch of sharpness and creaminess. This version is a nod to comfort food traditions but with enough freshness to feel light and lively.
Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each Element Matters
Let’s take a closer look at the core components of this creamy cucumber salad and why they work so well together:
- Cucumbers
The star of the dish. Cucumbers are 95% water, making them hydrating and crisp. For this recipe, English cucumbers or seedless cucumbers work best because they’re less watery and have thinner skins, eliminating the need to peel them.
- Bacon
Crispy bacon adds an irresistible salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the coolness of the cucumbers. The fat from the bacon also helps bind and enhance the flavors of the creamy dressing.
- Cheddar Cheese
Mild or sharp cheddar brings richness and a bold cheesy flavor that balances the acidity of the vinegar and the freshness of the cucumbers. It also adds some color and a satisfying chewiness.
- Red Onion
Sliced thinly, red onions add a sharp, sweet bite that brings a welcome zing to the dish. You can soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the intensity if needed.
- Sour Cream & Mayonnaise
The creamy base. Sour cream offers a pleasant tang, while mayonnaise provides a silky texture. Together, they create a luscious, balanced dressing that coats the ingredients without feeling heavy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
This adds a touch of acidity, helping to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper
A simple seasoning blend, just enough to round out the dish without overpowering the key ingredients. Garlic powder adds a subtle depth that fresh garlic might overpower.
- Fresh Dill
Used as a garnish, dill brings a fresh, herbal note that enhances the cucumbers. It also visually brightens the salad, making it more appetizing.
Texture, Flavor & Balance: Why This Works
The success of this salad lies in its contrast and harmony. Cool meets creamy. Crunch meets smooth. Salty bacon and sharp cheese counter the mildness of cucumbers and the tang of the dressing. Every bite is layered, complex, and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and refreshing without being bland.
Unlike leafy green salads that can wilt or sog out over time, this cucumber salad actually benefits from a bit of chilling, as it allows the flavors to meld together.
What to Serve It With
This cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and can complement a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few pairings to consider:
Perfect Pairings:
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Grilled meats: Chicken thighs, pork chops, burgers, ribs, you name it. The cooling effect of the salad balances out rich, smoky flavors.
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Sandwiches & Wraps: Use this as a side to a BLT, turkey sandwich, or even a pulled pork wrap for lunch or picnics.
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Holiday Meals: It makes a great addition to Easter, 4th of July, or Labor Day spreads.
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Potlucks & BBQs: Since it keeps well chilled, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
You can even enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread or crackers.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad can be made ahead of time, though there are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Chill before serving: A minimum of 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, but overnight chilling works even better.
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Keep it covered: Use an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the bacon from going soft.
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Avoid over-mixing: To keep the cucumbers from breaking down, gently fold the ingredients.
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Add bacon last: If preparing in advance, consider stirring in the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
Stored in the fridge, it will stay good for up to 2–3 days. Beyond that, the cucumbers may start to release too much water, diluting the dressing.
Is It Low Carb? Keto? Gluten-Free?
Yes, to all three! This salad contains no added sugar, no grains, and is naturally gluten-free. It’s ideal for low-carb and keto lifestyles, especially because of the fat content from bacon, sour cream, and cheese.
If you want to make it even lighter or healthier:
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Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
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Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
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Choose a low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
Why You’ll Love It
This creamy cucumber salad is more than just a side, it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. It has the refreshing bite of a summer dish with the indulgent heart of comfort food. It comes together in minutes, requires no cooking beyond frying up some bacon, and appeals to almost every palate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this salad earns its spot on your table.
It’s also endlessly customizable. Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of cayenne. Prefer more crunch? Toss in some chopped celery or radishes. More herbs? Parsley and chives both make great additions.
Conclusion
The Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into something spectacular with the right balance and a bit of care. It’s light enough to enjoy on a summer day, yet rich enough to satisfy comfort food cravings. With its crowd-pleasing flavors, easy prep, and make-ahead convenience, this salad deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
Whether served at a Sunday dinner, a sunny picnic, or a casual lunch, this dish is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s not just a salad; it’s a standout.