Creamy Cucumber, Bacon, & Cheddar Salad
This salad is best when eaten shortly after preparing, as the salt in the dressing will naturally draw moisture out of the cucumbers over time.
Ingredients
Cucumbers: 3–4 large English or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced (these have thinner skins and fewer seeds, keeping the salad crisper).
Bacon: 6–8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
Cheese: 1–1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Dressing:
1/2 cup sour cream (or a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise for extra richness).
1–2 tablespoons ranch dressing (optional, but adds great flavor).
1 teaspoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar (for a little tang).
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions or red onion for bite.
Instructions
Prep the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, let cool, and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Prep the Cucumbers: Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds. If you have time, place the slices on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat them dry with more paper towels; this helps keep the final salad from getting too watery.
Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or sour cream/mayo blend), ranch dressing, lemon juice/vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Taste and add salt if needed (remember that the bacon and cheese are already salty!).
Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Toss: Add the dressing to the bowl and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill & Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
Pro-Tips for Success
Keep it Crunchy: The secret to this salad is drying your cucumber slices thoroughly before adding the dressing.
Freshness: If you are prepping this for a party, keep the bacon and cheese separate and add them—along with the dressing—right before serving. This ensures the bacon stays crunchy.