This Yogurt Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and healthy take on a classic side dish. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients to create a symphony of bright, tangy flavors. This recipe swaps out heavier, mayonnaise-based dressings for a lighter, brighter yogurt-based dressing that lets the fresh flavors of the vegetables shine through.
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Why You’ll Love This Salad:
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Light and Refreshing: This salad is perfect for warm days or as a palate-cleansing side dish alongside heavier meals. The yogurt dressing provides a welcome tang without being heavy.
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Healthy and Flavorful: This salad is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
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Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes, requiring minimal chopping and no cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish.
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Instructions:
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Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. For a more delicate flavor and appealing color contrast, consider peeling every other stripe of cucumber skin. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
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Mellow the onion: Thinly slice the red onion. To soften its sharp bite and create a milder flavor, soak the slices in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
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Create the yogurt dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing adds a bright and tangy element that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.
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Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, drained red onion slices, and the yogurt dressing. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Rest and serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up the delicious dressing.
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Ingredients:
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2 medium cucumbers
1/4 red onion
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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Recipe Note: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or chives. For a bit of textural intrigue, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped walnuts. You can also incorporate other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers or halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
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