Indian Cucumber Salad with Yogurt (Easy 5-Minute Recipe!) (2024)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cucumber: Provides a fresh, crisp crunch. You can leave it chunky or grate it.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Offer juicy sweetness.
• Plain Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a mild tang. Full-fat yogurt is best for flavor.
• Red Onion: Brings a sharp and zesty flavor.
• Jalapeño: Introduces a spicy kick, adjustable to your heat preference. You could swap in Indian green chilies if you have access.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent and savory note.
• Mint: Fresh mint leaves provide a cool, fresh taste.
• Cilantro: Adds a lively, citrusy herb flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

• Greek Yogurt: Use for a thicker version.
• Spices: Try adding a pinch of cumin powder or a teaspoon of cumin seeds (toasted in a dry skillet). A bit of black pepper is also nice. Fresh ginger is also a welcome addition.
• Lime Juice: Add a splash for extra zest.
See Also
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• Other Herbs: If serving with greek food, swap the cilantro for minced fresh dill or parsley.
• Other Veggies: Feel free to swap the tomatoes for chopped bell peppers or grated carrots.

• Medium Bowl: To mix all the ingredients.
• Chopping Board: For prepping the cucumber, tomatoes, and other veggies.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: If using optional ingredients, to measure them accurately.
• Mixing Spoon: To blend everything thoroughly.

• Prep in Advance: Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
• Herbs: Mince the mint and cilantro just before serving to preserve their freshness.
• Combining: Mix the salad ingredients with the yogurt no more than an hour before serving to maintain the best texture.
• Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Best Consumed: Enjoy within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as it will significantly alter the texture and quality of the salad.

As a Side: Serve alongside grilled tandoori chicken, rich curries, biryanis or pulaos for a refreshing balance.
• In a Wrap: Spoon some salad into a wrap or pita bread with grilled chicken or falafel.
With Naan: Enjoy as a dip with warm, butter naan, keema naan, or aloo naan.

• Using Low-Fat Yogurt: Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat for a lighter version of the salad. Just note that it may slightly alter the creaminess and flavor.

• Making It Vegan: To make this salad vegan, substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.

• Storage Duration: The salad stays fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container.

• Freezing Not Recommended: Freezing is not advisable as it can significantly affect the texture and quality of the ingredients, especially the yogurt and cucumber.

• Protein Pairings: Grilled chicken, lamb, or fish complement this salad well. For a vegetarian option, try it with grilled paneer or tofu.

• Herb Variations: Apart from mint and cilantro, basil or dill can be great alternatives, offering a unique flavor twist to the salad.

• Cucumber Yogurt Salad: has larger, more defined pieces of cucumber and possibly other vegetables or herbs. The focus is on the freshness and crunch of the vegetables, with yogurt acting as a dressing to bind the salad together.
• Raita: Is an Indian Yogurt Sauce and has a thinner consistency. The yogurt is the star ingredient, often smoother and more seasoned, with finely chopped or grated cucumber and other ingredients mixed in.

• Using Low-Fat Yogurt: Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat for a lighter version of the salad. Just note that it may slightly alter the creaminess and flavor.

• Making It Vegan: To make this salad vegan, substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.

• Storage Duration: The salad stays fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container.

• Freezing Not Recommended: Freezing is not advisable as it can significantly affect the texture and quality of the ingredients, especially the yogurt and cucumber.

• Protein Pairings: Grilled chicken, lamb, or fish complement this salad well. For a vegetarian option, try it with grilled paneer or tofu.

• Herb Variations: Apart from mint and cilantro, basil or dill can be great alternatives, offering a unique flavor twist to the salad.

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Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD