Why You'll Love It
- - Low‑carb and keto‑friendly, perfect for mindful eating
- - Ready in under 10 minutes, ideal for spontaneous gatherings
- - Creamy texture without the guilt of heavy cream
- - Fresh dill adds an aromatic finish that brightens the dish
*"The creaminess is just right, and the cucumbers stay crisp – my family asked for seconds!"*
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Cucumbers: Choose firm, seedless cucumbers; slice thinly to keep a refreshing crunch.
- Greek yogurt: Full‑fat Greek yogurt gives creaminess while adding protein; stir until smooth.
- Fresh dill: Chopped dill lifts the flavor with a gentle herbal note; add just before serving.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon provides acidity that balances the richness of the yogurt.
- Olive oil: A drizzle adds silkiness and helps coat the cucumber evenly.
- Stevia or erythritol (optional): A pinch of sweetener can soften the tang if you prefer a milder taste.
Complete Cooking Process
-
Ingredient Readiness:
Wash cucumbers, trim ends, and slice into half‑moon pieces. Pat dry to avoid excess water in the dressing.
-
Flavor Development:
Whisk Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper together; let it sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
-
Texture Control:
Toss cucumbers gently with the dressing just before serving to keep the crunch intact.
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Finishing Touches:
Add a final drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for aroma.
-
Serving Timing:
Serve immediately or chill for 10‑15 minutes; the salad is best enjoyed while the cucumbers are still crisp.
- Use a mandoline for uniform cucumber slices.
- If the salad sits too long, add a splash more lemon to revive brightness.
- Choose Greek yogurt with live cultures for extra tang.
Pro Tips
Well, these little adjustments can make the difference between a decent side and a standout one. I often find that a quick taste before plating saves me from over‑seasoning. The coolness of the cucumber paired with the creamy dressing creates a soothing bite that balances any smoky barbecue flavor.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Season the dressing before mixing with cucumbers
- Keep the salad chilled until serving
- Adjust lemon to taste for perfect balance
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
Yes, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture and more protein. If you use regular yogurt, drain it through cheesecloth to remove excess whey.
→ How long can the salad be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh dill just before serving to keep its aroma bright.
→ Is this salad suitable for dairy‑free diets?
Swap Greek yogurt for a plant‑based coconut yogurt or cashew cream; the flavor will shift slightly but remain creamy.
→ What other herbs work well?
Fresh mint or parsley can replace dill for a different herbal note; try mint for a summer twist.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Thinly sliced radish or a handful of shredded carrots add color and slight peppery bite.
→ Will the cucumbers become soggy?
If you let the salad sit too long, cucumbers release water. Toss just before serving or pat them dry after slicing.
Chef's Tips
For extra crispness, sprinkle a pinch of salt on cucumber slices and let them sit for 5 minutes before draining.,If the dressing thickens too much after chilling, loosen with a splash of cold water or extra lemon juice.,Feel free to add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint that pairs with BBQ.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
120
Calories
8g
Protein
6g
Carbs
8g
Fat
Taste Profile
Cool, creamy, and lightly tangy
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Use a plain, unsweetened variety; flavor will be slightly different.
Use half the amount; it’s more potent.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a gentle heat.
Mediterranean Style
Stir in crumbled feta, sliced olives, and sun‑dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Over‑mixing which softens cucumber texture.
- Adding dressing too early, causing cucumbers to become soggy.
- Using low‑fat yogurt that makes the dressing watery.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dressing up to 24 hours ahead; store separately and combine with cucumbers just before serving.
Leftover Ideas
Re‑toss the salad with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to revive freshness.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Wash and slice cucumbers, then pat dry.
Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
Combine cucumbers with dressing, toss gently.
Chill or serve immediately; adjust seasoning if needed.
Creamy Cucumber Salad – Low Carb BBQ Side
Enjoy a refreshing creamy cucumber salad, perfect low‑carb BBQ side that's keto‑friendly, low‑calorie, and ready in minutes. The crisp cucumber meets a silky dressing for a cool, comforting bite.
Timing
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 01 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 02 1 cup full‑fat Greek yogurt
- 03 1 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
- 04 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 05 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
- 06 ½ tsp sea salt
- 07 ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Optional Add‑ins
- 01 1 tsp stevia or erythritol (optional)
- 02 Thinly sliced red onion for extra bite
Instructions
Wash the cucumbers, trim the ends, and slice them into half‑moon pieces about ¼ inch thick; pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, pepper, and optional sweetener until smooth.
Gently fold the sliced cucumbers into the dressing, ensuring each piece is lightly coated but still visible.
Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let flavors meld, then give a final quick toss before serving.
Notes & Tips
- 1 For extra crispness, sprinkle a pinch of salt on cucumber slices and let them sit for 5 minutes before draining.
- 2 If the dressing thickens too much after chilling, loosen with a splash of cold water or extra lemon juice.
- 3 Feel free to add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint that pairs with BBQ.
Tools You'll Need
-
Mandoline or sharp knife
-
Mixing bowl
-
Whisk
-
Spatula
-
Serving bowl
Must-Know Tips
- Don’t over‑mix; gentle folding keeps cucumbers crunchy.
- Pat cucumbers dry to prevent watery dressing.
- Taste the dressing before adding cucumbers; adjust salt and lemon as needed.
Professional Secrets
- Use chilled Greek yogurt for a silkier texture.
- Add lemon zest along with juice for a brighter aromatics layer.
- Serve immediately after tossing for optimal crunch.
Recipe by
Lily_HarperFrom crispy bites to soft nibbles, I’m all about snack-time happiness made simple and delicious.
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