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Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 Persian cucumbers
  • ½ red onion
  • 1 jalapeno

Dressing and Toppings

  • 34 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
  • 34 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