Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing yet indulgent snack that’s perfect for your weight loss journey, look no further than this WW Refreshing Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing. This delightful recipe combines crisp cucumber slices with savory bacon, creamy cheese, and a tangy avocado lime ranch dressing. It’s a healthy, low-SmartPoints snack that’s bursting with flavor, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings without derailing your weight management goals.

This snack is not only easy to prepare but also provides a perfect balance of textures and tastes, from the cool crunch of cucumbers to the richness of cheese and bacon, all topped off with a zesty dressing. Whether you’re craving a light afternoon snack, a savory appetizer, or even a fresh addition to your party platter, this cucumber snack is versatile enough to suit any occasion.

In this recipe, we will guide you through every step of the preparation, provide detailed instructions, measurements, and all the nutritional information you need to make this dish fit perfectly into your WW (Weight Watchers) plan. From ingredient breakdowns to SmartPoints and serving suggestions, we’ll cover everything so you can confidently add this snack to your meal rotation.

SmartPoints Information

When following the Blue, Green, or Purple plans on Weight Watchers, this Refreshing Cucumber Snack provides a perfect balance of flavors while being mindful of your SmartPoints budget. Each serving contains 3 SmartPoints, which is an excellent value for a snack that feels indulgent yet is healthy and satisfying. Thanks to the fresh, low-calorie ingredients like cucumber, Greek yogurt, and avocado, you can enjoy this flavorful snack while staying on track with your weight loss or maintenance goals.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare the WW Refreshing Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing:

  • 2 medium cucumbers – peeled or unpeeled, and sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack)
  • 3-4 slices crispy cooked bacon – crumbled into small pieces
  • 1/4 ripe avocado – mashed
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (fat-free or 2% works well)
  • 1 tablespoon light ranch dressing (or use a homemade version)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (from about half a lime)
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Fresh cilantro – for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges – for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

The first step in creating this refreshing snack is preparing the cucumbers. Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers to remove any dirt or residue. Depending on your preference, you can peel the cucumbers or leave the skin on for extra crunch and nutrients. After peeling (if desired), slice the cucumbers into rounds that are about 1/4-inch thick.

Cucumbers are the perfect base for this dish, as they are light, hydrating, and low in calories. Their crispness contrasts beautifully with the creamy and savory toppings.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they become crispy and golden brown. This should take around 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on your stove and bacon thickness. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small bits.

Using reduced-fat bacon will keep the SmartPoints in check while still delivering that satisfying smoky flavor and crunchy texture that bacon provides. Feel free to experiment with turkey bacon if you prefer an even leaner option.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing

To make the dressing, mash the ripe avocado in a small bowl until smooth. Then, add the plain Greek yogurt, light ranch dressing, and fresh lime juice. Stir the ingredients together until you achieve a creamy consistency. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

The combination of Greek yogurt and avocado makes for a rich, creamy base without all the fat and calories found in traditional dressings. The lime juice adds a zesty tang, bringing brightness to the overall dish. The avocado not only contributes healthy fats but also provides a smooth texture that complements the crunch of the cucumbers.

Step 4: Assemble the Snack

Now that the cucumbers, bacon, and dressing are ready, it’s time to assemble your snack. Arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer on a large plate or platter. Spoon a generous amount of the avocado lime ranch dressing onto each cucumber slice, ensuring that the dressing covers the cucumber well.

Each cucumber slice acts as a vessel for the creamy dressing and toppings, making this a fun and interactive snack to prepare and eat.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Next, sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the dressed cucumber slices. Follow up by sprinkling the crumbled bacon on top. The combination of cheese and bacon provides a savory, rich flavor profile that balances the refreshing crunch of the cucumber and the creamy avocado lime ranch dressing.

You can use any cheese you like, but opting for a reduced-fat cheese variety helps keep the overall SmartPoints count low. You can also experiment with different types of cheese depending on your taste preference.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For the final touch, garnish the snack with freshly chopped cilantro. The cilantro adds a burst of color and a subtle herby flavor that elevates the dish even further. For an extra squeeze of tangy goodness, serve with lime wedges on the side. This extra lime will allow your guests to add an additional burst of flavor if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying combination of fresh cucumbers, savory bacon, melted cheese, and creamy avocado dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this WW Refreshing Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, based on the recipe making four servings:

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • SmartPoints: 3 (Blue, Green, Purple Plans)

The healthy fats from the avocado, the protein from the Greek yogurt, and the fiber from the cucumber all make this snack both nutritious and filling. With just 3 SmartPoints per serving, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying snack without guilt.

Useful Tips for This Recipe

  • Make It Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: This snack is already a great option for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. If you want to make it even more keto-friendly, consider omitting the cheese or using a lower-carb cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese.
  • Customization: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can try adding thinly sliced cherry tomatoes, a few sprigs of fresh basil, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to give the snack a bit of spice. You could also replace the bacon with turkey bacon or chicken breast for a leaner protein source.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the avocado lime ranch dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to squeeze a bit of lime juice over the dressing to keep the avocado from browning. If you plan to make the snack in advance, assemble everything except for the avocado dressing and bacon to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
  • Add More Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables to this snack, consider serving the cucumber slices alongside other fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes for even more crunch and flavor.

Additional Health Benefits of This Snack

Cucumbers are not only refreshing but also low in calories and packed with water, making them an excellent option for hydration and digestion. They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that support overall health.

Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote better heart health. Additionally, the fiber in avocados aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. Greek yogurt provides probiotics, which benefit gut health, while being high in protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance.

The bacon in this recipe, while indulgent, adds flavor and protein to the dish. Opting for reduced-fat bacon helps keep it balanced without adding excess calories.

Final Thoughts

The WW Refreshing Cucumber Snack with Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing is an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light, refreshing, and flavorful snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan.

By combining the crispness of cucumbers with creamy avocado, savory bacon, and the zing of lime, this snack offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s a perfect addition to your meal plan, whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy afternoon, serving it at a gathering, or preparing it as part of your weekly meal prep.

For more delicious and healthy Weight Watchers-friendly recipes, be sure to browse through our website for other SmartPoints-friendly dishes that will help you stay on track while indulging in delicious meals. Enjoy!