Craving something cool, crisp, and utterly refreshing? Look no further! This Creamy Cucumber Cilantro Salad is the answer to your warm-weather daydreams. It’s a vibrant mix of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion, all brought together with a tangy, dairy-free yogurt dressing infused with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it the perfect side for barbecues, potlucks, or a light and healthy lunch. The best part? It gets even better as it chills, allowing all those bright, beautiful flavors to meld together perfectly.
Ingredients
• 4 medium cucumbers (about 600g), diced
• 2 medium tomatoes (about 250g), chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion (about 75g), finely diced
• 1 cup (240g) plain, unsweetened soy yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (about 8g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and finely diced red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain soy yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and chopped cilantro until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt dressing over the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Stir the salad again just before serving to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy chilled.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Servings Per Recipe: 3
• Calories: 110
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 23mg
Pro Tips
• For a less watery salad, slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds before dicing.
• Use a thick, Greek-style plain soy or coconut yogurt for the creamiest possible dressing. Always choose an unsweetened variety.
• The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making this a fantastic make-ahead dish for parties or meal prep. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different dairy-free yogurt for this salad
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for plain soy yogurt, a thick, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt would also work beautifully. For the best creamy texture, look for a Greek-style dairy-free yogurt.
Q: How can I add more protein to make this a complete vegetarian meal
A: To make this salad a more substantial meal, consider adding a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or some crumbled firm tofu. Both options will boost the protein content without overpowering the fresh flavors of the salad.
Q: How long does this creamy cucumber salad last in the fridge
A: This salad is best enjoyed within 2 days. While the flavors meld beautifully overnight, the cucumbers will release water over time, making the dressing thinner. For best results, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I substitute for cilantro in this recipe
A: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh dill or parsley are excellent substitutes. Both herbs pair wonderfully with cucumber and the tangy yogurt dressing, offering a different but equally refreshing flavor profile.
