This Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad is your new go-to recipe for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying side dish or light meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its delightful creaminess combined with crisp cucumbers makes it a universally loved summertime treat, easily adaptable for everyday enjoyment.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely diced red onion for a little bite
How to Make Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad
This Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad is incredibly easy to make, ready in under 20 minutes for a burst of freshness. The star is the lusciously creamy dressing, perfectly complementing the crisp cucumbers for a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers: Begin by thoroughly washing your cucumbers. Peel them using a vegetable peeler, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seedy core from each half. Once seeded, thinly slice the cucumber halves into uniform rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle generously with about 1 teaspoon of salt and toss to coat. Let the cucumbers drain for at least 15-20 minutes. This salting process is crucial as it draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad and enhancing the cucumber’s crispness.
Make the Creamy Dressing: While the cucumbers are draining, prepare the delicious dressing. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the full-fat Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh dill, and finely chopped fresh mint. Add the fresh lemon juice, minced or grated garlic, and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. If you enjoy a little zest and slight crunch, now is the time to stir in the finely diced red onion. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
Combine and Chill: After the cucumbers have drained, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. This step is important for preventing a watery salad and ensuring the dressing adheres beautifully to the cucumber slices. Transfer the dried cucumber slices to a clean serving bowl. Pour the prepared creamy Greek yogurt dressing over the cucumbers. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that each cucumber slice is generously coated with the rich and flavorful dressing. For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to absorb the delicious dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad
You’ll adore this Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad for its incredibly refreshing and creamy texture, a delightful twist on classic cucumber preparations. It’s a wallet-friendly option, allowing you to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home for a fraction of the cost, making healthy eating more accessible. The vibrant herbs and tangy lemon in the dressing elevate simple cucumbers into something truly special and satisfying.
Unlike a vinaigrette-based salad that can sometimes feel light, this version offers a luxurious creaminess that’s both comforting and invigorating, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or even as a light lunch on its own. Don’t miss out on this easy yet impressive salad; it’s the perfect way to add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your table. Give this delightfully creamy creation a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: This Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The cucumbers may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Reheating: This salad is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Enjoying it chilled allows you to appreciate the crispness of the cucumbers and the cool creaminess of the dressing.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the texture of the cucumbers and the creamy dressing will be negatively impacted upon thawing, resulting in a watery and unappealing dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something wonderfully flavorful and satisfying. It’s a delightful addition to any meal and incredibly easy to whip up. We encourage you to give it a try for a taste of effortless Mediterranean bliss!
Creamy Greek Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by thoroughly washing your cucumbers. Peel them using a vegetable peeler, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seedy core from each half. Once seeded, thinly slice the cucumber halves into uniform rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle generously with about 1 teaspoon of salt and toss to coat. Let the cucumbers drain for at least 15-20 minutes. This salting process is crucial as it draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad and enhancing the cucumber’s crispness.2 large cucumbers, salt
- While the cucumbers are draining, prepare the delicious dressing. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the full-fat Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh dill, and finely chopped fresh mint. Add the fresh lemon juice, minced or grated garlic, and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. If you enjoy a little zest and slight crunch, now is the time to stir in the finely diced red onion. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your perfect flavor balance.1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 2 tablespoons fresh mint, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup red onion
- After the cucumbers have drained, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. This step is important for preventing a watery salad and ensuring the dressing adheres beautifully to the cucumber slices. Transfer the dried cucumber slices to a clean serving bowl. Pour the prepared creamy Greek yogurt dressing over the cucumbers. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that each cucumber slice is generously coated with the rich and flavorful dressing. For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to absorb the delicious dressing.2 large cucumbers, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 2 tablespoons fresh mint, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup red onion