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Easy 7-minute creamy cucumber yogurt salad that requires just 6 basic ingredients. Its simplicity and freshness never fails to appeal and makes a filling side dish with any meal.
I came across this salad on my journey to Iraq and I just fell in love with it. The secret to this salad is rich and creamy Greek yogurt and fresh crisp cucumbers.
Cucumber yogurt salad is staple part of many cuisines in the region of Middle East and South Asia. The cooling nature of cucumber and yogurt makes it very refreshing when served chilled. This salad tastes similar to Greek tzatziki.
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Benefits
Creamy cucumber salad is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits:
- Cooling Effect: Crunchy cucumbers have high water content. Juicy cucumbers refresh you on hot days.
- Low Calorie: It is a low-fat salad for weight management that keeps you full for a long.
- Nutrient-rich: Provides vitamins (like K) and minerals (like potassium and calcium). It is also rich in antioxidants.
- Digestive Aid: Fiber and probiotics promote smooth digestion, improve blood sugar and heart health.
Ingredients
This cucumber yogurt salad needs just few pantry-friendly ingredients.
Cucumber: Use firm and crispy cucumbers like English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. The thin peel and fewer seeds varieties make a better choice as they release less water in salad. If dicing is not your thing, sliced cucumbers also taste great with yogurt sauce.
Plain Greek yogurt: is simply thick yogurt. When liquid whey is separated from regular yogurt, the resulting thick yogurt is also called Greek yogurt.
I like to use Greek yogurt for this recipe to keep the salad thick. Cucumber tends to release some water in salad. Using Greek yogurt keeps the salad saucy instead of too watery.
Fresh Mint: I'm using mint leaves here, you can use fresh dill, chives, or parsley too or just skip the fresh herbs.
Garlic: Garlic powder adds savory flavors in the salad, but you may use garlic paste. I've tried this salad a number of times with all variations.
Seasonings: Salt and sugar make the perfect seasoning without overpowering the cucumber and yogurt flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: This ingredient is optional. Use it only if yogurt is very creamy and lacks a slight tanginess. Substitute with apple cider vinegar.
How to make Greek Yogurt?
You can make greek yogurt at home by straining off the whey water from regular yogurt. To do this spread a clean cheesecloth (or any thin cloth) over a colander. Also, place a bowl under the colander.
Pour ½kg (500 g) yogurt over the cheese cloth. Now, bring the edges of cheesecloth together and tie it with a string. Let the liquid whey drain in the bowl.
You can place a heavy bowl over the yogurt bag to speed up the straining process. The yogurt would be thick after one hour. Greek yogurt is ready to use. Read more about Greek yogurt benefits here at Medical News Today.
How to make it?
Making this cucumber yogurt salad recipe is as easy as mixing and chilling.
- Whip Greek yogurt in a large bowl.
- Add all seasoning ingredients, that is mint, salt, sugar, and garlic powder. Mix well to make greek yogurt dressing.
- Next peel and dice the cucumbers with a sharp knife. Transfer to the salad bowl.
- Mix well before serving. Serve chilled.
How to store
Try the keep everything in the mixing bowl as in the above picture. Store the bowl in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and fresh.
Mix just 5-10 minutes before serving. As the cucumber meets the salt, it releases some water in the salad. Mixing it in the last moment keeps it thick without excess liquid.
Leftovers: Leftover salad can be stored in the fridge for 3 days in an airtight container. Some fluid might separate from the side. Just mix it.
Variation
Keep it simple, no superfluous seasoning or spices are required. Few ingredients are the beauty of this cucumber yogurt salad. If you like to play with ingredients check some variations below.
- I tried this salad with sour cream. The salad tastes great on its own and cream is just extra calories, so no need to add it. Toss in some feta instead.
- Fruits: Try adding a chopped apple or grapes. Avocado is also a popular choice.
- Green: Salad leaves, like romaine or iceberg make a good choice of green. Chopped red onions also add a lovely crunch and depth.
- Nuts: You can also add roasted peanuts or almonds.
- Spices: You might get tempted to add some black pepper, chilies, chat masala, or cumin. You'll turn this Lebanese salad into an Indian raita.
- My best advice is to leave the seasoning alone. Although, you can add more garlic, lemon, cream, and herbs if you like.
FAQ
The cucumber salad makes a cooling and healthy summer lunch. Besides, this salad makes a great side with any south Asian, Indian or Arabic dishes like kababs and mandi or sajji, chicken biryani, karahi and so on.
The cucumber salad is rich in potassium, calcium, and fiber. And you get only 72 calories from 1 cup of this salad. A great choice for weight watchers.
Love salads? Me too! Check out these delicious salads.
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📖 Recipe
Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Ingredients
- 4 (500g) cucumber, chilled ahead in fridge.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, chilled ahead in fridge
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice, skip if yogurt is sour.
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or ½ teaspoon garlic paste
Instructions
- Whip Greek yogurt in a large bowl and set aside.
- Next peel and dice the cucumbers.
- Put all remaining ingredients and diced cucumbers in the bowl.
- Mix well before serving. Serve chilled. Pro tip: Mix just 5-10 minutes before serving.
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