Creamy Cucumber Salad! (Cucumber Salad Recipe)
Creamy Cucumber Salad! (Cucumber Salad Recipe) is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $4.07 total, $1.02 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large English Cucumbers (seeded and sliced into half‑moon pieces)
- 1 tsp Salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full‑fat for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (good quality)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove Garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Mint (finely chopped, optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (flat‑leaf, finely chopped)
- 0.25 small Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Seed and Slice Cucumbers
Wash cucumbers, cut off the ends, slice lengthwise, scoop out the seeds with a small spoon, then cut into half‑moon pieces about ¼ inch thick.
Time: PT5M
Salt Cucumbers
Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, toss, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Yogurt Dressing
In a mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, mint, parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Toss Salad
Add the drained cucumber slices and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Time: PT3M
Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving platter, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve chilled.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 6g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Allergens: Dairy (yogurt)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers, seedless cucumbers
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Plain regular yogurt, Labneh
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Lemon Juice: White wine vinegar
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Mint: Dried mint (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Shallots
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk or Spoon
- Colander (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Removing cucumber seeds without crushing the flesh
- Salting cucumbers to remove excess moisture
- Whisking dressing to a smooth emulsion
- Tossing gently to keep cucumbers crisp
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use English cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal bitterness.
- Chill the yogurt and cucumbers before mixing for a refreshing salad.
- Add a pinch of sumac for an authentic Mediterranean tang.
Troubleshooting
Cucumbers become watery after mixing.
Make sure to salt and drain the cucumbers thoroughly, then pat them dry before adding the dressing.
Dressing separates or looks curdled.
Whisk the dressing vigorously and add a small splash of olive oil or water to re‑emulsify.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if preparing far in advance.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become watery.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour, but should be kept chilled for best texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the yogurt dressing up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator; keep cucumbers separate until just before serving.
- If you salt the cucumbers ahead, be sure to drain and pat them dry before mixing with the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad in Mediterranean cuisine?
Cucumber salads have been a staple across the Mediterranean for centuries, prized for their cooling effect in hot climates. The creamy yogurt version reflects the influence of Greek and Turkish mezze traditions, where tangy dairy sauces are paired with fresh vegetables.
What are the traditional regional variations of Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad in Greece and Turkey?
In Greece, the salad is known as "Tzatziki" and often includes garlic, dill, and sometimes a splash of red wine vinegar. Turkish versions, called "Cacik," may add mint, paprika, and a thinner consistency to serve as a soup‑like side.
How is Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically served chilled as a mezze dish alongside bread, olives, and grilled meats. It can also accompany rice dishes or be used as a topping for gyros and kebabs.
What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad traditionally associated with in Mediterranean culture?
The salad appears at family gatherings, summer barbecues, and religious holidays such as Easter and Ramadan, where a light, refreshing side balances richer main courses.
How does Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad fit into the broader Mediterranean cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the Mediterranean focus on fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and probiotic‑rich dairy. The dish highlights the region’s emphasis on simple, high‑flavor preparations that celebrate seasonal produce.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include English cucumbers, Greek yogurt, extra‑virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, mint, and parsley. Acceptable substitutes are regular plain yogurt, other fresh herbs like cilantro, or a drizzle of vegetable oil if olive oil is unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad?
Common errors include skipping the salting step, which leaves cucumbers watery, over‑mixing the dressing so it separates, and using too much salt. Also, cutting cucumbers too thick can make the salad feel heavy.
Why does this Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad recipe use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt is thicker and richer, giving the dressing a luxurious, creamy texture without needing extra thickeners. Regular yogurt can be used, but it may make the dressing runny unless strained.
Can I make Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the yogurt dressing up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Store the salted cucumbers separately, then combine just before serving to maintain crunch.
What does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish specialize in?
The YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish specializes in authentic Mediterranean recipes, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and approachable home‑cooking techniques. The host often shares cultural background and tips for making classic dishes at home.
What other Mediterranean recipes is the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish known for?
The Mediterranean Dish is well‑known for its step‑by‑step guides to dishes like Chicken Souvlaki, Spanakopita, Shakshuka, and classic Greek Lemon Potatoes, as well as a variety of vegetarian mezze plates.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
