Creamy Cucumber Salad With Yogurt (10 Minutes!)

This creamy cucumber salad is the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors. It is made with yogurt, which makes it light and refreshing. There’s nothing difficult about this recipe: it’s ready in just 10 minutes and uses common pantry samples.

The classic combination of cucumber and yogurt is a beloved staple in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. From classic Persian mast-o-khiar and Turkish cacik to Greek tzatziki, this delicious combo appears in a variety of dishes across the region, for its refreshing taste and creamy texture.

Today’s recipe is inspired by Turkish flavors, offering a creamy salad that’s both simple and quick to prepare. This no mayo cucumber salad is refreshing, and makes the perfect side dish for any meal.

Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Turkish inspired

Primary Cooking Technique: Mixing and no-cook preparation

Dominant Flavor Profile: Fresh and tangy, with herbal notes

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly

Turkish Style Creamy Cucumber Salad

Yogurt based salads are very common in Turkish cuisine and this cucumber salad is one you can find on the menu in many Turkish households. Here is why you should try this salad:

Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to make this creamy cucumber salad and I bet you already have them on hand.

So fresh: The yogurt and cucumber combination is so cooling and fresh, perfect for warm days.

Easy and Quick: As easy as chop, mix and serve! This cucumber salad is ready in no time which makes it perfect for any time of the day.

Crowd pleaser: This salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and parties. The flavor is on point and everyone loves it.

Ingredients

• Cucumber: I recommend using Persian cucumbers for this recipe because of their crispness and size. If not available, English cucumbers also work well.

• Red onion: Adds extra crunch and, of course, flavor. Yellow onions or chopped green onions work too in this cucumber onion salad. If the taste of raw red onion is too sharp for you, soak the onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

• Dill: It complements the flavors of yogurt and cucumber really well. You can also use mint if desired.

• Yogurt: Whole milk yogurt works best for this recipe because it’s creamy and has the right consistency. However, low fat yogurt would work too.

• Garlic: You only need 2 cloves of garlic for this recipe. Garlic gives the salad a robust and aromatic flavor. For a milder taste, use garlic powder.

• White vinegar: To add a bit of a tangy kick to the salad balancing the creamy yogurt dressing. Red wine vinegar or a splash of apple cider vinegar would work too.

• Salt: Add it according to taste and preference.

• Black Pepper: It adds a mild kick that contrasts well with the tangy creamy dressing.

• Olive oil: As always, use extra virgin olive oil if possible. A drizzle of olive oil on top enhances the richness of the salad and adds a glossy finish.

• Toppings: I used Aleppo pepper and dried mint. They’re both optional but add a lot of flavor.

How To Make Creamy Cucumber Salad

Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers and onion thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place them in a large bowl.

Season: Use a microplane to grate the garlic finely. Mix in the chopped dill, grated garlic, and white vinegar.

Add the yogurt: Stir in the yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and ensure the cucumber slices are evenly coated.

Final touches: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and top with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, and dried mint for the final touch.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cucumber salad is best served chilled to enhance its refreshing flavors. This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes especially in summer. It is a great side for sharing at picnics and parties in warmer days.

I love serving it with grilled meats like Beef Shish Kabob, Chicken Kebabs and, of course, my Perfect Grilled Steak or Grilled Spatchcock Chicken.

Regardless of the time of year, this Turkish style cucumber salad goes perfectly with kofta recipes such as Kofta Kebab and Chicken Kofta.

Serve it as a topping for rice dishes like tomato rice or Middle Eastern chicken and rice, quinoa, or bulgur bowls to add creaminess and crunch.

Variations and Substitutes

Herb Alternatives: Replace dill with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for a different herbal flavor. Add a hint of fresh mint for a cooling twist.

Dressing Tweaks: Use plain Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier dressing. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar if desired.

More Veggies: Add thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. You can also add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

Storing The Leftovers

Refrigerator: Transfer the salad leftover into an airtight container and store the salad in the refrigerator for to 2 days.

After storage, cucumbers may release some water, slightly thinning the dressing. To refresh the salad, drain excess liquid, then add a couple tablespoons of yogurt and 1 freshly sliced cucumber, season with salt and pepper, and give it a good stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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