Refreshing Egyptian Cucumber and Garlic Yogurt Salad
This delightful Egyptian Cucumber and Garlic Yogurt Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly complements a variety of meals, especially barbecued favorites. With its smooth and creamy texture, it transforms plain yogurt into a culinary masterpiece. You’ll love the way the crispness of grated cucumber and the bold punch of garlic create a harmonious balance. Ideal for snacking or as a side dish, this salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread. Don’t let your hesitation about yogurt hold you back; the final result is a garlicky, refreshing delight that even non-yogurt lovers will enjoy. Feel free to adjust the garlic to suit your palate, and keep some on hand for those warm evenings on the patio!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain yogurt
4 ounces (scooped into a bowl)
cucumber
1/2 (grated finely)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
white vinegar
1 tablespoon (n/a)
fresh dill
1 teaspoon (chopped)
salt
to taste (n/a)
pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, scoop out the plain yogurt to serve as the base.
2
Finely grate half a cucumber and add it to the bowl, mixing gently to combine.
3
Using a garlic press, crush three cloves of garlic and incorporate them into the yogurt and cucumber mixture.
4
Pour in one tablespoon of white vinegar, add the chopped fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
7
When ready to serve, enjoy with warm pita bread slices, allowing everyone to scoop up this delicious salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Egyptian Cucumber and Garlic Yogurt Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines plain yogurt, grated cucumber, and garlic to create a creamy side dish or dip.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The ingredients include 4 ounces of plain yogurt, 1/2 a cucumber, 3 garlic cloves, white vinegar, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
How much yogurt is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of plain yogurt for this recipe.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
Half of a cucumber should be finely grated before being added to the yogurt mixture.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for three cloves of garlic.
What is the best way to prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be crushed using a garlic press for a bold flavor punch.
How much vinegar is added to the salad?
One tablespoon of white vinegar is added to the mixture.
Is fresh or dried dill used?
The recipe specifies one teaspoon of chopped fresh dill.
Should I season the salad?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to taste.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Scoop the yogurt into a bowl, add the grated cucumber, crushed garlic, vinegar, and dill, then mix gently to combine.
Does the salad need to be chilled?
Yes, for the best flavor, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What should I serve with this Egyptian salad?
It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread slices for scooping.
Is this salad suitable for barbecues?
Absolutely, it is a perfect accompaniment for barbecued favorite dishes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is a perfect make-ahead dish because it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad has a smooth and creamy texture with crispness from the grated cucumber.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
It has a bold garlic punch, but you can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your own palate.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy snack and a refreshing side dish.
Can I eat this if I usually don't like yogurt?
Yes, the garlicky and refreshing nature of the salad is designed to appeal even to those who typically hesitate about yogurt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required for this salad.
Is this considered a dip or a salad?
It is described as both an Egyptian salad and a garlic dip.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
White vinegar is the recommended type for this specific recipe.
How do I store the leftovers?
Keep the salad in a covered bowl inside the refrigerator.
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
The recipe includes a vegan-friendly tag, though you would need to use a plant-based yogurt alternative if you follow a strict vegan diet.
Does this recipe require cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe involving only mixing and chilling.
Why do I need to chill it for 30 minutes?
Chilling allows the various flavors, especially the garlic and dill, to meld together properly.
What is the primary base of the salad?
The primary base of the salad is plain yogurt.
Can I serve this on a patio?
Yes, the description suggests it is a great snack for warm evenings on the patio.
How many garlic cloves should I use for a milder flavor?
While the recipe calls for three, you can reduce the number of cloves to adjust to your personal taste.
Is this a traditional Egyptian dish?
Yes, it is presented as a Refreshing Egyptian Cucumber and Garlic Yogurt Salad.
Is the recipe easy to make?
Yes, it involves simple steps like grating, crushing, and mixing, making it very accessible.