If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and just a little indulgent, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Snack Bowl with Crumbled Bacon is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s crunchy, creamy, salty, and just the right amount of tangy. Basically, it checks all the boxes for a perfect snack—or even a light lunch.

This isn’t your typical cucumber salad. We’re taking the cool, crisp crunch of English cucumbers and pairing it with rich cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and a creamy herb-packed dressing made with Greek yogurt and just a touch of mayo. It’s easy to throw together, full of flavor, and feels like a real treat without being heavy.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a quick mid-afternoon snack, a side dish for grilled chicken or sandwiches, or even prep it ahead for a healthy grab-and-go option. It’s also a great way to use up garden cucumbers or leftover bacon—if that ever happens in your kitchen!

Let’s get started with the first few steps to bring this deliciously crisp and creamy bowl together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 4 oz (115 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

STEP 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by cooking your turkey bacon. Place the strips in a skillet over medium heat and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and crisp.

Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Let it cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces. You’ll be folding this in later for that perfect savory crunch.

STEP 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

While the bacon is cooking, get your cucumbers and cheddar cheese ready.

• Wash and slice 2 large English cucumbers into ½-inch rounds. English cucumbers work best here because they’re crisp, mild, and have fewer seeds.
• Cube 4 oz of sharp cheddar cheese into small, snackable pieces. The sharper the cheese, the better it stands out against the creamy dressing and fresh cucumbers.

Add both the cucumbers and cheese to a large mixing bowl so they’re ready for the next step.

STEP 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (fresh or dried)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This combo gives you a tangy, herb-forward flavor with just the right balance of richness and freshness.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Snack Bowl with Crumbled Bacon – Mixing, Chilling & Serving

Now that we’ve prepped the cucumbers, crisped the bacon, and whisked up that tangy, creamy dressing, it’s time to bring everything together. This part is fast, easy, and seriously satisfying—especially once you see how that creamy dressing coats every bite of crunchy cucumber and sharp cheddar.

This Cucumber Salad Snack Bowl is a perfect balance of textures: the smooth dressing, the crisp cucumber, the bite of cheddar, and that salty crunch from the turkey bacon all come together in one scoopable, flavorful bite. It’s simple food, but done right.

Let’s move into the final steps to finish off this refreshing snack.

STEP 4: Combine

With your cucumbers and cheese already in the mixing bowl, it’s time to bring the salad together.

Pour the creamy yogurt-mayo dressing over the cucumber and cheddar mixture. Use a rubber spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together. Make sure the dressing evenly coats all the pieces, but be careful not to mash the cucumbers—you want to keep them crisp.

At this point, it already smells fresh and delicious with that hit of dill and lemon in the dressing.

STEP 5: Add the Turkey Bacon

Once everything is well-coated, go ahead and fold in the chopped turkey bacon. This adds the salty, savory crunch that takes the salad from good to crave-worthy.

If you’re using chopped fresh chives, this is a great time to add them in as well. They bring a subtle onion-like bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy base and sharp cheese.

Taste the salad and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Depending on your bacon and cheese, you might not need much, but a little extra pepper adds a nice kick.

STEP 6: Chill

While you could technically serve the salad right away, it’s even better after it chills for a bit. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and gives the cucumbers a chance to soak up a little of that tangy dressing.

If you’re prepping this ahead of time, you can chill it for up to a few hours—just give it a stir before serving.

STEP 7: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, give the salad one final toss to make sure everything’s evenly mixed.

Spoon it into a large serving bowl or divide into smaller individual bowls for an easy-to-eat snack. It’s great on its own, but also pairs well with crackers, pita chips, or as a fresh side next to grilled meats or sandwiches.

This recipe is perfect for backyard get-togethers, afternoon snacking, or even as part of a low-carb lunch plate. It’s fresh, flavorful, and keeps things light without skimping on taste.

Creamy Cucumber Salad Snack Bowl with Crumbled Bacon – FAQs & Final Thoughts

You’ve sliced, whisked, stirred, and chilled—and now you’ve got a snack bowl that’s creamy, crunchy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re serving this as a refreshing afternoon bite, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a light lunch, this Creamy Cucumber Salad Snack Bowl with Crumbled Bacon proves that simple ingredients really can create big flavor.

Before you dive in, here are a few commonly asked questions to help you get the most out of this recipe, along with some quick tips for substitutions and storage.

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes! Regular bacon works just as well. Just cook until crispy and chop it into small pieces. Keep in mind, regular bacon may add more salt and fat, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

2. What type of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers are ideal because they’re seedless, have thin skin, and stay crisp. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them first to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered and chilled. Note that the cucumbers may release some water over time, so stir before serving and drain off any excess liquid if needed.

4. What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
Sour cream is a great substitute, or you can use all mayonnaise for a richer dressing. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based yogurt alternative with a similar thickness.

5. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers may soften and the dressing can become watery.

6. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Diced cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, or thinly sliced radishes all make great additions. Just keep the balance between crisp and creamy.

7. Is this salad keto or low-carb friendly?
Yes—it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fat, especially if you use full-fat yogurt and cheddar. It makes a great snack for anyone watching their carb intake.

Final Thoughts: A Salad Bowl That Does It All

This Creamy Cucumber Salad Snack Bowl isn’t just easy—it’s the kind of fresh, flavorful dish that fits into just about any mealtime. It’s quick enough for a busy day, tasty enough to serve at gatherings, and flexible enough to adjust to your tastes or what you have on hand.

The cool crunch of cucumbers paired with the richness of cheddar and the smoky bite of bacon makes every bite satisfying without being heavy. And the creamy, herby dressing brings it all together in the best way.

If you give this recipe a try, be sure to let me know how it turns out! Did you stick to the original, or put your own spin on it? However you serve it, this is one of those snack bowls that’s bound to disappear fast.

Until next time—enjoy every fresh, creamy, crunchy bite!

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