Creamy Cucumber Salad With Yogurt

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: As easy and chop, mix and serve! This cucumber salad is ready in 10 minutes 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.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cucumber: I recommend using Persian cucumbers for this recipe because of their crispiness and size. If not available, English cucumber would work, too.
• Red onion: Adds extra crunch and, of course, flavor. If the red onion you’re using is too strong, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes then pat dry them completely before adding to the salad.
• Dill: It compliments 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. If looking for a dairy-free option, try unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.
• Garlic: You only need 2 cloves of garlic for this recipe and it’s best to grate them using a microplane.
• White vinegar: To add a bit of a kick to the salad. Red wine vinegar or a splash of apple cider vinegar would work too.
• Olive oil: As always, use extra virgin olive oil if possible.
• Toppings: I used Aleppo pepper and dried mint. They’re both optional but add a lot of flavor.

How To Make Creamy Cucumber Salad With Yogurt

1. Slice the cucumber and onion. Place them in a large bowl.
2. Mix in the chopped dill, garlic and vinegar.
3. Add the yogurt, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and make sure all cucumber slices are coated with yogurt.
4. Transfer to a platter and top with olive oil, Aleppo pepper and dried mint.

Tips For The Perfect Cucumber Salad

• Choose the right cucumber: The cucumbers should be fresh and crisp. Don’t use the cucumbers that feel soft or are too seedy.
• Onions: If the onions are too strong, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes, drain and pat dry them completely, then add them to the salad.
• Taste: Taste the salad before serving and add more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve immediately: Cucumbers tend to release water with time which will make the salad soggy if too much time passes. It’s best to serve this salad ahead of time or simply mix the cucumbers and onions with the dressing right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cucumber salad is a great side for sharing at picnics and parties. We love serving it with beef shish kabob, chicken kebabs and, of course, our famous grilled spatchcock chicken.

Regardless of the time of year, this Turkish style cucumber salad goes perfectly with dishes such as kofta kebab, chicken kofta, tomato rice or Middle Eastern chicken and rice.

Can I Prepare it in Advance?

Yes! You can keep this cucumber salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers might release some water after a few hours. To serve, add a couple tablespoons of yogurt and 1 freshly sliced cucumber (if available). Season with salt and pepper and give it a good stir.

Frequently Asked Questions