Refreshing Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Indulge in this delightful and cooling Cucumber Salad with Yogurt, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly enjoyed during Ramadan for suhr (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal after sunset). This salad, with its creamy yogurt base and crisp cucumbers, offers a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, making it the perfect accompaniment for any meal. The hint of garlic and vibrant mint elevate the flavors, creating a dish that's both simple and satisfying. Serve it alongside warm pita bread for a truly authentic experience!
4
Servings
55
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plain yogurt
1 cup (None)
Cucumber
1 cup (Peeled and sliced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Fresh mint or dried mint
1 teaspoon (Chopped if fresh)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, stir the plain yogurt vigorously until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
2
Add the peeled and sliced cucumber, salt, and minced garlic to the yogurt, and gently mix until well combined.
3
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt if desired.
4
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh or dried mint, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Serve chilled, alongside warm pita bread for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Middle Eastern Cucumber Yogurt Salad?
It is a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of a creamy yogurt base, crisp cucumbers, garlic, and mint, often served as a cooling accompaniment to richer meals.
What ingredients are needed for this cucumber yogurt salad?
The ingredients include 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 cup of peeled and sliced cucumber, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried mint.
How do I prepare the yogurt for this recipe?
You should stir the plain yogurt vigorously in a mixing bowl until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency before adding other ingredients.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the recipe specifies using peeled and sliced cucumbers for the best texture.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped mint or 1 teaspoon of dried mint as a garnish.
Is this salad suitable for Ramadan?
Yes, it is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine specifically enjoyed during Ramadan for both suhr (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal after sunset).
What should I serve with this cucumber salad?
It is traditionally served chilled alongside warm pita bread for an authentic experience.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 55 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This is a low protein dish, providing about 1.75g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this salad?
There are 2.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 6g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for one minced garlic clove to enhance the flavor.
Is this a Palestinian recipe?
Yes, it is associated with Palestinian cuisine and broader Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
After mixing the ingredients, you should taste the salad and add more salt if desired before serving.
Should this salad be served cold?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the salad chilled for a refreshing experience.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic clove should be minced before being added to the yogurt.
How do I garnish the salad?
Garnish the salad with fresh or dried mint once it has been transferred to a serving dish.
Why is this salad considered refreshing?
The combination of cooling yogurt, crisp cucumber, and mint creates a refreshing contrast to heavier, richer dishes.
Can I use any type of yogurt?
The recipe calls for plain yogurt, which provides the traditional base for the salad.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates that the fiber content is negligible or not listed.
Is there any sugar in this salad?
The recipe does not list any added sugar or significant natural sugar content.
How long does it take for the flavors to meld?
The flavors begin to meld as soon as you garnish with mint and allow it to sit briefly before serving chilled.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Low Protein meal.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust to taste.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy salad option with low calories.
What tools do I need?
You will need a mixing bowl for stirring the yogurt and a serving dish for presentation.
How should the cucumber be cut?
The cucumber should be peeled and then sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, serving it chilled is recommended, so you can prepare it and keep it in the refrigerator.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 5 primary ingredients used in this recipe.