Name: Jalapeño Popper Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491623H59M41S
Total time: PT-491623H59M41S
Cuisine: American / Fusion
Ingredients: 2 large English or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced (rounds or half‑moons); 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness); 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish); Optional topping: crispy fried onions or crushed crackers (for crunch)

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Jalapeño Popper Cucumber Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness of jalapeño poppers in a light and refreshing form. Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a rich cream cheese dressing with chopped jalapeños, sharp cheddar, and bold seasoning. It’s cool, spicy, and full of flavor—perfect for picnics, cookouts, or just something fun to switch up my usual side salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes everything I crave from jalapeño poppers—heat, creaminess, and cheesy flavor—and turns it into a fresh, no-fuss salad. It’s incredibly quick to make, requires zero cooking, and still feels rich and satisfying. The cucumbers add the perfect crunch to balance out the smooth dressing, making every bite cool and spicy at the same time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cucumbers (I like English or Persian cucumbers for their crunch and low water content)
Fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
Cream cheese, softened
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
Optional: crispy fried onions or crushed crackers for topping

Directions

I slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons and place them in a mixing bowl.
In another bowl, I stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
I fold in the chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar, making sure everything is well mixed.
I pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss to coat them evenly.
I top the salad with a sprinkle of crispy onions or crushed crackers for texture, and garnish with green onions or chives before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is best served chilled, which makes it a great make-ahead option for busy days or gatherings.

Variations

Sometimes I add a diced avocado for extra creaminess, or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh citrusy kick. For extra spice, I leave some jalapeño seeds in or mix in a splash of hot sauce. I’ve also used pickled jalapeños for a tangier flavor, which gives it a little pop of acidity.

Storage/Reheating

I store this salad in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten fresh, since the cucumbers will begin to release water over time and can thin out the dressing. I don’t reheat it—it’s meant to be served cold and crisp.

FAQs

How spicy is this salad?

It has a moderate kick, but I can adjust the spice by using more or fewer jalapeños—or removing the seeds for a milder version.

Can I use pickled jalapeños instead?

Yes, pickled jalapeños work great and give the salad a nice tangy flavor. I chop them finely and adjust the amount to taste.

What’s the best type of cucumber to use?

I like English or Persian cucumbers because they’re crisp, seedless, and don’t need to be peeled. They hold up well in the creamy dressing.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make the dressing and chop the veggies ahead, then combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it fits well into a low-carb or keto-friendly diet, especially if I skip any crunchy toppings that contain added carbs.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Cucumber Salad is a fun and flavorful way to bring the bold taste of a favorite appetizer into a cool, refreshing side dish. With creamy cheese, a touch of heat, and lots of fresh crunch, it’s a quick salad that adds excitement to any meal. Whether I’m serving it at a cookout or making it for lunch, it always brings a little extra kick to my plate.