Description
A refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Yogurt Salad featuring the creamy texture of Greek yogurt combined with the crispness of Persian cucumbers, infused with fresh dill, dried mint, and aromatic rose petals. Topped with crunchy pistachios and tart dried sour cherries, this salad is a perfect light dish for warm weather or as a vibrant side.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
- 2 cups thick or Greek-style yogurt
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, roughly chopped, more for garnish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried mint
- 5 small Persian cucumbers, scrubbed and diced
- Sea salt, to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rose petals, crushed
- 3 tablespoons dried sour cherries, coarsely chopped
- Chopped fresh mint, for garnish
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the yogurt mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the finely grated or minced garlic with the thick Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, roughly chopped fresh dill, and dried mint until well combined, creating a flavorful base for the salad.
- Add the cucumbers and season: Fold the diced Persian cucumbers gently into the yogurt mixture. Season the combined salad with sea salt to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
- Assemble and garnish: Spoon the cucumber yogurt mixture into a serving bowl. Garnish the top evenly with finely chopped pistachios, crushed dried rose petals, coarsely chopped dried sour cherries, fresh mint, and extra dill leaves for aroma and presentation.
- Finish with olive oil: Drizzle a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil over the salad just before serving to add richness and a pleasant mouthfeel. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for their small size and thin skins, which do not require peeling.
- Adjust the amount of salt and garlic based on personal preference to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers.
- For vegan variation, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Fresh dill and mint enhance the freshness, so try not to substitute dried herbs when fresh ones are available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Cucumber Yogurt Salad, Greek Yogurt Salad, Dill Salad, Persian Cucumbers, Sour Cherry Salad, Rose Petal Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Vegetarian Salad
