If you are a fan of similar easy Greek yogurt-based recipes, check out our Tzatziki (aka Greek cucumber salad dressing), Greek Yogurt Coleslaw, Pasta with Greek Yogurt Sauce, and Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
You only need a few basic ingredients and a few pantry staples to make this cucumber yogurt salad. The ingredients list has two parts: For the Greek yogurt salad dressing, you will need the following:
Greek yogurt: I recommend using full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the most creamy Greek cucumber salad. However, low-fat Greek yogurt or plain yogurt would also work. Garlic cloves: Be sure to mince them finely to easily incorporate them into the dressing. Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best. Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil deepens the flavors of this yogurt dill cucumber salad, but it is an optional ingredient. Vinegar: All you need is a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten up the yogurt salad dressing. I used red wine vinegar, but white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar would also work. Fresh Dill: A small amount of chopped fresh dill is a classic ingredient for any Mediterranean cucumber yogurt salad recipe, and this one is no exception. If you find the flavors of fresh dill too strong, you can use a teaspoon of dried dill instead. Kosher Salt and Pepper
For The Salad, you will need:
Cucumbers: I used English cucumbers (aka seedless cucumbers) as they have fewer seeds than most other types of cucumbers. However, Persian cucumbers (aka Lebanese cucumbers) and garden cucumbers (the most popular type you find in US grocery stores) would all work. Removing and peeling the seeds is optional and depends on the type of cucumber you use. Onion: A small amount of sliced red onion pairs beautifully with all the other flavors of this creamy cucumber dill salad. However, scallions can be used as a substitute.
How To Make Cucumber Greek Yogurt Salad?
Making cucumber salad with yogurt dressing cannot be easier. If you have 10 minutes, you can make this recipe. Here are the steps:
How to Make Ahead and Store Leftovers?
When it comes to summer cookouts, planning, and meal prepping are key. Thankfully, with just a few steps, you can make this creamy cucumber salad a day ahead and put it together in minutes. Here is how I do it:
To Make Ahead: Make the creamy Greek yogurt dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Slice cucumbers and red onion a day in advance and store them in separate containers. When ready, assemble the salad as directed in the recipe card below. To Store Leftovers: Place the leftover Greek cucumber yogurt salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Please be aware that cucumber slices will release their juices as they sit. You can drain the excess liquid or add a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt to thicken the dressing. Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to give it a toss before serving.
What To Serve It With?
This easy cucumber salad pairs beautifully with various of main dishes and similar salads. Here are some suggestions for pairing:
Grilled Meats: The tangy and refreshing flavors of the salad make a great summer side dish with spicy dishes like grilled chicken, pork, or turkey. Pair it with my Greek Yogurt Chicken or Shish Tawook for a wonderfully balanced and authentic Mediterranean-inspired meal. Fish: Whether grilled mahi mahi, salmon, or shrimp kabobs, this tzatziki cucumber salad complements seafood beautifully. Roasted Vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted asparagus, crispy eggplant, or zucchini noodles for a light vegetarian meal. With Other Salads: If you are taking it with you to a potluck (such as a dish you can bring to a Memorial Day party) and need a few more ideas, this yogurt cucumber salad would pair well with my Caprese Pasta Salad, Jen Aniston Salad, and Quinoa Tabbouleh.
Other Cucumber Salad Recipes You Might Also Like:
Cucumber Watermelon Salad Mozzarella Tomato Cucumber Salad Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Avocado Jicama Cucumber Salad
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Use a mandolin slicer: If you have a mandolin slicer, this is the time to use it, as thinly sliced cucumbers make for a more aesthetically pleasing and delicate salad. Not to mention, it makes the process of making this yogurt and cucumber dish much faster. Salt cucumbers: The cucumbers will inevitably release their juices as they sit. However, if you have the time, you can place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl fitted with a colander and sprinkle them with half a teaspoon of salt. Give them a toss and let the juices drain for 15-30 minutes. Doing so will draw the water out of the cucumbers and ensure that your cucumber yogurt dill salad remains crisp rather than becoming watery. Chill before serving: This salad can be served right away, but letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour allows all the flavors to blend and intensify, resulting in an even more refreshing yogurt cucumber salad. Taste for seasoning: Be sure to give it a taste before serving and add more seasoning if necessary.