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This Creamy Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors. It is made with yogurt, which makes it lighter and healthier than salads with mayonnaise-based dressings. 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 cucumber salad recipe that’s both simple and quick to prepare. This salad is light, refreshing, and makes the perfect side dish for any meal. Its versatility allows it to shine during the warm months or serve as a healthy snack you can enjoy all seasons.
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights
Cultural Influence: Turkish
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 and 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 as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Red onion: Adds extra crunch and, of course, flavor. Yellow onions or chopped green onions work too in this cucumber onion 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 giving the salad a robust and aromatic flavor. Garlic powder works too offering a milder taste.
- 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 spice 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
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the cucumbers and onion thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Flavors
Use a microplane to grate the garlic finely. Mix in the chopped dill, grated garlic, and white vinegar for a tangy, aromatic base.
Step 3: Combine with Yogurt
Add the yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and ensure the cucumber slices are evenly coated.
Step 4: Finish with Toppings
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.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad is best served chilled to enhance its refreshing flavors and crisp texture. This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It is a great side for sharing at picnics and parties at summer 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, Chicken Kofta.
This refreshing simple salad is perfect with seafood. Pair it with Grilled Salmon, Shrimp Skewers, or Baked Cod for a light meal.
Serve it as a topping for rice pilafs 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 for tanginess.
More Veggies: Add thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. You can also add diced avocado for it adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Vegan Version: Substitute whole milk yogurt with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt made from almond or coconut for a vegan option.
Lighter Dressing: For a lighter version, mix yogurt with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice instead of using it alone.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: Opt for fresh and crisp Persian cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. Don’t use the cucumbers that feel soft or are too seedy. If using English cucumbers, remove some of the seeds to avoid excess moisture.
- Keep Cucumber from Sogginess: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, keeping them crisp when mixed with the dressing.
- Reduce Strong Onion Flavor: If the onions are too strong, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes. Then, drain and pat dry to reduce their sharpness while maintaining their crunch.
- Slice Uniformly: Thin, even slices ensure the cucumbers and onions absorb the creamy dressing evenly, enhancing the overall flavor. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: For a refreshing salad, chill the prepared salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Store Creamy Cucumber Salad
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.
Freezer: Because of the high water content of cucumbers and the yogurt-based dressing, freezing is not recommended, as it will result in a watery and separated texture upon thawing.
Can I make this creamy cucumber salad ahead of time?
While the salad is best served immediately, you can prepare the dressing and chop the cucumbers and onions ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to keep the salad crispness and prevent cucumbers from releasing excess water.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, since Persian cucumbers and English cucumbers both have thin skin there is no need to peel them.
Cucumbers are high in water content, so it’s challenging to prevent them from releasing liquid entirely. To reduce excess moisture, sprinkle salt on the sliced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes to draw out some of the water before assembling the salad.
Yes, you can use sour cream instead of yogurt in this recipe.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
Summer Recipes
Mediterranean Green Bean Salad Recipe
Fall Recipe
Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe (Piyaz)
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Creamy Cucumber Salad With Yogurt
Ingredients
- 6 Persian cucumbers
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ cup whole milk yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, optional
- 2 teaspoons dried mint, optional
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and onion thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place them in a large bowl.
- Use a microplane to grate the garlic finely. Mix in the chopped dill, grated garlic, and white vinegar for a tangy, aromatic base.
- Add the yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and ensure the cucumber slices are evenly coated.
- 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.
Video
Notes
- Choose the Right Cucumbers: Opt for fresh and crisp Persian cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. Don’t use the cucumbers that feel soft or are too seedy. If using English cucumbers, remove some of the seeds to avoid excess moisture.
- Keep Cucumber from Sogginess: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, keeping them crisp when mixed with the dressing.
- Reduce Strong Onion Flavor: If the onions are too strong, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes. Then, drain and pat dry to reduce their sharpness while maintaining their crunch.
- Slice Uniformly: Thin, even slices ensure the cucumbers and onions absorb the creamy dressing evenly, enhancing the overall flavor. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: For a refreshing salad, chill the prepared salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m in love with this! The yogurt gives this recipe all the creamy, tangy goodness of the classic, but it’s so much healthier.
Made this over the weekend and loved it! I will definitely make this again soon!
I’m usually not a fan of cucumbers, but this creamy salad, I’ll definitely eat! The combination of flavors really make it delicious!
I loved the flavor and texture of this refreshing salad!
This yogurt cucumber salad was so refreshing and delicious! Loved it!
I have made this several times. So good, great salad to serve with lamb.