Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish with a spicy kick. It combines crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful cream cheese dressing for a quick and delicious side. Perfect for warm days or as a crunchy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 Persian cucumbers
• ½ red onion
• 1 jalapeno
• 3-4 tbsp cream cheese (preferably with herbs)
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ⅓ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
• 3-4 tbsp sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ tsp soy sauce (regular or light, optional)
• Sesame seeds (black & white, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the cucumbers into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick rounds without peeling, using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
2. Step 2: Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl or a jar.
3. Step 3: Dice the red onion and jalapeno, then add them on top of the cucumbers.
4. Step 4: Add the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and sharp cheddar cheese. Drizzle with soy sauce if using.
5. Step 5: Toss everything thoroughly in the bowl or shake the jar with the lid on until the dressing evenly coats all ingredients.
6. Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving plate and garnish with black and white sesame seeds. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some of the jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a smoky, spicy dimension.
• If fresh jalapeno is unavailable, use a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use plain cream cheese if herb-flavored is not on hand; add fresh herbs like chives or dill for freshness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will stay crisp the first day but may soften slightly by the second. Serve cold, and give the salad a gentle stir before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers work fine but peel them if their skin is thick or waxed. Persian cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

You can substitute cream cheese and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based yogurt, and choose a vegan cheddar-style cheese to keep the creamy texture and flavor.

Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

A refreshing, creamy Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad featuring crisp Persian cucumbers, spicy jalapenos, and a zesty cream cheese dressing with sharp cheddar and smoked paprika, perfect as a quick and tasty side dish or snack.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 Persian cucumbers
• ½ red onion
• 1 jalapeno

Dressing and Toppings

• 3–4 tbsp cream cheese (preferably with herbs)
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ⅓ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
• 3–4 tbsp sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ tsp soy sauce (regular or light, optional)
• Sesame seeds (black & white, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers: Slice the Persian cucumbers without peeling them using a mandolin or a sharp knife, cutting into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick slices to maintain a crisp texture.
2. Combine cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl or a jar to prepare for the seasoning and dressing.
3. Add diced vegetables: Dice the red onion and jalapeno finely, then add them on top of the cucumbers to distribute the heat and flavor evenly.
4. Create dressing: Add cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, coarse sea salt, and sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl; optionally add a splash of soy sauce to enhance umami flavors.
5. Toss salad: Mix everything thoroughly either by tossing in the bowl or shaking in the jar until the creamy dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
6. Serve and garnish: Transfer the salad onto a serving plate and sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• If you prefer less heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before dicing.
• Use cream cheese with herbs for extra flavor or plain cream cheese if unavailable.
• Substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt to change the tanginess level.
• For a vegan version, replace dairy ingredients with vegan cream cheese and yogurt alternatives.
• This salad is best enjoyed fresh to retain cucumber crunchiness.
• Adjust salt and smoked paprika to taste depending on preference.

Keywords: jalapeno popper cucumber salad, cucumber salad, jalapeno cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, no cook salad, quick salad, summer salad