This creamy cucumber yogurt salad is a light, refreshing side dish made with crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy Greek yogurt. It’s simple, cooling, and perfect for warm days, potlucks, or as a fresh complement to grilled meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad comes together in just minutes with a handful of fresh ingredients. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing is brightened with lemon juice and loaded with fresh dill and mint, giving it a flavor similar to tzatziki but with a lighter, salad-style texture.

It’s naturally lighter than mayonnaise-based salads, thanks to the use of non-fat Greek yogurt. It can be prepared ahead of time, holds up well at room temperature for serving, and tastes even better after chilling. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick weekday side, this recipe is dependable, fresh, and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad
3 to 4 seedless cucumbers (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced and roughly chopped

Yogurt Dressing
1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, finely minced or pressed
Juice from ½ medium lemon (about 1½ tablespoons)
¼ cup freshly chopped dill, plus extra for garnish
¼ cup freshly chopped mint, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds. If using cucumbers with large seeds, scoop them out before slicing. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the slices into shorter pieces.
2. Combine the salad base. Place the sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the dressing. In a separate small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped mint, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
4. Toss everything together. Pour the yogurt dressing over the cucumbers and onions. Gently toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Adjust seasoning. Taste and add additional salt or pepper if needed.
6. Chill before serving. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to release some of their juices. Garnish with extra dill and mint just before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This salad can be made up to 1 day in advance, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.

Variations

Add chopped arugula or cilantro for a more herb-forward version.

Stir in a tablespoon of olive oil for a richer dressing.

Include thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.

Add crumbled feta cheese for a slightly salty, creamy contrast.

Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Use regular plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a lighter, slightly looser dressing consistency.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Because cucumbers release water over time, you may notice extra liquid in the bowl. Simply stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the yogurt and cucumbers will lose their texture once thawed.

Reheating is not recommended. This dish is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, regular plain yogurt works well. The dressing will be thinner, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

If you are using English or seedless cucumbers, peeling is not necessary. If the skin is thick or waxed, peeling is recommended.

How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?

Chilling the salad helps the flavors blend. If desired, you can lightly salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 20 minutes, then drain before mixing with the dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to one day in advance. It actually tastes better after chilling for at least an hour.

What type of cucumbers work best?

Seedless or English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, thinly sliced radishes or chopped bell peppers can add color and crunch.

Is this salad healthy?

It’s lighter than traditional creamy salads because it uses non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or sour cream.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are strongly recommended for the best flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity to about one-third of the fresh amount.

How long can this sit out at a party?

It can sit at cool room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to maintain freshness and food safety.

What dishes pair well with this salad?

It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, rice dishes, and sandwiches.

Conclusion

Creamy cucumber yogurt salad is a refreshing, herb-packed side dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for sharing. With crisp cucumbers, tangy yogurt, and bright fresh herbs, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether served at a summer gathering or alongside a simple weeknight meal, this make-ahead salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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