Cooling Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad
Table of Contents
Cooling Cucumber & Mint Yogurt Salad (Tzatziki's Posh Cousin)
Fancy something dead easy and super tasty? Remember that cucumber yogurt salad your nan used to make? I've put my own spin on it.
Honestly, this Creamy Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt is a game changer. Perfect for hot days, or just when you need a bit of freshness.
What's the Big Deal?
This is not your average salad. It's like a Tzatziki Inspired Salad but simpler. This Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe is a nod to both Greek and Indian flavors.
It's easy, needs just 45 minutes and serves 4. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or dip.
Why You'll Love It
This salad is packed with goodness. Its a Healthy Creamy Cucumber Salad that's great for digestion, thanks to the yogurt.
Ideal for BBQs, picnics, or just a chill evening. What makes it special? It's refreshing, flavourful, and good for you.
Let's Talk Ingredients
You only need a few things for the Cucumber Dill Salad or a Cucumber Salad with Herbs . Two cucumbers, a teaspoon of salt, a cup of Greek yogurt, two tablespoons of fresh mint, one clove of garlic, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of olive oil and some black pepper.
Simple, right? You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave! A Mint Yogurt Dressing makes it even better!
Alright, let's dive into what you need for this cracking Cucumber Yogurt Salad , or as I like to call it, Tzatziki Inspired Salad .
Honestly, it’s so simple, even my nan could whip it up and she’s more of a tea-and-biscuits kinda gal.
This Cucumber Dill Salad is a breeze.
Ingredients & Bits
Time to gather our weapons... I mean ingredients.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Cucumbers: You will need 2 large cucumbers. That's about 500g . English cucumbers are fab. They have fewer seeds, if that's your thing. Regular ones are fine too. Peel them if you fancy. Otherwise, leave the skin on for extra crunch.
- Salt: Get ready for 1 teaspoon (5ml) of kosher salt.
- Greek Yogurt: You need 1 cup (240ml) of plain Greek yogurt. Full fat is lush. It makes it extra creamy. low-fat is alright if you're watching the waistline. I like a Healthy Creamy Cucumber Salad , full fat is the way to go!
- Mint: Next you will need 2 tablespoons (30ml) of fresh mint, chopped finely.
- Garlic: Time for 1 clove of garlic. Mince it real good. (About 5g )
- Lemon Juice: You'll need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice. Squeeze it fresh, yeah? Bottled stuff just ain't the same. This is essential for a Refreshing Summer Salad .
- Olive Oil: Pour in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of extra virgin olive oil.
- Pepper: You must include ¼ teaspoon (1ml) of black pepper, freshly ground.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bangers
This isn't just any salad. We're building flavour here. Mint and lemon are best mates. They make it zingy. Garlic adds depth.
Some people like a Creamy Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt . If you want a spicy Raita Inspired Salad , add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes.
Or skip the pepper flakes and just have a Cucumber Dill .
Equipment Needed: Your Arsenal
Don't go overboard. Keep it simple.
- Knife: A good chef's knife is a must.
- Cutting board: Obvious, innit?
- Mixing bowl: To bung everything in.
- Measuring bits: Spoons and cups are helpful.
- Lemon juicer: Makes life easier. But you can squeeze by hand.
- Garlic mincer: Optional. But mincing garlic is a pain otherwise.
Right then, let's get cracking on this Cucumber Yogurt Salad recipe! Something cool, refreshing, and just the ticket for a summer's day a proper antidote to a heatwave, innit? It’s like Tzatziki Inspired Salad but slightly posh, I reckon.
Cooling Cucumber & Mint Yogurt Salad
This salad is creamy and tangy. It's perfect as a light lunch or a side. It's even good with grilled meats.
I think of it as Tzatziki's posh cousin. This recipe uses simple, fresh flavours. There's crisp cucumber, cool yogurt, and fragrant mint.
And a zing of lemon. It's quick to make and everyone loves it. Honestly, even Mr. Bean could manage this one.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!
First, peel those cucumbers. Or don't, your shout. Thinly slice them. Then, finely chop the fresh mint. Mince one clove of garlic.
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice. Get the yogurt ready. I learned early on good prep means less stress later.
Time saver? Get a garlic mincer. Trust me, life's too short for fiddly garlic. For safety, watch those fingers when slicing.
step-by-step: From Cucumber Chaos to Culinary Calm
- Quarter the cucumbers and scrape out the seeds.
- Slice thinly and place in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss.
- Let it drain for 15 minutes . This is important. Trust me.
- Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt , 2 tablespoons mint , garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice . Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¼ teaspoon black pepper .
- Gently squeeze the cucumbers dry with paper towels.
- Add the cucumbers to the yogurt mix. Stir gently.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes .
- Serve with fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Don't skip draining the cucumbers! It stops the cucumber yogurt salad from being watery. Nobody wants a soggy salad. Full fat yogurt is best for flavour.
But low-fat is fine too. Use fresh mint and lemon juice. Don't even think about dried herbs. Taste as you go.
Add more lemon for tang. This Creamy Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt is best chilled. The flavours need time to mingle.
This Cucumber Dill Salad is banging for a summer's day. It’s one of those Refreshing Summer Salads everyone loves. You could even try a Mint Yogurt Dressing to spice things up a bit, right? It's like a Raita Inspired Salad or a Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe but with my little twist.
Recipe Notes for Your Cooling Cucumber & Mint Yogurt Salad
Alright, let's talk about making this Cucumber Yogurt Salad the absolute best it can be! These notes are like little secrets to ensure your Creamy Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt is a total triumph.
Honestly, it's already pretty foolproof, but a few extra tips never hurt, right?
Plating Like a Pro (or at Least Trying To!)
Presentation is key, even if you're just whipping this up for yourself! For a simple yet elegant look, swirl the cucumber dill salad in a shallow bowl.
Garnish with a few extra mint sprigs and a drizzle of good olive oil. If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a pop of color and subtle smoky flavor.
Think of it as Tzatziki Inspired Salad but make it your own!
Serve this alongside grilled chicken or lamb for a proper summer barbecue feast. It also goes brilliantly with falafel in pita bread a total game changer.
Fancy a light lunch? It pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine or even a refreshing sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
This Raita Inspired Salad is all about versatility!
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Store your Healthy Creamy Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The flavors actually meld even more overnight. Honestly, that's when I think it tastes even better!
Freezing isn't recommended, as the yogurt can separate and become watery upon thawing. Reheating isn't necessary this salad is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
It is after all one of the most Refreshing Summer Salads .
Playing Around: Variations to Suit Your Mood
Want to switch things up? Go wild! Instead of mint, try fresh dill for a Cucumber Dill twist. The Cucumber Dill Salad is a classic for a reason, you know?
If you're vegan, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant based alternative. I've had great results with coconut and soy yogurt. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavoured, like!
Nutrition Lowdown: Goodness in Every Bite
This Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe isn't just delicious; it's good for you too! Greek yogurt is packed with protein, and cucumbers are super hydrating.
Plus, a Mint Yogurt Dressing offers a lovely cooling flavour. It’s a win-win situation. The Cucumber Salad with Herbs provides you with Vitamin K, while providing low carbohydrates and is easily digestible.
Remember, these are just estimates, but you get the general idea.
Honestly, this recipe is so adaptable and easy to make your own. So, get in the kitchen and have a go! I promise you'll love it.
And if you don't? Well, at least you tried, eh?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cucumber yogurt salad so watery? Is it supposed to be like that?
A watery cucumber yogurt salad is a common problem, but easily fixed! The key is to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers before mixing them with the yogurt. Salting and draining the cucumbers in a colander for about 15 minutes really helps.
Gently squeezing the cucumbers with paper towels after draining removes even more water, ensuring your salad stays creamy, not soggy.
Can I make this cucumber yogurt salad ahead of time? Will it still taste good?
Absolutely! In fact, making this salad ahead of time is highly recommended. Chilling the cucumber yogurt salad for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, like letting a good stew simmer to perfection.
Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the lovely flavours.
What are some tasty variations I can try to spice up my cucumber yogurt salad?
This cucumber yogurt salad is a blank canvas for flavor! For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes (a la Nando's!) or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Fresh dill makes a fantastic alternative to mint for a more traditional tzatziki vibe.
You could also experiment with adding chopped walnuts or toasted pumpkin seeds for some lovely texture.
How long does cucumber yogurt salad last in the fridge, and how should I store it?
Your cucumber yogurt salad will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored properly. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Just remember that the cucumbers may release a bit more moisture over time, so give it a stir before serving, and if you are really keen, you can always drain a bit of the excess fluid.
Is there a vegan version of this cucumber yogurt salad, and how do I make it?
Yes, you can easily make a vegan cucumber yogurt salad! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant based yogurt alternative like soy, coconut, or almond yogurt. Ensure you choose an unsweetened and unflavored variety.
All other ingredients remain the same, resulting in a refreshing and dairy-free salad that's just as delicious as the original.
What kind of yogurt is best for making cucumber yogurt salad?
Greek yogurt is traditionally used for cucumber yogurt salad because of it's creamy texture. If you're looking for a rich experience then full fat Greek yogurt is the best bet but low-fat Greek yogurt works just as well if you're counting calories.
Cooling Cucumber Mint Yogurt Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80-120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5-7g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |