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Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 81 reviews

This Jalapeno Popper Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish that combines crisp Persian cucumbers with the bold flavors of jalapeno, sharp cheddar, and smoky spices. Perfectly coated in a tangy cream cheese and Greek yogurt dressing, it offers a cool and spicy twist reminiscent of classic jalapeno poppers but in a light, easy-to-make salad format. Ideal for a quick side dish or snack, this salad is served chilled and garnished with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 Persian cucumbers
  • ½ red onion
  • 1 jalapeno

Dressing & Flavorings

  • 3-4 tablespoons cream cheese, preferably with herbs
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅓ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon soy sauce, regular or light (optional)

Garnish

  • Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the Persian cucumbers into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick rounds without peeling them. This maintains the cucumbers’ crisp texture and vibrant color.
  2. Prepare the vegetables. Dice the red onion and jalapeno pepper into small pieces and add them over the cucumber slices in a mixing bowl or jar.
  3. Mix the dressing. Add the cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and coarse sea salt to the bowl. Also add the sharp cheddar cheese and a splash of soy sauce if desired. These ingredients form a creamy, tangy, and smoky dressing.
  4. Toss the salad. Mix all ingredients thoroughly either by tossing with a spoon in the bowl or by sealing the jar and shaking it well until every slice is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve and garnish. Transfer the dressed cucumber salad onto a serving plate and sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Using Persian cucumbers is ideal due to their thin skin and fewer seeds, but English cucumbers are a good substitute.
  • If you prefer less heat, deseed the jalapeno before dicing.
  • The cream cheese adds richness, but you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative to make it dairy-free.
  • Soy sauce is optional but adds a nice umami depth; use low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.
  • The salad is best consumed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; cucumbers may release water over time.
  • A mandoline slicer is optional but helps achieve even, thin cucumber slices quickly.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/jalapeno-popper-cucumber-salad-recipe/