Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing is a refreshing, light, and tangy side dish perfect for warm days or as a complement to grilled meats, seafood, or other main courses. The combination of crisp cucumbers and the zesty lemon yogurt dressing makes this salad both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 large cucumbers (English or regular cucumbers), thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or parsley if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Yogurt Dressing:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers:

• Slice the cucumbers thinly (you can use a mandoline for uniform slices). If you’re using regular cucumbers, consider peeling them and removing the seeds for a smoother texture.
• Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess water. This step helps keep the salad crisp.
• After 15 minutes, pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.

2. Make the Lemon Yogurt Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and honey (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice or honey if you prefer more acidity or sweetness.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices and the thinly sliced red onion (if using).
• Pour the lemon yogurt dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly.

4. Add Fresh Herbs:

• Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill or parsley over the salad and gently toss again to combine.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

5. Serve:

• Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, or serve it immediately if preferred.
• Garnish with extra dill or lemon zest before serving for added freshness.

Tips:

• You can add other crunchy vegetables like radishes or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
• If you like a creamier dressing, add more yogurt, or thin it out with a little milk or water if you prefer a lighter dressing.
• For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing is a perfect mix of cool, crisp cucumbers and a tangy, creamy dressing with a refreshing citrus note. It’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or any meal that needs a light, delicious side!