Name: Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Dill Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: serves 2 people (as a side)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large fresh cucumbers; 1 red onion; 1 tsp salt; 1 spring onion (or scallion); 1 tsp chili flakes (optional); 120 g greek yogurt (1/2 cup or 4.4 oz); 4 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves; 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Dill Salad

Hot summer days call for refreshment. Of course a good ice-cold drink and ice cream are delicious, but as you know, we need vitamins and minerals in our bodies as well. For a quick, light lunch Jernej and I like to make seasonal salads on hot summer days. This Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Dill Salad is made in just 15 minutes and we kept it simple, healthy, creamy and fresh. No added mayo or cream in this cucumber salad recipe. A great tip is to sprinkle the cucumbers and onion with salt, set aside, then squeeze out the water. This way, the cucumber will be crunchy and delicious in your quick summer salad.

How to make Creamy Cucumber Salad

This is such an easy recipe, made in a very short period of time - in only 15 minutes. What's to love:

you will need a few ingredients
it's fresh, raw and delicious
creamy, without any added mayo or sour cream
gluten-free
could be served right away or chilled in a fridge
perfect for picnics, birthdays, bbq parties and 4th of July celebrations
can be served as a side, light lunch or dinner or as an appetizer
healthy

Ingredients

There are just a few ingredients in this recipe, but they all play an important role.

Cucumbers - Use salad cucumbers, there are many varieties, so choose your favorite one. The best ones are English Cucumber or American slicing.

Red onion - Other onion will work too. Red onions tend to be crispier and they aren't as sharp.

Spring onion - Adds a mild, light onion flavor. You can also use scallions.

Yogurt dressing - It's incredibly light, creamy and fresh. The ingredients for the yogurt dressing are greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill. So only good and delicious ingredients. Keep your yogurt dressing chilled in a fridge for 3 - 5 days. Use in different salads.

Chili flakes - Are optional, for all of you who love a bit of spiciness.

How long does Creamy Cucumber Salad last

Keep your Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Dill Salad chilled in a fridge for up to two days. Keep your yogurt dressing chilled in a fridge for 3 - 5 days. Use in different salads.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: You can prepare the cucumbers and onion (sprinkle with salt, squeeze out the water and store) up to two days ahead. And you can make your yogurt dressing up to 5 days ahead. Store separately then assemble.

Other light and fresh summer salads to try

Ingredients

Cucumber Dill Salad

2 large fresh cucumbers

1 red onion

1 tsp salt

1 spring onion (or scallion)

1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

greek yogurt dressing

120 g greek yogurt (1/2 cup or 4.4 oz)

4 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves

1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Tools and equipment

colander

small bowl / jug

immersion blender

bowl

METHOD

Cucumbers, red onions and salt

Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Transfer to the colander and sprinkle with salt. Toss well and set aside for 5 - 10 minutes.
Greek Yogurt Dressing

In a small bowl or jug blend together greek yogurt, olive oil, sliced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and dill using an immersion blender. The consistency of the dressing should be smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then transfer to a fridge until needed.
Cucumbers

Squeeze the cucumbers and onion with your hands to release and drain out as much water as possible. This process will help make the cucumbers crunchier and the salad less watery. Transfer to a large dry bowl.

Tip

You can make cucumber lemonade with the remaining squeezed cucumber water.
Creamy Yogurt Cucumber Dill Salad

In a bowl combine sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, chopped spring onions and half of the greek yogurt dressing. Toss everything together and transfer to a nice serving bowl. Optionally sprinkle with chili flakes and drizzle with the rest of the greek yogurt dressing (or store in the fridge for your next salad). Enjoy.