Spicy Jalapeño Cucumber Salad (Print-Friendly Version)
Zesty cucumber salad with creamy jalapeño, cheddar, and smoky paprika for a refreshing, flavorful dish.
# Ingredients List:
→ Vegetables
01 -
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 -
3 jalapeño peppers, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
03 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
→ Dairy
04 -
113 grams cream cheese, softened
05 -
60 grams shredded cheddar cheese
06 -
60 milliliters sour cream
→ Condiments & Seasonings
07 -
60 milliliters mayonnaise
08 -
15 milliliters lime juice
09 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Optional
12 -
60 milliliters crispy bacon bits
# Detailed Cooking Steps:
01 -
Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
02 -
Stir diced jalapeño peppers and shredded cheddar cheese into the cream mixture until evenly distributed.
03 -
Gently toss the thinly sliced cucumbers in the jalapeño cream mixture until thoroughly coated.
04 -
Sprinkle chopped cilantro and optional crispy bacon bits over the salad.
05 -
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving cold as a side dish or appetizer.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Removing jalapeño seeds reduces spiciness for a milder flavor.
02 -
Chilling enhances flavor integration and improves overall taste.
03 -
Omitting bacon bits provides a vegetarian-friendly variation.