Healthy crunchy cucumbers dressed with a cooling yogurt and fresh dill flavors, simple and ready in less than 5 mins!
Love cucumbers, want to get more yogurt into your diet? Well, this cucumber dill salad is the perfect answer. A cooling cucumber salad with a light creamy yogurt dressing is a perfect accompaniment for barbecued meats and kabobs. The yogurt has a cooling effect that pairs well to balance the spiciness of the main dishes, while the fresh cucumbers pack a crunch without adding calories. Dill adds a unique minty/licorice flavor. Yogurts probiotics also help as a natural aide in digestion, especially after eating such heavy meaty meals. Replace mayo with Greek yogurt and save on calories without sacrificing on flavor!
It is common in Indian and Mediterranean foods to serve plain yogurt or a yogurt based dip, sauce or salads alongside. Its a healthy accompaniment that pairs well with heavy spicy meat and rice dishes. It is common especially for younger children to have spoonful of yogurt in between to cool down the mouth as they learn to adapt to spicy foods. In Persian food, a cucumber dill salad is frequently served alongside. Dill is a common ingredient used in Mediterranean dishes, its licorice flavor and piney texture adds a unique touch.
Dill is an underrated herb and not very common in western foods. However this simple recipe is versatile and can be served with any meal. It would be a perfect side salad with a sandwich or a crunchy addition with BBQ. Because the dressing is made with yogurt instead of heavier mayo based dressings, its light on calories and allows you to get more probiotics into your diet.
You can add parsley, black olives, feta cheese, red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and even traditional pickled Mediterranean vegetables for a different variations. While cucumber, dill and yogurt are a must, it is very easy to customize it to your preference with the rest of additions. With raw vegetables and yogurt dressing this is a healthy and diet friendly option. Here is a simple healthy cucumber salad recipe that can be ready in under 5 mins!
Makes 1 1/4 cups
Time: 5 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup of sliced English or small Persian cucumbers (skin on)
- 2 tbs fresh chopped dill sprigs
- 1/8 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 clove of garlic diced (optional)
Method:
- Dice cucumbers, keep skin on. If using English, Persian or seedless use as is. If using regular cucumbers, remove the seeds from the middle.
- To make dressing, in a bowl whisk together yogurt, salt, pepper, dill, and garlic. Avoid adding any liquid as the cucumbers will release their own juices over time and thin out the dressing naturally; this is why thicker Greek yogurt is preferred.
- In serving bowl mix cucumbers with dressing. There should be just enough dressing to coat the cucumbers.
- Enjoy!
Tips:
- The consistency will depend on which yogurt you use. Greek Yogurt is best for a thicker creamy consistency, while low fat yogurt can be used for thinner consistency.
- Can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days, perfect for a make ahead salad for entertaining.
- Like yogurt? See more options like Raita in the Salad section.