Greek yogurt cucumber salad is cool, creamy, and simple enough for any day. It brings together crisp cucumbers, tangy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick dinner, this salad fits easily into your routine.
My love for easy recipes started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where simple ingredients often turned into something comforting. This salad has that same spirit—everyday ingredients, big flavor, zero fuss.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Greek yogurt cucumber salad with basic pantry items, along with tips for preventing soggy cucumbers, prepping ahead, and adjusting the creaminess. You’ll also find ideas for variations like Greek cabbage salad and Greek potato salad with yogurt.
Whether you’re exploring Mediterranean-inspired cooking or need something quick and flavorful, this Greek yogurt cucumber salad is a go-to recipe you’ll return to often.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
This salad is quick to prepare, full of fresh flavor, and works with almost any meal. The combination of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and bright herbs makes it dependable for busy days, weeknight dinners, or simple gatherings. It’s flexible, refreshing, and easy to customize—everything you want in a reliable go-to recipe.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make it step by step, how to keep the cucumbers crisp, and a few variations like cabbage salad or yogurt potato salad. If you enjoy refreshing dishes, you might also like our lemon balm tea recipe.
Whether you’re trying Mediterranean-style sides or just want something easy and flavorful, this Greek yogurt cucumber salad is a recipe you’ll return to often.
Why Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad Is a Must-Try
What makes this salad stand out is how adaptable it is. You can keep it classic for a quick side, or dress it up with herbs, spices, and garnishes to match any meal. It feels fresh, creamy, and satisfying without requiring special tools or ingredients—just simple steps that always deliver great results.
Key Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
A great Greek yogurt cucumber salad starts with a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that work together beautifully:
- Cucumbers – add crisp texture and refreshing bite
- Greek yogurt – creates the creamy, tangy base
- Green onions – brings mild sharpness and freshness
- Fresh dill – the classic herb that defines the flavor
- Apple cider vinegar – adds brightness and balance
- Mayonnaise (optional) – boosts creaminess
- Honey or maple syrup – lightly smooths the acidity
Each ingredient has a role: cucumbers give crunch, yogurt delivers creamy tang, and herbs and vinegar bring the freshness that makes the salad pop.
Yogurt Tips for the Best Texture
- Choose full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt for a thick, rich dressing.
- No Greek yogurt? Strain regular yogurt through a cloth until thick.
- For a lighter version, use nonfat Greek yogurt and skip the mayo.
- For extra tang, mix in a spoonful of sour cream or labneh.
Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor
You can easily customize the salad:
- Fresh mint, parsley, or tarragon
- Thinly sliced radishes or red onions
- Crumbled feta
- A sprinkle of za’atar or sumac
- Toasted pine nuts or pistachios for crunch
These additions let you adjust the salad to your taste while keeping the simple, refreshing essence of the original.
Step-by-Step Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe
1. Prep the Cucumbers for the Best Texture
Great texture begins with well-prepped cucumbers. Peel them (or leave a few strips for contrast), then slice them thin with a sharp knife or mandoline.
To prevent excess liquid, sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them rest in a colander for about 10–15 minutes. Blot dry with paper towels before mixing. This quick step helps keep the salad creamy instead of watery.
Tip: English or Persian cucumbers are naturally less watery, so you can skip the salting if you prefer.
2. Make the Yogurt–Dill Dressing
In a bowl, mix together:
- Greek yogurt
- A small spoon of mayo (optional for extra creaminess)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh dill
- A touch of honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener
Season with salt and pepper. For a brighter finish, add a squeeze of lemon or a bit of grated garlic. The result is a cool, tangy dressing that coats the cucumbers beautifully.
3. Toss and Chill
Add the cucumber slices to the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated. You can serve it right away, but letting it chill for 20–30 minutes helps the flavors come together.
Finish with fresh dill, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if you like extra texture.
This Greek yogurt cucumber salad pairs well with grilled dishes, flatbreads, or a simple Mediterranean-style spread.
Don’t miss our Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte if you’re planning a full refresh menu!
Flavor Boosters for Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
This salad is easy to personalize. A few small additions can completely shift the flavor:
- Minced garlic or shallots — adds a sharper, savory note
- Fresh mint or parsley — brings a bright, herbaceous lift
- Crumbled feta — salty contrast to the creamy yogurt
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds — adds crunch
- Sliced olives — a briny Mediterranean touch
- Lemon zest or juice — brightens and freshens the whole dish
For a more filling version, you can stir in a bit of quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas.
Easy Garnishes
Garnishes make the salad feel complete and add a little extra personality:
- A sprinkle of za’atar or sumac
- Toasted pine nuts or pistachios
- A few fresh dill fronds
- Thin radish slices or pickled onions
- A light swirl of olive oil
Prep and Store Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
You can prep parts of this salad ahead without losing that crisp cucumber texture. Make the yogurt dressing up to 4 days in advance and keep it chilled in a sealed jar. Slice the cucumbers ahead and store them in a container lined with paper towels to reduce excess moisture.
If you prefer extra-crisp cucumbers, lightly salt them, let them sit for a few minutes, then pat dry before mixing them with the dressing.
How Long It Lasts
- Fully mixed salad: best within 24–36 hours
- Dressing only: 3–4 days
- Prepped cucumbers: 1–2 days
If the salad becomes watery, stir in a little more yogurt to thicken it again.
Leftovers are great in wraps, sandwiches, grain bowls, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Serving Suggestions for Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
This Greek yogurt cucumber salad pairs easily with many meals. It works as a refreshing side dish or a simple, light main depending on what you serve alongside it.
For a more filling bowl, add warm chickpeas, roasted vegetables, or grilled halloumi. A sprinkle of za’atar, fresh herbs, or toasted nuts adds extra flavor and texture.
As a side dish, it goes especially well with baked salmon, grilled chicken, lemony shrimp, or anything with bold seasoning—the cool, creamy salad adds a clean contrast.
Mediterranean-Inspired Pairings
Because the flavors echo classics like tzatziki and tabbouleh, this salad fits naturally into a Mediterranean-style spread. Try serving it with:
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Greek lentil salad
- Falafel or simple meatballs
- Stuffed grape leaves
- Quinoa or couscous bowls
Whether you’re preparing a mezze-style dinner or packing lunch, this yogurt cucumber salad travels well and complements a wide range of dishes.
Creative Ways to Reinvent Your Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
You can easily transform this salad into something new with just a few swaps:
• Greek Potato Salad with Yogurt
Replace cucumbers with cooked waxy potatoes for a creamy, comforting variation. Add dill, scallions, and a little lemon juice for brightness.
• Greek Cabbage Salad with Yogurt
Shredded cabbage creates a crisp, slaw-like version that holds up well for meal prep. Add carrots or parsley for color and freshness.
• Lentil Yogurt Salad
Stir in cooked green or black lentils to make a heartier bowl. Add cucumbers, herbs, or olives for extra texture.
These quick variations let you enjoy the same creamy yogurt base in several new ways.
Troubleshooting Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
Why is my salad watery?
Cucumbers release liquid naturally. Salt the slices for 10–15 minutes, pat them dry, and then mix.
If the salad is already watery, stir in a little extra Greek yogurt to thicken it.
My dressing tastes bland. What now?
Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt, lemon juice, vinegar, or fresh herbs like dill or mint. Add garlic or black pepper for extra depth.
The texture feels off — too thick or too thin.
• Too runny → add more yogurt or chill briefly.
• Too thick → loosen with a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Mushy texture → mix gently next time to avoid breaking down cucumbers.
Quick Fixes
- Too watery: Dry cucumbers well; add yogurt
- Not enough flavor: Add salt, lemon, herbs
- Too thin: Add yogurt
- Too thick: Add a splash of acidity
Leftovers also work well as a dip or sandwich spread.
Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Peel the cucumbers and slice them thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, dill, sweetener, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Add the drained cucumbers to the bowl and gently toss to coat them in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh dill, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
Greek yogurt cucumber salad is the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can create big flavor. It’s creamy, crisp, cooling, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or light lunches that won’t weigh you down. Whether you keep it classic or explore variations like Greek lentil salad or Greek potato salad with yogurt, this salad will become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes—sour cream can be used in place of Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer, creamier flavor. The texture will be slightly thicker and smoother. If you want to keep the tangy note that yogurt provides, add a small splash of lemon juice when mixing it in.
How thin should I slice the vegetables?
For a crisp and flavorful cucumber salad, slice the cucumbers very thin—around ⅛ inch. A mandoline gives the best results, but a sharp knife works too. Uniform slices help the yogurt dressing coat every piece evenly.
What if my cucumbers are too watery?
Watery cucumbers can make your Greek yogurt cucumber salad too thin. To avoid this, salt the slices and let them sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot them dry. This step keeps the dressing creamy and flavorful.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cucumber yogurt salad a few hours or even a day in advance. For best texture, store the cucumbers and the yogurt dressing separately and mix just before serving.
Is cucumber yogurt salad a good choice for lighter meals?
Many people enjoy cucumber yogurt salad as part of lighter meals because it feels refreshing and uses simple ingredients like cucumbers and yogurt. If you prefer an even lighter version, you can skip the mayo or use a lower-fat yogurt. It’s easy to adjust based on your personal preferences.
