Creamy Cucumber Salad (Cucumber Salad Recipe!)
Creamy Cucumber Salad (Cucumber Salad Recipe!) is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 40 min
Cost: $6.49 total, $1.62 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces English Cucumbers (Long, thin‑skinned, seedless; peeled in "zebra" strips and core removed)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Used to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers)
- 0.5 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced into half‑moons)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Fronds only, roughly chopped)
- 0.75 cup Greek Yogurt (Plain, full‑fat for best creaminess)
- 1 unit Lemon (Zest only, adds bright citrus lift)
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (Adjust up to 2 tbsp + extra if dressing is too thick)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Optional, for subtle garlic flavor)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers
Peel the English cucumbers in long "zebra" strips, then run a spoon through the center to remove the core. Slice the cucumbers into half‑moon pieces, place them in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and let sit for about 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
Time: PT10M
Slice the Red Onion
Trim the red onion and slice it very thinly into half‑moon ribbons. No need for perfect uniformity—just aim for thin slices so the bite is gentle.
Time: PT3M
Chop Fresh Dill
Hold the dill stems at the base and shave off the fronds. Roughly chop the fronds to release their flavor.
Time: PT2M
Make the Yogurt Dressing
In a mixing bowl combine 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, the zest of one lemon, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, a pinch of kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and the chopped dill. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Adjust Dressing Consistency
If the dressing feels as thick as a dip, whisk in an additional 1‑2 Tbsp red wine vinegar (or a splash of water) until it coats the cucumbers lightly.
Time: PT2M
Dry the Cucumbers
Place the salted cucumbers on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry to remove excess water.
Time: PT3M
Combine and Toss
Add the dried cucumber pieces, sliced red onion, and any remaining dill to the bowl of dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Serve Immediately
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy while fresh and crisp. If you need to hold it briefly, keep it chilled.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb, Keto‑Friendly
Allergens: Milk (Greek yogurt)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers, regular cucumbers (peeled)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, shallots
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Plain regular yogurt, labneh
- Instead of Lemon: Lemon juice (1 tsp)
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cup
- Microplane Zester
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Removing the cucumber core and salting the cucumbers to draw out excess water
- Patting the cucumbers completely dry before mixing with the dressing
- Adjusting the dressing thickness with extra vinegar or a splash of water
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a microplane for fine lemon zest; it releases essential oils without bitterness
- For extra richness, drizzle a teaspoon of extra‑virgin olive oil into the dressing before whisking
- Serve the salad on a chilled plate for maximum refreshment
Troubleshooting
Salad turns watery after mixing
Make sure the cucumbers are thoroughly salted and patted dry; you can also place them in a clean kitchen towel for an extra 5 minutes to absorb moisture.
Dressing is too thick
Whisk in a little more red wine vinegar or a splash of cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Dressing is too thin
Stir in an additional tablespoon of Greek yogurt to thicken; you may need to add a pinch more salt to balance the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if storing longer to maintain crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Serve chilled; do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cucumbers and let them drain up to 30 minutes ahead; keep them covered in the refrigerator
- Make the yogurt dressing a few hours in advance and store it in a sealed jar; bring to room temperature before tossing
- Pat the cucumbers dry right before mixing to keep the salad from getting soggy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Cucumber Salad in Mediterranean cuisine?
Cucumber salads have been a staple across the Mediterranean for centuries, prized for their cooling effect during hot summers. The addition of Greek yogurt reflects the region’s tradition of using dairy to add richness without heavy cream, making the dish both refreshing and satiating.
What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber salad in Greek and Turkish cuisines?
In Greek cuisine, cucumber salads often feature feta, olives, and a simple olive‑oil‑lemon dressing. Turkish versions may include garlic, sumac, and a dash of pomegranate molasses. The Mediterranean‑style creamy version from The Mediterranean Dish blends yogurt with dill, a common herb in both cultures.
How is Creamy Cucumber Salad traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically served chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or mezze platters. In many homes it appears at family gatherings during summer, often accompanied by fresh bread and a glass of white wine.
During which celebrations or occasions is Creamy Cucumber Salad commonly enjoyed in Mediterranean culture?
The salad is popular at summer barbecues, Easter brunches, and Ramadan iftar meals, where its lightness balances richer dishes. Its quick preparation also makes it a favorite for spontaneous picnics.
What authentic ingredients give Creamy Cucumber Salad its Mediterranean character, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key authentic ingredients are English (or Persian) cucumbers, fresh dill, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and red‑wine vinegar. Substitutes include regular cucumbers (peeled), plain yogurt, dried dill, or white‑wine vinegar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Pair it with grilled lamb kebabs, lemon‑herb chicken, baked fish with olive oil, or a mezze spread featuring hummus, baba ganoush, and warm pita. The salad’s acidity cuts through richer proteins beautifully.
What makes Creamy Cucumber Salad special or unique in Mediterranean cuisine?
The use of Greek yogurt creates a velvety, protein‑rich dressing without the heaviness of mayonnaise or sour cream, while the dill and lemon zest provide a bright, herbaceous flavor that epitomizes Mediterranean freshness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Common errors include skipping the salt‑drain step, which leads to a watery salad; over‑mixing the dressing, which can cause it to separate; and adding too much vinegar, which overpowers the delicate cucumber flavor.
Why does this Creamy Cucumber Salad recipe use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt or sour cream?
Greek yogurt has a higher protein content and a thicker, creamier texture, allowing the dressing to cling to the cucumbers without becoming runny. Regular yogurt would make the dressing too thin, and sour cream would add unnecessary richness and alter the tang profile.
Can I make Creamy Cucumber Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the cucumbers, onion, and dressing separately. Store the cucumbers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and keep the dressing in a separate jar. Combine just before serving to maintain crunch. The assembled salad can be kept chilled for up to 2 days, though texture is best when fresh.
What does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish specialize in?
The Mediterranean Dish focuses on authentic, approachable Mediterranean recipes, offering step‑by‑step video tutorials that highlight fresh herbs, wholesome ingredients, and classic techniques from Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Middle East.
How does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The Mediterranean Dish emphasizes traditional flavor foundations—like olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs—while providing modern shortcuts and clear visual cues. Unlike many channels that chase trends, it stays rooted in regional authenticity and offers detailed cultural context for each dish.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
