Creamy Cucumber turkey Bacon Cheese

This creamy cucumber salad transforms everyday ingredients into a refreshing side dish with a savory twist. The combination of cool cucumbers with tangy dressing, protein-packed turkey bacon, and sharp cheddar creates a perfect balance that works for everything from weeknight dinners to summer gatherings.

I first created this recipe when looking for ways to use up the cucumber explosion from my garden last summer. What started as a simple side dish quickly became requested at every family barbecue.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers choose firm ones with minimal seeds for best texture and less water content
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt provides the creamy base while Greek yogurt offers a lighter protein rich alternative
• Fresh dill the aromatic herb that gives this salad its signature flavor dried works in a pinch but fresh delivers brighter taste
• Turkey bacon adds smoky protein with less fat than traditional bacon perfect for a lighter option
• Cheddar cheese sharp varieties provide the best flavor contrast against the cool cucumbers
• Garlic powder delivers savory depth without overwhelming the delicate flavors
• Salt essential for drawing moisture from cucumbers and enhancing overall taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cucumbers

Slice cucumbers as thinly as possible preferably with a mandolin for consistent thickness. Place in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes this crucial step draws out excess moisture ensuring your salad stays creamy not watery. After salting pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Make the dressing

Combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with vinegar fresh dill and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Whisk until completely smooth making sure all seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper keeping in mind the cucumbers already have some salt.

Combine and coat

Add the prepared cucumbers to the dressing mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until each slice is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Take your time with this step to avoid breaking the delicate cucumber slices.

Add the toppings

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled turkey bacon over the cucumber mixture. You can either gently fold these in for a more uniform distribution or leave them primarily on top for a more dramatic presentation.

Chill and serve

Transfer the finished salad to a serving bowl cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to slightly firm up creating the perfect texture.

Bookmark

My absolute favorite version of this uses Persian cucumbers when I can find them. Their smaller size and minimal seeds make them perfect for this salad without any bitter flavors. This dish reminds me of summer Sunday lunches on our patio when the kids would help harvest cucumbers straight from our garden.

Storage Tips

This cucumber salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days though the cucumbers will continue to release water over time. For best results store the dressing separately from the sliced cucumbers if preparing more than a few hours in advance. If you notice excess liquid after storage simply drain it off before serving or add a little more sour cream to refresh the consistency.

Clever Substitutions

This recipe welcomes creative variations based on what you have available. Try feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean twist. No turkey bacon? Use diced ham rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for protein. The dressing works beautifully with herbs beyond dill consider fresh mint parsley or chives. For a dairy free version coconut yogurt makes a surprisingly delicious base for the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own this salad shines as a side dish alongside grilled meats particularly chicken or fish. For a complete meal serve it atop a bed of mixed greens with additional protein. It also makes an excellent topping for baked potatoes or stuffed into pita bread with hummus for a quick lunch. During hot summer months I sometimes serve it as a refreshing appetizer in small glasses with cocktail forks for an elegant presentation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, but for best results, add the bacon and cheese just before serving to maintain their texture. The salted and drained cucumbers will hold up well in the dressing overnight.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?

Absolutely! You can substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Just add a splash of lemon juice to maintain that tangy flavor profile.

→ Why do you salt the cucumbers before mixing?

Salting draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers through osmosis, preventing your salad from becoming watery. This step ensures a crisp texture and allows the dressing to coat the cucumbers properly rather than pooling at the bottom.

→ Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, regular bacon works perfectly in this dish. Simply cook it until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. The smoky flavor of traditional bacon will add a delicious contrast to the cool, creamy cucumbers.

→ What can I serve with this cucumber salad?

This versatile side pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a summer buffet. It's particularly good alongside BBQ chicken, burgers, or a simple rotisserie chicken. For a light meal, serve it with crusty bread or alongside a bowl of chilled soup.

→ How long will this cucumber salad keep in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. The cucumbers may release more water over time, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.