Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad – Middle Eastern Style

This yogurt cucumber salad is a staple in my kitchen—and across the Middle East, from Lebanon and Syria to Jordan. Lighter than tzatziki but just as refreshing, it’s packed with cooling yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and the bright flavor of mint. Whether served alongside lamb chop, grilled chicken, or traditional musakhan, it’s a beloved side dish that never fails to refresh.

Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad Ingredients

• European-Style Yogurt: The creamy base of this European-style yogurt salad lends a delightful tanginess and smooth consistency. Its slight liquid nature ensures a luscious, pourable dressing that coats every cucumber slice.
• Persian Cucumbers: These slender, seedless cucumbers are the show’s stars. With their crisp texture and delicate flavor, there’s no need to peel or deseed them. Simply slice and savor their natural freshness.
• Fresh Mint: Fragrant and refreshing, fresh mint leaves add a burst of brightness to the salad. Their vibrant aroma complements the creamy yogurt, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Garlic: A touch of garlic infuses the salad with a subtle, earthy depth. Mince it finely for a hint of savory complexity that elevates the entire dish.
• Olive Oil (Drizzle): A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds a silky richness and enhances the overall taste, making this salad a true Mediterranean delight.

Resembling the Greek Tzatziki Dip

Perhaps you’ve tasted the Greek tzatziki dip and found it irresistible. This creamy yogurt cucumber salad is a close cousin to tzatziki, sharing the same yogurt base and cucumber freshness. However, they have subtle differences that set them apart—such as mint instead of dill and the approach to draining cucumber water. It’s a delicious journey through similar yet distinct flavors in one bowl.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad

• Choose European-style yogurt: Opt for European-style yogurt, which offers a slightly more liquid consistency than Greek yogurt. However, you can use Greek yogurt if that’s what you have. To achieve the desired consistency, consider adding a touch of cold, filtered water to thin it out if needed.
• Select English or Persian Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for this recipe due to their small seeds. Their natural crunch and tiny seeds mean you can skip the hassle of deseeding or draining excess water. Efficiency and flavor all in one!
•  Balance Peeling and Skin: When preparing your cucumbers, balance peeling and leaving some skin. This approach ensures that your Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad has a smooth and crunchy texture. It’s all about achieving the perfect blend.
• Embrace Fresh and Dry Mint: Elevate your salad’s flavor profile by incorporating fresh and dry mint. Fresh mint brings a bright, refreshing element, while dry mint contributes a deep, earthy complexity. The combination results in a well-rounded and delightful dish.
•  Chill for Flavor Infusion: After preparing your yogurt-cucumber salad, place it in the refrigerator for several hours. This resting period allows all the beautiful flavors to meld together and infuse the sauce, ensuring a delicious and harmonious blend of tastes.