🌿 Cool & Creamy Cucumber Salad – A Light and Refreshing Summer Side

 

Looking for the ultimate warm-weather side dish? This Cool & Creamy Cucumber Salad is crisp, tangy, and made with wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect quick fix for BBQs, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners!

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🥒 Ingredients

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer version)

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity) 

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the cucumbers:
   Slice the cucumbers thinly using a knife or mandoline. For extra crispness, sprinkle with a bit of salt and let sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Make the dressing:
   In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, vinegar, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) until smooth and well combined.

3. Combine:
   Add the cucumbers and red onions to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the dressing.

4. Chill:
   Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of paprika before serving, if desired.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled as a side for grilled meats, especially chicken, lamb, or fish.

• Spoon over pita or flatbread alongside Mediterranean dishes like falafel or kebabs.

• Use it as a cooling contrast to spicy curries or rice bowls.

• Pack it in mason jars for picnic-friendly salads on the go.

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💪 Nutritional Highlights

• Cucumbers are hydrating, low in calories, and rich in antioxidants.

• Greek yogurt adds protein, calcium, and gut-friendly probiotics.

• Fresh dill provides a burst of flavor and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

This salad is light, low-carb, and nutrient-dense—ideal for summer wellness!

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🌱 Dietary Considerations & Modifications

• ✅ Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free with no substitutions needed.

• ✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Keep sugar optional or skip it.

• ✅ Vegetarian: Fully vegetarian as-is.

• 🌿 Vegan: Swap Greek yogurt for a plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt).

• 🌶️ Want a kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

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Quick, creamy, and completely crave-worthy—this cucumber salad checks all the boxes for your summer table.