Refreshing Cucumber Snack with Cheese
Refreshing Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing – A Flavorful Delight
In our fast-paced lives, sometimes the most simple snacks can bring the most satisfaction. The Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing recipe is an excellent example of this, combining crisp cucumber, shredded cheese, savory bacon bits, and tangy seasonings into a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become your new favorite snack. It’s light, flavorful, and packs the perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. Whether you’re craving a quick bite during the day or need something simple yet tasty for an evening treat, this recipe has you covered.
Not only is this recipe a satisfying, low-calorie option, but it also comes with a unique blend of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, while the cheese and bacon bits add a rich, savory element. The seasonings—Old Bay and Salad Supreme—give a delightful depth of flavor, and the avocado lime ranch dressing pulls everything together into a perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and savory.
If you are following a Weight Watchers plan, we’ve also provided the points breakdown and nutritional information for the recipe so that you can enjoy it guilt-free. With a few small adjustments, you can make this snack as light or indulgent as you prefer, while still adhering to your weight management goals.
Why This Cucumber Snack is Perfect for Your Diet
Cucumber: A Hydrating and Low-Calorie Vegetable
Cucumbers are one of the most hydrating vegetables you can eat, with a water content of about 95%, making them an ideal choice for staying hydrated. Beyond that, cucumbers are low in calories but high in fiber, which makes them an excellent choice for snacking if you’re looking to control your calorie intake while still feeling full and satisfied. They are naturally fat-free, carb-free, and provide a good source of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone health.
Incorporating cucumbers into your diet offers numerous health benefits, including improving skin health, supporting digestion, and promoting heart health. Since cucumbers have a naturally refreshing taste, they’re an excellent base for creating vibrant, flavorful snacks like this one.
Cheese: A Source of Protein and Healthy Fats
While cheese can be high in calories and fat, when used in moderation, it can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Cheese provides a source of protein and calcium, both of which are important for building and maintaining strong muscles and bones. For those following Weight Watchers, it’s important to choose low-fat or reduced-fat options to keep the calorie count lower while still enjoying the rich taste of cheese. Cheddar cheese is commonly used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with mozzarella, parmesan, or even vegan cheese if desired.
Bacon Bits: A Savory, Flavorful Addition
Bacon bits add a savory, salty, and crispy element to this cucumber snack, bringing richness and depth of flavor to an otherwise light and refreshing dish. While bacon bits can be high in fat and calories, a little goes a long way in elevating the overall taste profile. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can also be used as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon bits if you’re looking to reduce the fat content while maintaining the savory flavor.
Seasonings: Elevating the Flavor Profile
The seasoning blend in this recipe is where the magic happens. Old Bay seasoning, known for its unique blend of spices, provides a zesty, flavorful kick that pairs wonderfully with cucumbers. Salad Supreme adds an herby, tangy taste that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon bits. The combination of these seasonings enhances the natural flavor of the cucumber and creates a snack that’s much more than just a vegetable.
Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing: Creamy and Flavorful
The avocado lime ranch dressing brings a creamy, smooth, and tangy contrast to the crunchy cucumbers and savory toppings. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and fiber, making it a great addition to any snack. Lime juice adds a refreshing acidity that complements the richness of the dressing, while the ranch flavor enhances the overall experience. For a lighter alternative, you can use a low-fat or Greek yogurt-based dressing without compromising on flavor.
Recipe: Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
This simple and refreshing cucumber snack can be whipped up in just minutes and makes for a delightful snack or even a light appetizer. With its balance of crunch, savory richness, and zesty dressing, it’s a snack that will surely hit the spot every time.
Ingredients
2 medium cucumbers, sliced into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
2 tbsp bacon bits
A pinch of black pepper
A sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning
A dash of Salad Supreme seasoning
2 tbsp avocado lime ranch dressing (or your preferred ranch dressing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing and slicing the cucumbers into thin, bite-sized pieces. Since cucumbers have a naturally refreshing flavor, there’s no need to peel them unless you prefer it. If you decide to peel them, you will lose some of the fiber and nutrients found in the skin, so consider leaving it on for the added benefits.
Step 2: Add the Cheese and Bacon Bits
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cheese and bacon bits to the cucumbers. Stir the ingredients together to evenly distribute the toppings over the cucumbers.
Step 3: Season the Snack
Now, it’s time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper, a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning, and a dash of Salad Supreme to taste. These spices add a delightful kick to the otherwise mild flavor of the cucumbers, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Step 4: Drizzle with Dressing
Finish the dish by drizzling the avocado lime ranch dressing over the cucumber mixture. The creamy texture of the dressing will perfectly complement the crisp cucumber and savory toppings, bringing everything together in a delightful harmony.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful snack.
Nutritional Information and Weight Watchers Points
For those following a Weight Watchers plan, here’s a breakdown of the points and nutritional value of this refreshing snack. The information provided here is based on the recipe as written and serves 2:
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 340mg
Cholesterol: 20mg
Calcium: 10% of the daily value
Iron: 4% of the daily value
Weight Watchers Points (Per Serving)
Freestyle SmartPoints: 5
PointsPlus: 5
SmartPoints: 6
Old Points: 3
Variations and Customizations
Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free alternative, you can use vegan cheese and vegan bacon bits. There are a variety of plant-based cheeses that mimic the texture and flavor of regular cheese, making this recipe fully customizable to meet dietary preferences.
More Veggies: If you want to make this snack even more filling, consider adding other veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocado slices for a variety of textures and flavors.
Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to kick up the spice level.
Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a keto diet, skip the dressing or use a low-carb dressing and reduce the number of cheese and bacon bits to keep the snack low in carbs.
Conclusion
This Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing is a perfect blend of refreshing vegetables, savory flavors, and creamy dressing that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition. It’s a great snack or appetizer that’s light yet filling, making it suitable for various dietary needs, including Weight Watchers, keto, and dairy-free diets.
Not only is it incredibly quick and easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable, allowing you to make it your own based on your preferences. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey or simply want to indulge in a flavorful treat, this recipe has everything you need to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day