Cucumber Salad with Yogurt

Macedonian Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Recipe

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cucumber Salad with Yogurt is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of cool cucumbers and creamy yogurt is a classic pairing that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Cucumber Salad with Yogurt has its origins in Middle Eastern cuisine, where yogurt is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of cucumbers and yogurt is not only delicious but also provides a cooling effect, making it a popular choice in hot climates.

Ingredients

1 medium cucumber
1 clove of garlic
1 tbsp of salt
1 tbsp of vinegar
1 cup of yogurt
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tbsp of chopped dill (optional)

How to prepare

Crush the garlic, then add salt and vinegar and mix until a smooth paste forms.
Stir the garlic paste into the yogurt, then add the oil and half of the dill.
Peel the cucumber and slice it very thinly across.
Place the cucumber slices in a salad bowl and sprinkle them with a little salt.
Cover the cucumber slices with the yogurt sauce and sprinkle the remaining dill on top.
Chill the dish before serving.

Variations

You can add chopped mint or parsley to the yogurt sauce for a different flavor profile.
Try adding diced tomatoes or red onions for added texture and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the cucumbers very thinly to ensure that they absorb the flavors of the yogurt sauce.

- Chilling the dish before serving will enhance the flavors and make it even more refreshing.

- You can customize this recipe by adding other herbs or spices to the yogurt sauce, such as mint or cumin.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cucumber Salad with Yogurt as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly for the best texture in this dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a thicker and creamier sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the yogurt sauce and slice the cucumbers ahead of time, but be sure to assemble the dish just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Cucumber Salad with Yogurt with a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Summary

This Cucumber Salad with Yogurt is a low-calorie dish that is high in protein and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a light meal or snack.

Summary

Cucumber Salad with Yogurt is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its refreshing flavors and creamy texture, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Cucumber Salad with Yogurt. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a handwritten note that simply read: "Cucumber Salad with Yogurt - a refreshing treat on a hot day."

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of crisp cucumbers and creamy yogurt intrigued me. I decided then and there that I had to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients listed on the card - cucumbers, plain yogurt, dill, garlic, and lemon juice - and set to work in the kitchen.

As I peeled and sliced the cucumbers, the cool, refreshing aroma filled the air. I could already tell that this salad was going to be a hit. I mixed the yogurt with a splash of lemon juice, a sprinkle of dill, and a clove of minced garlic, creating a tangy dressing that would perfectly complement the cucumbers.

I tossed the cucumbers in the dressing, making sure to coat each slice evenly. The vibrant green of the cucumbers against the creamy white of the yogurt was a sight to behold. I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

As I tasted the salad, I was transported back to my childhood. I could almost hear the laughter of my siblings as we played in the backyard, the sun beating down on us as we enjoyed a simple, homemade meal. The crispness of the cucumbers paired with the tangy yogurt was a perfect balance of flavors. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Cucumber Salad with Yogurt countless times, each time perfecting the recipe just a little bit more. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at its simplicity and deliciousness. It has become a go-to dish for summer picnics and backyard barbecues, a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.

As I sit here now, reminiscing on that fateful day when I discovered this recipe, I am grateful for the culinary journey it has taken me on. It is a reminder of the joy that can be found in trying new things, in stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. And it is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that will last a lifetime.

So the next time you find yourself feeling curious about a new recipe, I urge you to give it a try. You never know what delicious surprises await you in the kitchen. And who knows, you may just discover a new favorite dish, just like I did with my Cucumber Salad with Yogurt.