How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing

Are Salads Always Boring? Think Again!

Have you ever thought salads are just plain, leafy, and boring? What if I told you there’s a salad that’s creamy, tangy, crunchy, refreshing—and takes less than 15 minutes to make? This isn’t your average bowl of greens. This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing is about to change how you think about salads forever.

What Makes This Cucumber Salad Special?

This cucumber salad is cool, creamy, and full of flavor. It has a zesty lemon yogurt dressing that makes each bite feel light and fresh. It’s not just tasty—it’s also healthy and quick to make.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing

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• Author: nakisha
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Made with crisp cucumbers, tangy lemon, and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s the perfect quick side dish for any meal. Healthy, easy, and done in minutes—great for warm days or anytime you want a fresh and tasty dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large cucumbers (or 3 medium), thinly sliced

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1/2 tablespoon dried dill)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra if salting cucumbers)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

• Prep Cucumbers:
  Wash cucumbers and slice them thin. If using regular cucumbers, peel them first.
  Optional: Lightly salt the cucumbers and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry to reduce extra water.

• Make the Dressing:
  In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.

• Add Cucumbers & Onion:
  Add the sliced cucumbers (and red onion, if using) to the dressing. Gently toss until everything is coated evenly.

• Chill & Serve:
  You can serve it immediately, but it’s best chilled for 30 minutes for fuller flavor. Garnish with more dill or lemon zest if desired.

 

Notes

• Substitutions:
  Use sour cream or regular plain yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. Use vinegar instead of lemon juice in a pinch.

• Add-ins:
  Try cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, or chopped parsley.

• Make-Ahead Tip:
  Store cucumbers and dressing separately, then mix before serving for best texture.

• Storage:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

 

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
• Total Time: 15-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Super easy
• Servings: 4

Whether you’re making a side dish for dinner or a light lunch, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow—even kids!

Essential Ingredients for Cucumber Salad

Let’s take a look at what you need and why each ingredient matters.

Main Ingredients:

• Cucumbers (2 large or 3 medium)
  Cucumbers are crisp, juicy, and refreshing. They’re the heart of this salad. Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and thin skin, or regular ones if you peel them.
• Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup)
  This makes the salad creamy and adds protein. You can also use plain regular yogurt for a thinner dressing.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons)
  Lemon adds brightness and helps balance the yogurt’s creaminess.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced)
  Just a bit of garlic adds a kick of flavor that makes this salad stand out.
• Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped)
  Dill gives a herby, cool taste that works great with cucumber. You can swap it with parsley or mint.
• Salt (½ teaspoon)
  Brings out the flavor in all the ingredients.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon)
  Adds a little heat to balance the cool cucumber.
• Red Onion (optional, ¼ small, thinly sliced)
  Adds crunch and a sharp bite. You can skip it if you want a milder taste.

Substitutions and Variations:

• No Greek Yogurt? Use sour cream, mayo, or a mix of both.
• Lemon Juice Substitute: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar works too.
• No fresh herbs? Dried dill works—just use half the amount.
• Add-ins: Try cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or chopped bell peppers for more color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect cucumber salad every time.

1. Prep the Cucumbers

• Wash the cucumbers well.
• If using regular cucumbers, peel the skin.
• Slice them thinly (you can use a knife or mandoline).
• Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This helps reduce water so the salad isn’t runny.

2. Make the Lemon Yogurt Dressing

• In a bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.

3. Add Optional Ingredients

• Thinly slice red onion if using.
• Add to the yogurt dressing and mix.

How to Assemble the Salad

Now it’s time to put everything together!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the lemon yogurt dressing.
2. Toss gently until all the cucumber slices are coated.
3. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed.
4. Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes if you have time—it tastes even better cold!

Presentation Tips:

• Serve in a shallow bowl or plate for a neat look.
• Sprinkle extra dill or a twist of lemon zest on top.
• Add a few cucumber slices on the side of the dish for a fancy touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is best eaten fresh, but here’s how to store it:

Storing:

• Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It lasts up to 2 days, but the cucumbers may release water.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Prep the cucumbers and dressing separately.
• Combine just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.

Recipe Variations

Want to try something new? Here are a few ideas:

• Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad: Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a sliced jalapeño.
• Cucumber Tomato Salad: Mix in chopped tomatoes and red bell peppers.
• Sweet and Tangy: Add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing for a little sweetness.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Healthy: Low in calories, high in water, and full of nutrients.
• Quick: Takes less than 15 minutes to make.
• Easy: No cooking, no fuss.
• Versatile: Works as a side, snack, or light lunch.

Conclusion

Who knew something so simple could taste this good? This creamy cucumber salad proves that salads don’t have to be boring or take forever to prepare. It’s light, fresh, healthy, and full of flavor.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Try different herbs, spices, or veggies. Have fun with it, and enjoy a bowl of freshness anytime you want something quick and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions