A crisp, creamy, and savory snack that’s perfect for busy days, post-workout refueling, or healthy midday munching.

🍽️ Servings

2–3 servings (about 2 cups total)

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
❄️ Chill Time (optional): 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes (including optional chilling)
💪 Protein: ~20–25g per serving

🧂 Ingredients

🥒 Base

  • 2 large cucumbers, washed, peeled (optional), and sliced into half-moons or rounds
  • ½ tsp salt (to lightly draw out moisture and enhance flavor)

💪 Protein Add-ins

  • ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (rich in casein protein and adds creaminess)
  • ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (adds protein and a tangy flavor)
  • ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a high-protein cheese like Jarlsberg Light)
  • 2 tbsp real bacon bits or 2 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled Optional: swap bacon for 1 boiled egg, chopped (adds 6g more protein)

🌿 Flavor Boosters

  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • ¼ tsp Salad Supreme seasoning (or a mix of paprika + sesame seeds + garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, adds freshness)

🥑 Creamy Dressing

  • 2 tbsp avocado lime ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade — see below)
  • 1 tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt (stretches the dressing & adds extra protein)

🥣 Homemade High-Protein Avocado Lime Ranch (optional)

If you want to make your own dressing for more control and protein:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp mashed avocado
  • ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp fresh chopped dill or parsley
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1–2 tsp water (to thin as needed)

Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as desired.

🔧 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Cucumbers

  1. Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized rounds or half-moons.
  2. Place in a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt.
  3. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to release some water (this keeps the snack from getting soggy).
  4. Gently pat dry with a paper towel.

2️⃣ Mix the Protein Base

  1. In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and bacon bits (or turkey bacon).
  2. Stir until evenly mixed and creamy.
  3. Add black pepper, Old Bay, and Salad Supreme seasoning to taste. 🧠 Tip: For even more flavor, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before adding cucumbers — it allows the seasonings to bloom.

3️⃣ Assemble the Snack Bowl

  1. Add the prepared cucumbers to the protein mixture.
  2. Drizzle with the avocado lime ranch dressing (or your homemade version).
  3. Gently toss everything until evenly coated.

4️⃣ Chill & Serve

  • For best flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving to let everything meld.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese, parsley, or paprika if desired.

🌟 Serving Suggestions

  • As a snack: Perfect for midafternoon cravings or post-gym recovery.
  • As a meal prep side: Store in small containers and enjoy cold throughout the week.
  • As a dip: Serve with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or whole-grain crackers.

🧊 Storage

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
    (Cucumbers will soften slightly but still taste great.)
  • Meal prep tip: Keep cucumbers separate from the dressing until ready to serve for maximum crunch.

⚡ Nutrition (Per Serving – 3 servings)

(With turkey bacon & Greek yogurt base)

  • Calories: ~190
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g

🔄 Variations

  • Spicy Protein Crunch: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for roasted chickpeas or edamame for added plant protein.
  • Higher Protein Boost: Mix in 1 tbsp unflavored protein powder into the sauce — it blends well with Greek yogurt.
  • Lower Fat: Use fat-free cheese and skip the added dressing oil.