Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe

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Imagine the sun-kissed landscapes of the Mediterranean, where vibrant flavors and refreshing dishes are cherished traditions. In the heart of this culinary paradise lies a beloved classic: the Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad. This delightful recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Why I Love This Recipe: This salad isn’t just a favorite in my kitchen; it’s a star in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll find it nestled beside tender roasted lamb shoulders, accompanying oven-baked chicken breasts, or gracing the same table as a sumptuous plate of authentic chicken musakhan. Its popularity speaks volumes about its delicious appeal.

Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad Ingredients

Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad is a Mediterranean classic known for its simplicity and refreshing flavors. This versatile dish features a handful of essential 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

Creating the best Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad is a breeze with helpful tips and tricks. Here’s how to make it shine:

  • 1. 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.
  • 2. 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!
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. 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.
  • 5. 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.
How to Make Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe

Preparation

1.
Prepare the Cucumbers: Peel and finely chop the Persian cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces.
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2.
Mince the Garlic: Finely mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Chop Fresh Mint: Chop the fresh mint leaves.
Mark as complete
3.
Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, minced garlic, and fresh mint. Mix these components together until you achieve a smooth and well-incorporated consistency.
Mark as complete
4.
Garnish and Serve: To enhance the presentation and flavor, garnish the yogurt cucumber salad with additional fresh mint leaves and drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on top.
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 cups European style yogurt
2 small Persian cucumbers (chopped)
2 teaspoons salt
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh mint (chopped)
1 teaspoon dry mint

Preparation

1
Prepare the Cucumbers: Peel and finely chop the Persian cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces.
2
Mince the Garlic: Finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Chop Fresh Mint: Chop the fresh mint leaves.
3
Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, minced garlic, and fresh mint. Mix these components together until you achieve a smooth and well-incorporated consistency.
4
Garnish and Serve: To enhance the presentation and flavor, garnish the yogurt cucumber salad with additional fresh mint leaves and drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on top.

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Some tips on how to keep cucumbers from going bad:

Store unwashed cucumber in the refrigerator. Wrap it in a paper towel or store it in a plastic bag to help retain moisture and crispness.

Store partially cut cucumbers in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and prevent oxidation (browning).

Please ensure adequate ventilation for the cucumbers if you store them outside the fridge.

Please don't forget to discard any cucumbers showing mold or decay, as these can cause foodborne illnesses.

Rana’s Notes!

To keep your creamy yogurt cucumber salad safe for longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can stay fresh for up to four days, but it's best to consume it within 48 hours to ensure maximum flavor and freshness. Before serving, you may need to give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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