Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, irresistibly fresh side dish that manages to be both light and indulgent, Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese is your answer. Crisp cucumbers meet a velvety, herb-flecked dressing, with cheddar’s sharp bite and smoky bacon tying everything together. The result is a flavor-packed salad that’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for entertaining. It’s become a top-requested recipe in my home, and once you try it, you’ll see why!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about taking a handful of staple ingredients and letting them shine. Each component brings its unique quality to the Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese, whether it’s crunch, saltiness, a punch of flavor, or dreamy creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cucumbers: Their crisp texture and cooling taste create the crunchy backbone of the salad—opt for large, fresh ones for best results.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the dressing and bacon.
- Cooked Bacon Bits (or 4 slices bacon, crumbled): Brings smoky flavor and irresistible crunch to every bite—homemade bacon bits are especially delicious!
- Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): This is the creamy base that ties everything together—Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative with a tangy kick.
- Fresh Dill, chopped (or dried): Adds a bright, fresh herbaceous note that really makes the salad pop—if using dried dill, reduce the amount.
- White Wine Vinegar (or Lemon Juice): Lends a little acidity to balance out the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts flavor without overpowering, giving a gentle savory undertone.
- Salt (adjust to taste): Essential for drawing out the cucumber’s moisture and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch elevates the other flavors and adds the perfect subtle bite.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your cucumbers as thinly as you can for that signature delicate crunch. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the slices and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This quick trick helps draw out excess moisture, so you won’t end up with a watery salad. After resting, give them a gentle pat dry with paper towels—this little step makes all the difference!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth and flecked with herbs. This creamy, tangy mixture is what transforms ordinary cucumbers into Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese magic!
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add your drained, dried cucumber slices to the bowl and toss gently to coat every piece in that luscious dressing. Be generous—the cucumbers should be thoroughly coated, but not swimming. This step’s all about building flavor and luscious texture in every single bite.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon
Now’s the exciting part—scatter in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. If you want those flavors to really meld, stir them in gently so you get a little of everything in each forkful. Or, for a pretty presentation, reserve some cheese and bacon to sprinkle over the top just before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and let your Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This short rest lets the flavors meld and gives the salad an extra refreshing touch when you’re ready to dig in. Serve cold and enjoy every delightful forkful!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese

Garnishes
Take your salad from simple to stunning with a sprinkle of extra chopped dill, a few more bacon bits, and maybe a small pinch of shredded cheddar right before serving. A twist of black pepper over the top is the finishing touch for a fresh, restaurant-worthy look.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese pairs beautifully with everything from classic grilled burgers to roasted chicken or summer barbecue fare. It’s also lovely alongside herby rice pilaf or a crisp baguette for a lighter lunch. The cool creaminess makes it a terrific complement to spicy or smoky main dishes, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try serving the salad in individual cups or lettuce cups for easy pick-up portions. Or, pile it into hollowed-out avocado halves for a fun, retro-inspired look. If you’re entertaining a crowd, lay out the salad on a big platter with extra toppings so guests can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply scoop the Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep crisp and tasty for up to two days—just be aware that the cucumbers can soften a bit as they soak up the dressing, but the flavors only get better!
Freezing
This salad really shines fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. Cucumbers become watery and lose their crunch after thawing, and the creamy dressing doesn’t quite hold up to the cold. For best results, enjoy this one straight from the fridge within a couple of days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese—simply give it a gentle stir and serve cold right from the fridge. If it’s been sitting for a little while, just mix the salad to redistribute the dressing and toppings for perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar brings fantastic flavor, you can also try crumbled feta, Gouda, or even Pepper Jack for a twist. Choose a cheese with a bit of punch to complement the bacon and creamy dressing.
What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this salad?
Thin slices are best! A sharp knife or mandoline gives you even, delicate pieces that soak up the creamy dressing beautifully. Thinner slices also help the salad stay extra crisp and inviting.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it’s easy—just leave out the bacon or swap in crispy smoked tempeh or a vegetarian bacon alternative. You’ll still have all the creamy, cheesy, herby goodness that makes this salad a hit.
Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese ahead of time?
You can prep everything a day ahead—just store the dressing and cucumbers separately to keep them crisp, then combine with cheese and bacon just before serving. This way, your salad stays fresh and delightful!
What’s the best substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap—it’s creamy and tangy, making it a lighter option that still gives you that signature texture and flavor. Choose full-fat yogurt for the richest result.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese a try the next time you’re craving something refreshingly different! It’s a sure-fire way to win over family and friends, and it might just become your new go-to side dish. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese is a delightful combination of fresh cucumbers, savory bacon, creamy dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a perfect side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
Cheese and Bacon:
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (or 4 slices bacon, crumbled)
Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers thinly: Place in a colander, add a pinch of salt, let sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
- Mix creamy dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, and dill until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cucumbers: Coat the drained cucumbers with the creamy dressing.
- Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top, mix gently if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving fresh!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cucumber Salad, Bacon, Cheese, Side Dish, Creamy Salad