This cool and creamy Cucumber Dip is perfect on gyros, burgers, salads, fish, and raw veggies.
Like tzatziki, this simple cucumber dip recipe is tasty yet versatile and ready to take its place on your buffet or dinner table. More than an appetizer, this refreshing sauce is excellent on turkey burgers, gyros, salads, and fish. You’ll likely discover many uses for this cucumber dip and will find yourself making it often.
Tzatziki is a Greek dip that often accompanies pita bread, crackers, chips, and dips such as hummus and eggplant dip. It goes great with cucumber slices, bell peppers, and other veggies. You may also know it as the delectable sauce drizzled over thin slices of lamb stuffed into gyros.
I love how light and refreshing this cucumber dip recipe is. It takes only minutes to make, and benefits from sitting in the fridge for an hour or two to let the flavors settle in and meld, so it’s perfect for making ahead.
What happens if you don’t like or can’t eat cucumbers but still want a Greek yogurt dip? You can omit the cucumber and still have a delicious dip with the remaining ingredients. Another option is this thick, creamy, and delectable Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip recipe. You can also try Tahini Yogurt Sauce, which is one of my favorites.
Is Cucumber Dip Healthy?
This cucumber dip recipe is a healthy option for a fun but light appetizer with vegetables and chips. While it is already relatively low in calories, you can reduce the caloric count by using low or non-fat Greek yogurt instead of whole milk yogurt. Cucumbers contain mostly water, but their nutrients include vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and magnesium.
Greek yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that aid digestion and gut health, calcium for the teeth and bones, and iodine to support thyroid gland functions. Lemon juice provides additional vitamin C, making it a great choice for a tasty dip.
Yogurt VS. Sour Cream And Mayonnaise
Authentic tzatziki sauce uses plain Greek yogurt. However, many people like to make cucumber dip using mayonnaise and sour cream. Some prefer to substitute a little mayonnaise for some of the yogurt. Personal preference takes the lead when making dips such as this one. If you want to be authentic to the actual dish, stick with the Greek yogurt.
FAQs & Tips
Cucumber dip should always be made at least an hour before you need it, to give the flavors time to mingle and intensify. It stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Remember to give it a quick mix before serving.
You can substitute your favorite plant-based, non-dairy Greek yogurt for the dairy yogurt in this recipe. If you like a thick cucumber dip, let the yogurt drain in a colander covered in cheesecloth or a few layers of coffee filters to remove extra liquid. The result will be a thicker version that you can use in this recipe. You can also try this recipe for Vegan Tzatziki, which produces a delicious cucumber sauce.
Shredding the cucumber is another way to make this dip. If you go that route, place the finely shredded cucumber in cheesecloth or a few paper towels and squeeze out some moisture. That will help prevent the dip from getting too runny.
Chopped red onion is the most popular addition to cucumber dip. When you add other ingredients, you move away from traditional tzatziki, but the dip is still tasty. Any type of onion, including shallots and scallions, will work in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cucumber dip alongside Greek Yogurt-Marinated Chicken With Zucchini Noodles, Grilled Herb Hummus Chicken Kebabs, or dolloped on this Potato Frittata. If you prefer a version of this recipe without mint, try making this Cucumber Sauce. It is just as easy to prepare and equally good when served with the above dishes.
Cucumber Dip
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh mint chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Peel and seed the cucumber, then finely chop it.
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In a bowl, combine chopped cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.
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Mix well until combined. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour to meld the flavors. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
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