Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- Combine cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers into a mixing bowl or a jar to prepare for the seasoning and dressing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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