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cucumber yogurt salad

Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad

A cooling and refreshing cucumber yogurt salad with fresh herbs and garlic, perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Green Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 98

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil optional
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground sumac optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Wash and slice cucumbers into thin rounds (approximately 1/8-inch thick). If using standard cucumbers with thick skin, you may want to peel them first.
  2. If using red onion, soak sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain and pat dry.
  3. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil (if using), and honey (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  4. Season the yogurt dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add cucumber slices, drained red onion (if using), chopped mint (if using), and chives (if using) to the bowl with the yogurt dressing.
  6. Gently toss all ingredients until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the yogurt dressing.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and ground sumac if desired.
  9. Chill the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  10. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • For a less watery salad, salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 30 minutes before patting dry and adding to the salad.
  • English or Persian cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
  • This salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours, as cucumbers continue to release water over time.
  • For meal prep, store the sliced cucumbers and yogurt dressing separately until ready to serve.