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Jalapeno Popper Salad Dressing & Cucumber Salad

This Jalapeno Popper Salad Dressing and the viral cucumber salad it creates is the ultimate refreshing twist on a classic spicy appetizer. By combining the heat of fresh jalapenos with the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese, this recipe transforms simple cucumbers into a zesty, satisfying snack or side dish that is taking social media by storm.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 224
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Persian cucumbers or one large English cucumber
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 1 fresh jalapeno sliced or diced
  • 3-4 tablespoons cream cheese preferably with herbs or chives
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce optional, for umami flavor
  • Black and white sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Mandoline or sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl or glass jar
  • Chopsticks or large spoon

Method
 

  1. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick rounds. If using Persian cucumbers, there is no need to peel them.
    2 Persian cucumbers
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers into a medium-sized mixing bowl or a large glass jar.
    2 Persian cucumbers
  3. Add the diced red onions and the sliced jalapenos directly on top of the cucumbers.
    1/2 red onion, 1 fresh jalapeno
  4. Add the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and shredded cheddar cheese. If you are using soy sauce for extra depth, drizzle it over the top now.
    3-4 tablespoons cream cheese, 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt, 3-4 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
  5. Use a pair of chopsticks or a large spoon to toss the ingredients until the cream cheese dressing evenly coats every cucumber slice. If using a jar, you can secure the lid and shake vigorously.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Serve immediately while cold.
    Black and white sesame seeds

Notes

Persian cucumbers are the gold standard for this recipe as their thin skins provide the ultimate crunch without bitterness. While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.