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Home Side Salads

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing

By:Nagi
Published:23 May '20Updated:13 Nov '20
34 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Creamy Cucumber Salad has a refreshing, tangy Lemon Yogurt Mint Dressing which pairs beautifully with the crunchy fresh cucumber.

This is the sort of salad that’s ideal to serve on the side of rich roasts roasts like Pork with Crispy Crackling or a Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder. It’s versatile enough to be equally at home alongside other cuisines, like spice-laden Indian curries such as Chicken Tikka Masala or Goan Fish Curry, or Middle Eastern food like Chicken Shawarma.

Close up of fork picking up Cucumber Salad with Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing

Creamy Cucumber Salad

We don’t ordinarily associated creamy dressings with the word “refreshing”, but that’s exactly what this salad is! The cucumber salad dressing is made with yogurt so while you get the lovely creamy texture, it’s also tangy and fresh, rather than rich and heavy.

The addition of mint really drives home the refreshing flavours in this salad. And while it is a “western style” salad, the flavours in it make it ideal for serving alongside spice heavy cuisines like Indian food and Middle Eastern food, and meat heavy mains like roasts.

Overhead photo of Cucumber Salad with Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing

What you need for Creamy Cucumber Salad

Here’s what you need to make this Creamy Cucumber Salad. Simple, easy, and fantastically refreshing!

Best Cucumber for Creamy Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad can be made with any type of cucumber but I think the best cucumber for this particular type of salad are the Telegraph / English cucumbers – the long ones. 

These cucumbers are not quite as juicy on the inside so when you bite into them, you still get the refreshing crunch but less water so it doesn’t dilute the creamy dressing when you chew away!

However, this salad is still terrific made with the more common variety of shorter cucumbers (called Lebanese cucumbers in Australia).  In fact, I make this more frequently with these because they are typically very good value year round, whereas the long cucumbers are more expensive certain times throughout the year.

Make this creamy cucumber salad with 2 long cucumbers, or 3 medium cucumbers.

Difference between Telegraph / English cucumbers (long cucumbers) and Lebanese cucumbers, the most common variety

Sliced Cucumber

How to make it

Nothing ground breaking here! Just mix the lemon, yogurt, garlic and olive oil to make the Lemon Yogurt Dressing. Then toss with the cumber, onion and mint.

Close up of Cucumber Salad with Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing in a white bowl

What to serve with Creamy Cucumber Salad

This is the sort of salad that is right at home at a summer banquet! Imagine a table laden with Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce, piles of BBQ Pulled Pork, sticky Grilled Chicken and sausages. Serve it as a lighter, more refreshing alternative to traditional Coleslaw or Potato Salad made with mayonnaise based dressings.

For cosy Sunday Suppers, have it as a side to meat heavy mains such as Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder or Lamb Leg – mint and lamb are best mates!

Or go for Greek vibes – the lemon garlic flavour in the dressing is totally on theme. Try a main of Greek Marinated Chicken, Chicken Souvlaki or Greek Meatballs (Keftedes).

And the other cuisine that the flavours of this salad really go well with is Middle Eastern food. The refreshing flavour of this salad goes really well with the spice heavy flavours of food like Chicken Shawarma and Lamb Shawarma, Moroccan Meatballs, Lamb Koftas and Chicken Doner Kebab!

– Nagi x


Watch how to make it

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Close up of fork picking up Cucumber Salad with Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing

Author: Nagi
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Total: 10 minutes mins
Sides
Middle Eastern, Western
5 from 13 votes
Servings5
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Recipe video above. A beautiful tangy, refreshing Cucumber Salad! The yogurt dressing pairs beautifully with the fresh cucumber. Great side salad for Middle Eastern food, Greek, Indian and rich meat-heavy mains like Roasts.

Ingredients

  • 3 cucumbers , standard (or 2 long Telegraph/English cucumbers) (Note 1)
  • 1/2 red onion , finely sliced
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves , finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried mint)

Creamy Lemon Yogurt Dressing

  • 1 cup yogurt , full fat (Greek or plain)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove , minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt and pepper , each

Instructions

  • Dressing: Mix ingredients then leave for 20 minutes for the flavours to develop.
  • Cucumber: Cut cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice into 3mm / 1/8" thick slices.
  • Toss: Place cucumber, onion and mint in a bowl. Pour over Dressing and toss, then serve.

Recipe Notes:

1. Cucumber type - make this salad with 2 long cucumbers (Telegraph/English Cucumbers) or 3 medium standard cucumbers (called "Lebanese" cucumbers in Australia, these are the most common variety).

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 109cal (5%)Carbohydrates: 8g (3%)Protein: 3g (6%)Fat: 8g (12%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Cholesterol: 6mg (2%)Sodium: 260mg (11%)Potassium: 350mg (10%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 5g (6%)Vitamin A: 274IU (5%)Vitamin C: 10mg (12%)Calcium: 92mg (9%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Keywords: Creamy Cucumber Salad, Dressing for cucumber salad
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Originally published September 2019, updated for minor housekeeping matters – no change to recipe!

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34 Comments

  1. Dienia B says

    May 13, 2023 at 12:56 am

    5 stars
    This is so refreshing I made it for the Dubai leg of our game in recipezazz and I’m glad I did

    Reply
  2. April says

    July 9, 2022 at 2:50 am

    5 stars
    Super Yummy! I make my own yogurt so I usually have a lot around. It’s a great recipe to get some good yogurt into my husband’s tummy! (He won’t eat it otherwise.) Light and summery. 💕

    Reply
  3. Anna says

    December 24, 2021 at 4:51 am

    How far ahead can this be made?

    Reply
  4. Hayley says

    December 23, 2021 at 10:08 am

    5 stars
    So good!! Made this with your slow cooked lamb leg and pumpkin & feta salad and this was the biggest hit of the night! Perfect with the rich lamb. So easy and cheap to make!

    Reply
  5. Nicole says

    June 9, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious salad, I could eat this every day. I follow the recipe as written and I think it’s best eaten on the day it’s made, can go a little watery overnight.
    Thanks Nagi xx

    Reply
  6. Nel says

    February 18, 2021 at 12:02 am

    5 stars
    Have made this two nights in a row from cucumbers and red onion growing in the garden and lemons . Delicious! Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Lipika Anamika says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:51 am

    I really loved ur recipe…💜💜💜

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      November 18, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      Thanks so much Lipika!! N x

      Reply
  8. Joanna says

    August 12, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    Hi, it is a very popular salad in Poland. Only difference is that we peel cucumbers and don’t add an onion. Your salad looks great! Best wishes from opposite side of the globe!!

    Reply
  9. Elle says

    August 10, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe taste better than the one at the Indian restaurants I’ve tried. I think it’s the lemon juice than makes it my preference. It’s like a creamy vinaigrette.

    Reply
  10. Mikaele says

    August 9, 2020 at 6:57 am

    5 stars
    Delicious with my roast pork.

    Reply
  11. Coral says

    July 24, 2020 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    We ate this with your lentil curry recipe and it was the perfect balance. Super refreshing. It held up well as leftovers for lunch. Just a little watery the next day but the cucumbers were still crispy. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Marcella says

      November 3, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy paired with your bbq beef ribs. Can’t wait to make my way through all your recipes lol! One thing, I noticed it was a little watery (pre made it a few hours before dinner) is there a way to prevent that or is it just because of the water in the cucumbers? Thank you!! xx

      Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 24, 2020 at 11:30 am

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Coral! N x

      Reply
  12. Veronique says

    June 16, 2020 at 10:43 pm

    Hi,
    Do you know if you can make this salad ahead or it will become to watery if sitting for a while? Do you also recommend to keep the skin and seeds if using regular cucumbers (no English). Thanks

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 17, 2020 at 9:11 am

      HI Veronique – you can definitely make ahead and the best way to do it is to remove the seeds so it isn’t watery! Leave the skin on, who has time to peel it (and it’s good for you anyway 😉 ) N x

      Reply
  13. Sabena says

    June 11, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    5 stars
    This is amazing recipe even the kids love it. We had it with the cucumber yogurt side and plain basmati rice. The extra sauce is sooo necessary. “No speck of this shall get left behind” announced my son as he lick his plate clean… luckily this is at home with no guest around or it could get embarrasing

    Reply
  14. Anna says

    June 10, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    WOW!
    I used the lemon yogurt dressing on your avocado corn salad and added shrimp for a complete meal.

    Perfect for a warm day!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 10, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Anna! N x

      Reply
  15. Chris Lum says

    June 3, 2020 at 7:48 am

    Hai Nagi, could you use dried mint instead of fresh with this and if so how much would you recommend? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 3, 2020 at 8:00 am

      Yes! I could use a good 2 teaspoons – you want to be able to taste it 🙂 Just added that as a tip in the recipe! N x

      Reply
  16. Pascha says

    May 14, 2020 at 2:23 am

    Lovely salad, Nagi! Made it just a little while ago for dinner to eat with a Thai style grilled chicken. Super combination and my family loved it. This will probably work with a Satay as well! Definitely adding this to my regular rotation.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 14, 2020 at 10:49 am

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Pascha, thanks so much! N x

      Reply
  17. Tamara says

    March 9, 2020 at 11:33 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing! I just made it! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 10, 2020 at 6:42 am

      You’re so welcome Tamara!! N x

      Reply
  18. Judy Uhl says

    January 28, 2020 at 4:15 am

    Does anyone know if this has a strong mint taste?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 28, 2020 at 6:25 am

      Hi Judy, it’s not overpowering – but you can just add it to taste or leave it out completely if you prefer – N x

      Reply
  19. Jean Kirchhevel says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    Hi Nagi!
    Do you have a copy cat version of the Lemon Herb dressing at Cava?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 21, 2020 at 7:16 pm

      I don’t sorry Jean!!

      Reply
  20. Svend Williamsen says

    December 23, 2019 at 6:33 am

    Hi Nagy, I am making the salad can I blend it a couple of hours before serving??

    Reply
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I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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