Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon & Cheddar
Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy ranch-style dressing with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs. It’s crunchy, creamy, savory, and perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer dinners.
🛒 Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30–60 minutes
For the salad
- 4 large English cucumbers or 6–7 small cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ small yellow or white onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the creamy dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, only if needed to thin
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the cucumbers
Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers.
Place them in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes.
Pat them very well with paper towels.
This removes excess water and helps keep the creamy dressing from becoming watery.
2. Make the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Ranch seasoning
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
If the dressing is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Combine the salad
Add the cucumbers, sliced onion, shredded cheddar, bacon, dill, and parsley to the bowl.
Pour the dressing over everything.
Gently toss until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Give it another gentle toss just before serving.
Sprinkle a little extra bacon, cheddar, and fresh dill over the top.
⭐ Tips for the Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
- English cucumbers work especially well because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Don’t skip drying the cucumbers—the biggest secret to avoiding watery salad is removing excess moisture.
- Add the bacon shortly before serving if you want it to remain extra crispy.
- For stronger flavor, let the salad chill for about an hour.
- If preparing several hours ahead, reserve some dressing and add it shortly before serving.
🌰 Nut & Allergy Information
Contains:
- Milk/dairy: sour cream and cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise: check the specific brand if allergies are a concern
- Bacon: check the label for any added ingredients or processing information
Peanuts: None in the standard recipe.
Tree nuts: None in the standard recipe.
For severe allergies, check all packaged ingredients and manufacturer allergen statements because formulations and manufacturing facilities can vary.
Gluten information
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but ranch seasoning, bacon, mayonnaise, and other packaged products should be checked for gluten-containing additives or cross-contact if needed.
❓ Q&A
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes. Simply leave it out, or add chopped hard-boiled eggs for another savory option.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt works very well and gives the dressing a slightly tangier flavor.
How do I stop the salad from getting watery?
Salt the cucumbers briefly, drain them, and pat them very dry before mixing with the dressing.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. For the best texture, prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately and combine them shortly before serving.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Absolutely. If they have large seeds, you can scoop out the watery seed centers before slicing.
Can I add tomatoes?
Yes, but add them immediately before serving because tomatoes release additional liquid.
How long does it keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2–3 days. The cucumbers will gradually become softer as they sit.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add a small pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper, or a little finely chopped jalapeño.
What can I serve it with?
It’s especially good alongside grilled chicken, burgers, grilled meats, sandwiches, barbecue, or roasted potatoes.
