If there’s one dish I find myself craving every summer weekend, it’s this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese. The first time I made it, I was hosting a backyard brunch and needed something cool, crisp, and full of flavor. I took my favorite garden cucumbers, stirred in sour cream, added smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, and magic happened. This creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese instantly became the star of the table.
What I love most about this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is the perfect balance of textures: the crunch of fresh cucumbers, the creamy tang of the dressing, the saltiness of bacon, and the bite of cheddar. It’s a go-to for potlucks, summer barbecues, and even lazy weekday lunches. Best of all, it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, but tastes like it came from a gourmet deli.
If you’re a fan of light, refreshing salads, you’ll also love this marinated cucumber salad or the ever-popular classic creamy potato salad, perfect companions to this easy recipe delight.
Table of contents:
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cucumbers:
Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. You can peel them if you prefer, but keeping the peel adds color and crunch.
2. Make the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Toss in the Flavor:
Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and gently mix until every piece is coated in the creamy dressing.
4. Add Bacon and Cheese:
Fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle in fresh dill for that vibrant, herby finish.
5. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the cucumbers to stay crisp.
This creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese comes together in minutes and pairs beautifully with other refreshing summer bites like crispy zucchini chips or cottage cheese ranch dip.
🍽 How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
This creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is the ultimate side dish for any summer table. I love serving this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese alongside grilled meats like juicy steak, smoky sausage, or marinated chicken, it brings a refreshing, cool contrast that balances the richness of the main dish.
When it comes to brunch, this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese surprises everyone with how well it pairs with dishes like classic southern fried green tomatoes or a savory blueberry buttermilk pancake casserole. The creamy dressing, crunchy cucumbers, and smoky bacon flavor complement everything from bold barbecue to light brunch fare.
For a more creative presentation, spoon your creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese into individual jars or appetizer cups, perfect for parties and picnics. Or go traditional and serve it family-style in a large chilled bowl, topped with fresh dill and extra cheddar. No matter how you plate it, this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese always delivers cool, creamy, irresistible flavor that guests can’t stop eating.
🧊 Make Ahead and Storage Tips
When I make this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese ahead for Sunday brunch, I find it actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a couple of hours. The flavors blend beautifully, and the cucumbers stay crisp if you salt and drain them slightly before mixing.
To make ahead, prepare the dressing and store it separately from the cucumbers until about 30 minutes before serving. Or mix the full salad and refrigerate in an airtight container, just give it a gentle stir before plating. This salad keeps well for up to 2 days in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed fresh on the first day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cucumbers and dairy base won’t hold up after thawing.
Print
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon – 5-Star Summer Side Dish Delight
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is cool, crunchy, smoky, and perfectly tangy—an easy side dish everyone loves.
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
1. Thinly slice cucumbers and optionally peel.
2. In a bowl, whisk sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cucumbers and mix to coat.
4. Fold in bacon, cheese, and fresh dill.
5. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh but can be made 1 day ahead.
Do not freeze. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is more than just a side dish—it’s a cool, refreshing comfort food made for warm days and easy meals. With crisp cucumbers, smoky bacon, creamy sour cream, and rich cheddar cheese, this salad delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, a weekend brunch, or your next backyard barbecue, this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is guaranteed to impress. It’s fast, flexible, and full of summer flavor—exactly what a 5-star recipe should be. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this creamy, crunchy delight again and again.
❓ FAQs – Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese a bold flavor, you can easily swap in feta, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even blue cheese for a twist. Just choose a cheese that holds up well in creamy dressings and complements the smoky bacon.
Yes, this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to double-check that your bacon and sour cream are certified gluten-free (some store-bought products contain additives).
Definitely. If you prefer a vegetarian version, just leave out the bacon or replace it with chopped nuts (like toasted pecans) or plant-based bacon bits. You’ll still get the creamy, tangy goodness that makes this salad so satisfying.
To make a dairy-free version of this creamy cucumber salad with bacon and cheese, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut-based or almond-based sour cream). You can also use a dairy-free cheese shreds or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter salad.
