Jalapeño Popper Cucumber Salad – A Healthy, Flavorful Delight!
Salads
As I’ve shared before, I lost 100 pounds by eating healthier—and that doesn't mean I had to give up the foods I love. In fact, it's all about finding lighter, more nutritious versions of your favorites that are both satisfying and delicious. One of my latest obsessions is this Jalapeño Popper Cucumber Salad, and I know you’ll love it too!
This salad is the perfect blend of crunchy cucumbers, spicy pickled jalapeños, and a creamy, tangy dressing made with low-fat cream cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt. Add in some crispy turkey bacon, grilled chicken, and a handful of cheddar cheese, and you've got a fresh, filling salad that will leave you feeling satisfied without any guilt.
It’s a great addition to your meal prep rotation, a perfect side dish, or a refreshing, low-carb lunch. Plus, it's easy to make and absolutely packed with flavor!
Macros per Serving (Makes 4 Servings):
Calories: 160
Protein: 17g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 8g
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1 1/2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, plus 1 tablespoon of their juice (for extra flavor)
2 oz light cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp non-fat Greek yogurt
1 grilled chicken breast, shredded
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
For Seasoning:
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers—about 1 1/2 large cucumbers should do the trick for this recipe. You want thin slices to give you that fresh, crisp texture.
Cook and crumble the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. If you have an air fryer, it works great to crisp it up quickly!
Dice the red onion and chop the chives into fine pieces for added flavor and a pop of color.
Shred the grilled chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. This is a great way to use leftover chicken or cook it fresh!
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt. The cream cheese adds richness, while the Greek yogurt brings in a tangy creaminess that’s low-fat but still satisfying.
Add 1 tsp of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine All Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, red onions, and pickled jalapeños (along with a tablespoon of their juice for an extra burst of flavor).
Add in the crumbled turkey bacon, shredded grilled chicken, and the cheddar cheese. Toss all of these together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Add the Dressing:
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together to coat. This will give the salad a rich and tangy flavor with a slight kick from the jalapeños.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also add a few extra crumbles of turkey bacon or a sprinkle of cheddar if you prefer.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips:
Meal Prep:
This salad is perfect for meal prep. The flavors only get better as they sit together, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.Storage:
If you're making this ahead, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This way, the salad won’t get soggy. Add the dressing and cheese right before serving.Variations:
Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream cheese and dairy-free yogurt.
Spice it Up:
If you love more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Swap the Meat:
If you’re not a fan of turkey bacon or chicken, you can easily swap in lean ground beef, shredded pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Additional Notes:
Cucumber Tip: For an even fresher crunch, you can remove the seeds from the cucumber slices using a spoon. This step isn’t necessary, but it can make the salad slightly less watery and give you more of that satisfying crunch.
Customize the Cheese: If you’re not into cheddar, you can use Mexican blend or even a pepper jack cheese for a little extra flavor and heat.
Pickled Jalapeños: The amount of jalapeño juice you add will depend on how spicy you want the salad. Feel free to adjust it to your taste. If you love a little kick, go ahead and add a bit more.
Conclusion:
This Jalapeño Popper Cucumber Salad is a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you're looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a refreshing snack. With the crispy bacon, juicy grilled chicken, and creamy dressing, it really hits all the right notes. It’s packed with protein and has just the right amount of spice, making it a perfect fit for a weight-loss-friendly lifestyle, just like it’s been for me on my 100-pound journey.
So go ahead and give this a try—it's easy to make, super tasty, and will quickly become one of your go-to healthy salads!
Enjoy! 🥒🌶️