Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish combining crisp Persian cucumbers with zesty jalapenos, sharp cheddar, and a tangy cream cheese and Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a perfect low-effort, no-cook recipe bursting with flavor and a subtle smoky kick, ideal for summertime meals or as a vibrant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups Persian cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
Dressing & Cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the Persian cucumbers into thin rounds to provide a crisp texture. Dice the red onion and jalapeno finely, making sure to remove jalapeno seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Combine the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the cucumbers, red onion, and jalapeno, ensuring even distribution of each ingredient.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt to infuse flavor evenly throughout the dressing.
- Add Cheese and Optional Soy Sauce: Fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dressing mixture. If using, drizzle the soy sauce over the combined vegetables for an extra layer of umami flavor.
- Toss Salad Together: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat all the vegetables with the creamy dressing and spices.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty flavor. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld before serving cold.
Notes
- For a milder salad, remove the seeds from the jalapeno to reduce heat.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted with sour cream for a slightly tangier taste.
- Adding soy sauce is optional but adds a subtle umami boost to the salad.
- Use Persian cucumbers because of their thin skin and smaller seeds, which are less bitter and more tender than regular cucumbers.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavor combination and crispness.
- The salad is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
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