Are you looking for a light, tangy, and creamy side dish that’s perfect for summer lunches, grilled dishes, or as a cooling complement to spicy mains? If so, look no further than this Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad! This elegant and refreshing recipe combines crisp cucumbers with the smooth richness of Greek yogurt, brightened with the sharpness of lemon and the herby freshness of dill. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, a casual gathering, or as a side to a hearty meal, it’s sure to become a favorite.
What Is Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad?
Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad is a refreshing salad made from thin ribbons of cucumber combined with a creamy yogurt dressing infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. This dish brings together the crispness of cucumber with the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt, making it the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s light and cooling, with a burst of freshness from the dill and mint.
Origin of Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad
The origins of cucumber salads can be traced back to many different culinary traditions, but this particular recipe blends elements of both Eastern Mediterranean and Western cuisine. Greek yogurt, a staple in Mediterranean cooking, brings richness and creaminess to the dish, while fresh herbs like dill and mint are common in many Eastern European and Mediterranean salads. The use of cucumbers in salads is common in both Western and Eastern culinary practices, known for their refreshing and hydrating qualities, making this salad perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make this refreshing salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 small Persian cucumbers)
- 1 small shallot, very thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional for brightness)
For the Yogurt Dressing:
- ¾ cup (180 g) plain Greek yogurt (whole-milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
- ½ tsp honey (optional, balances the tang)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing and drying the cucumbers thoroughly. To create the beautiful ribbon-like texture, use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to shave the cucumbers into long, thin ribbons. The thin slices will give the salad an elegant appearance and allow for a better mix with the creamy dressing.
Place the cucumber ribbons in a colander, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers. After 10 minutes, gently pat the cucumbers dry using paper towels. This step ensures the salad doesn’t become too watery.
2. Make the Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The yogurt creates a luscious base for the dressing, while the lemon juice and zest provide a zesty, refreshing flavor. The garlic adds a subtle depth, and the honey, though optional, helps balance the tanginess of the yogurt and lemon.
Once the dressing is mixed, stir in the finely chopped fresh dill and mint (if using). The dill adds a lovely herbaceous note that complements the cucumbers beautifully, while the mint offers an extra layer of freshness.
3. Assemble the Salad
Add the cucumber ribbons to the bowl with the dressing, followed by the thinly sliced shallots (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together, being careful not to overmix so that the ribbons stay intact. The goal is to coat the cucumbers and shallots lightly in the creamy dressing, ensuring each piece is well-coated but still maintains its shape.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed. The beauty of this salad is in the balance of flavors, so feel free to tweak it to your liking.
4. Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or a shallow bowl. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. This adds a little extra flavor and makes the salad look even more inviting.
Serve the Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad chilled or at cool room temperature. It’s ideal as a refreshing side dish to complement grilled meats, spicy dishes, or as part of a larger salad spread.
Tips & Variations
This salad is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the dressing and cucumbers separately, then combine them just before serving. This helps maintain the fresh texture of the cucumbers and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
- Add crunch: To give the salad a bit of texture, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or thinly sliced radishes on top. These add a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth dressing.
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of Aleppo pepper or chili flakes to the dressing. This will give the salad a kick of spice that pairs well with the coolness of the cucumbers.
- Vegan version: For a plant-based version, swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey. This makes the salad completely vegan without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs About Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad
1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can! However, English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skins, making them ideal for this recipe. If you use regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove the seeds to avoid any bitterness.
2. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to combine the cucumbers and dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.
3. Can I make the dressing without garlic?
If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can certainly omit it. The lemon juice and dill provide plenty of flavor, so the salad will still taste great.
4. How can I add more protein to this dish?
To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese. These additions will enhance the flavor and make it more filling.
5. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion: Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad
The Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. With its crisp cucumbers, creamy yogurt dressing, and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. Whether served as a side dish at a summer BBQ or paired with a spicy main course, this salad is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful addition to their meal. So, next time you’re in the mood for something light and tangy, give this cucumber salad a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad: A Refreshing and Elegant Side Dish for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cucumber Ribbon & Dill Yogurt Salad is a refreshing salad made from thin ribbons of cucumber combined with a creamy yogurt dressing infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. This dish brings together the crispness of cucumber with the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt, making it the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s light and cooling, with a burst of freshness from the dill and mint.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 large English cucumbers (or 4 small Persian cucumbers)
1 small shallot, very thinly sliced (optional)
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional for brightness)
For the Yogurt Dressing:
¾ cup (180 g) plain Greek yogurt (whole-milk preferred for creaminess)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice (plus more to taste)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
½ tsp honey (optional, balances the tang)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers.
Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave them into long, thin ribbons.
Place in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
Pat dry gently with paper towels.
2. Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Stir in fresh dill (and mint, if using).
3. Assemble
Add the cucumber ribbons and shallots to the dressing.
Toss gently to coat — avoid overmixing so ribbons stay intact.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper as needed.
4. Serve
Transfer to a serving platter or shallow bowl.
Garnish with a few extra sprigs of dill, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly cracked pepper.
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle toasted almonds or sunflower seeds on top. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Cucumber Dill Salad, Yogurt Cucumber Salad, Fresh Dill Yogurt Salad, Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt, Summer Cucumber Salad
