This Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light side for any meal. With the tangy flavor of Greek yogurt combined with crisp cucumbers and fragrant herbs, it’s a delightful addition to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, ends removed
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced finely
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Prepare Cucumber: Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, thinly slice the cucumber into rounds. Alternatively, you can cut the cucumber into thin half-moons.
- Slice Onion: Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons or finely chop it, depending on your preference.
- Chop Herbs: Chop the fresh dill and mint leaves finely.
Step 2: Make Dressing
- Combine Yogurt and Lemon Juice: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the non-fat plain Greek yogurt and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Add Garlic: Add the pressed or minced garlic to the yogurt mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Season: Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble Salad
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh mint to the yogurt dressing.
- Toss: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the cucumber slices are evenly coated with the creamy yogurt dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish the Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve Chilled: Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light snack.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Seed Cucumber: If you prefer a less watery salad, you can remove the seeds from the cucumber before slicing.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content of the salad by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a more substantial dish.
- Customize Herbs: Feel free to customize the herbs used in the salad based on your preferences. Parsley, cilantro, or basil would also work well.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the freshness of cucumbers and the tanginess of Greek yogurt. With the addition of fragrant herbs and a hint of garlic, it’s a versatile salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a healthy snack on its own. Enjoy the crisp, creamy goodness of this refreshing salad any time of the year!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: While Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess to the salad, you can use regular plain yogurt if preferred. Keep in mind that regular yogurt may result in a slightly thinner dressing.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as almond or soy yogurt, instead of Greek yogurt. Ensure that the yogurt alternative is plain and unsweetened for the best results.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding additional vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes for extra color and crunch.
Q: How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Enjoy the cool, creamy goodness of this refreshing Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad—it’s a delightful and healthy addition to any meal!
