Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt: Your BEST Summer Side!

I can almost smell the chlorine from the pool, the freshly cut grass, and the smoky aroma of the grill whenever I think of this salad. My grandma used to make a simple cucumber salad every summer, and it was always the first thing to disappear at family barbecues. I’ve taken that memory and elevated it, creating what I truly believe is the ultimate Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing: Your New Favorite Summer Side! that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious. Today, I’m going to show you how to make a creamy, tangy, and refreshing cucumber salad that will be the star of every summer gathering!

Why You’ll Adore This Cucumber Salad

Okay, let’s be honest, cucumber salads can sometimes be a little… boring. But not this one! This isn’t your average, watery, bland cucumber salad. We’re talking about a vibrant, flavorful explosion that will have everyone begging for the recipe. The secret? A luscious Greek yogurt dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs. It’s the perfect balance of coolness and zest, making it an ideal side dish for anything from grilled chicken to fish tacos. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll be whipping it up all summer long!

What Makes This Salad Special?

• The Dressing: Greek yogurt is the star! It provides a creamy base without being heavy, and it’s packed with protein.
• Fresh Herbs: Dill and mint are a match made in heaven. They add a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the cucumber perfectly.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your fridge and pantry.
• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Healthy and Delicious: It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful and refreshing side dish.

The Ultimate Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to business! I’m going to walk you through each step, ensuring you create the most amazing cucumber salad you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers are preferred)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or non-fat, your choice!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers. I prefer using a mandoline for even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.
2. Salt the Cucumbers (Optional but Recommended): Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle them with a generous pinch of salt. This helps draw out excess moisture, preventing the salad from becoming watery. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Don’t skip this step if you want the best texture!
3. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
4. Make the Greek Yogurt Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, chopped mint, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Dressing: Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
6. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and Greek yogurt dressing. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are evenly coated.
7. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill completely.
8. Enjoy! Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of your homemade cucumber salad!

Success Tips for the BEST Cucumber Salad

Want to guarantee a perfect cucumber salad every time? Here are my top tips for success:

• Choose the Right Cucumbers: English cucumbers (also known as seedless cucumbers) are my go-to for this salad. They have a thin skin, fewer seeds, and a milder flavor than regular cucumbers. This means you don’t have to peel them!
• Don’t Skip the Salting Step: Salting the cucumbers is crucial for removing excess moisture. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and helps the cucumbers retain their crispness.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and mint are essential for the bright, herbaceous flavor of this salad. Dried herbs just won’t cut it!
• Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add more lemon juice for extra tang or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to crisp up even more. It’s worth the wait!

Variations and Additions

This cucumber salad is delicious as is, but it’s also easy to customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered, add a burst of sweetness and color.
• Add Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy element that complements the cucumbers and herbs perfectly.
• Add Olives: Kalamata olives or other brined olives add a salty, briny flavor.
• Add Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (any color!) add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Add Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat that makes the salad even more satisfying.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick.
• Add protein: Consider adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or pork. It’s also a great addition to any barbecue or potluck.
• As a Topping: Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or tacos.
• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.
• With Greek Food: Of course, it’s a perfect complement to any Greek-inspired meal!

Make-Ahead Instructions

This cucumber salad is best when it’s freshly made, but you can definitely prepare it ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Prepare the Dressing: The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Slice the Cucumbers and Onions: Slice the cucumbers and onions up to 1 day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Assemble the Salad: Combine the cucumbers, onions, and dressing about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together without the cucumbers becoming too soggy.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so the salad may become a little watery over time. You can drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Other Refreshing Salad Recipes to Try

If you’re looking for more delicious and refreshing salad recipes, be sure to check out these other favorites:

• For a protein-packed option, try a Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Avocado. The creamy avocado dressing is just divine!
• If you’re craving something light and crunchy, the Refreshing Cucumber Snack Bowl is a perfect choice. It’s so simple and satisfying.
• For a vibrant pasta salad, you can’t go wrong with Tantalizing Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad. The cilantro lime dressing is bursting with flavor!
• For another simple and flavorful cucumber-based salad, try the Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad. It’s a colorful and crunchy delight.
• And for a classic combination of flavors, the Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes is always a winner. It’s perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the most incredible Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing! I truly believe this will become your new go-to summer side dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly refreshing. So grab some cucumbers, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs, and get ready to enjoy a salad that will impress everyone. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

A light, creamy, and herb-packed cucumber salad made with Greek yogurt, dill, and mint — perfect for summer barbecues or as a refreshing side to grilled meats and seafood.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Equipment

• Mandoline or sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• whisk
• Serving bowl

Method

 

1. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or sharp knife.
2. Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
3. Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
4. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, dill, mint, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
5. Season the dressing with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust to taste.
6. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, and dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For best texture, don’t skip the salting step. You can add cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, or even avocado to switch it up. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.