Creamy Cucumber Salad

The Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and a zesty Greek yogurt dressing laced with fresh dill and garlic. It’s a no-cook, fuss-free recipe that comes together in just minutes, making it a go-to dish for warm weather gatherings or light weeknight meals.

This salad isn’t just easy, it’s wholesome and versatile too. The tanginess of Greek yogurt beautifully balances the crunch of cucumbers and sharpness of onions, all elevated by the herbal freshness of dill. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can stand alone as a satisfying side. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ or looking for a simple lunch upgrade, this dish delivers cool, creamy perfection every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 cups sliced English cucumbers (about 2 large cucumbers)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Slice cucumbers into thin rounds and add them to a large bowl.
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl and toss to combine.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, then gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish with additional dill or a sprinkle of cracked pepper if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 90 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Few dishes say “refreshing” quite like a chilled bowl of cucumber salad. Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer afternoon or craving something light and tangy to accompany a rich entrée, this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing checks all the right boxes. Crisp, juicy cucumbers meet a luscious Greek yogurt dressing infused with lemon, dill, garlic, and a touch of olive oil to create a flavor-packed side that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

This salad offers a lighter, healthier twist on the classic sour cream-based version, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters. With protein-rich Greek yogurt replacing heavier dairy ingredients, the result is a creamy yet guilt-free dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or even a quick meal prep addition to your weekly routine.

Let’s explore what makes this salad so special, from its key ingredients to its health benefits, storage tips, serving suggestions, and more.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

There’s a lot to love about this simple, wholesome salad, and it’s not just the refreshing taste. It’s:

Healthy and Nutritious – Greek yogurt is packed with protein, probiotics, and calcium. Combined with cucumbers, which are hydrating and low in calories, you’ve got a side dish that’s good for you and satisfying at the same time.
Quick to Prepare – You can throw this salad together in about 10 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Great for Meal Prep – It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Versatile – Serve it as a side, snack, or light lunch. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can even be used as a topping in wraps or pita pockets.
Diet-Friendly – This salad is vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made low-carb or keto by adjusting the yogurt type.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Let’s take a closer look at the fresh, wholesome ingredients that make this cucumber salad stand out:

Cucumbers: The star of the show! English cucumbers are ideal for this recipe because they have a tender skin, fewer seeds, and a mild, sweet taste. If using garden cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, you may want to peel them or remove excess seeds to keep the texture light and crisp.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions add sharpness and a burst of color. If you’re sensitive to the bite of raw onions, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This is the creamy base that brings everything together. Full-fat Greek yogurt will give the salad a richer texture, but low-fat or nonfat versions work just as well. It’s a healthy alternative to sour cream or mayonnaise and provides a tangy kick that complements the cucumbers beautifully.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, enhancing the flavors and adding a citrusy tang that keeps the yogurt dressing from feeling too heavy.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon of good-quality olive oil adds depth and richness, giving the dressing a silky finish.
Dill: Fresh dill is the traditional herb of choice in cucumber salads and with good reason, its grassy, slightly sweet flavor brings out the best in cucumbers. If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill can be used, but start with a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder adds that subtle savory warmth without overpowering the freshness of the other ingredients. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, finely minced fresh garlic can be used.
Salt and Black Pepper: These humble seasonings play a critical role in bringing the entire salad to life. Be sure to taste and adjust them to your liking.

Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad

This salad isn’t just tasty, it’s loaded with nutrients and health benefits:

Hydration: Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad an excellent hydrating dish, especially during hot months.
Digestive Health: The fiber from cucumbers and probiotics from yogurt support healthy digestion.
Bone Health: Greek yogurt is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help maintain strong bones.
Weight Management: Low in calories and high in water content, this salad fills you up without weighing you down.

If you’re looking for a healthy dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this cucumber salad is a stellar choice.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of creamy cucumber salad means it pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

With Grilled Meats: Whether it’s chicken skewers, lamb chops, or a juicy burger, this salad offers a refreshing contrast.
In Wraps or Sandwiches: Use it as a topping for pita wraps, falafel sandwiches, or grilled veggie paninis.
As a Side for BBQs: It’s a light counterpoint to rich, smoky meats and heavier sides like macaroni salad or baked beans.
Alongside Seafood: Serve with grilled salmon, shrimp, or cod for a bright and elegant plate.
With Mediterranean Dishes: Combine with hummus, tabbouleh, olives, and warm pita for a simple Mediterranean platter.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Chill Before Serving: While the salad is good right after mixing, it tastes best after chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cucumbers may release some water over time, so give the salad a quick stir before serving.
Avoid Freezing: Due to the high water content of cucumbers and the texture of yogurt, this salad does not freeze well.

Customization Ideas

Want to make this salad your own? Here are a few fun twists:

Add Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes add a sweet, juicy pop.
Include Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with cucumbers and dill.
Toss in Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley, mint, or chives for extra green goodness.
Spice It Up: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce adds some heat for spice lovers.
Add Crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for added texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing is the kind of recipe that proves simple really is best. With a short list of ingredients and a quick prep time, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, need a quick side dish for dinner, or want something light and refreshing in your meal rotation, this salad fits the bill.

Thanks to the richness of Greek yogurt, the cool crispness of cucumbers, and the bold brightness of lemon and dill, every bite is a celebration of freshness. Plus, it’s easy to make, easy to store, and easy to love. No matter the occasion, this creamy cucumber salad is bound to be a hit, and one you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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