Creamy Cucumber "Side"
Simple, serene ingredients -- English cucumber, Vidalia onion, fresh dill, rice wine vinegar, lemon zest (Meyer if you've got it), and Greek yogurt
Though you're using a sweet onion, you still want to slice it as thinly as possible.
Amanda is away on vacation -- Merrill misses her, but knows how to have a grand time alone in the kitchen too (that rocket fuel disguised as iced coffee from Gorilla Coffee might have...
It also helps her make quick work of a cucumber with Amanda's nifty OXO handheld mandoline.
The onion and cucumber get a dose of salt to soften them and wick away some moisture that might otherwise water down the dressing.
After the salted cukes and onions spend an hour in the refrigerator, you can see how much juice would have ended up in your dressing!
Merrill rinses away any excess salt...
...and spreads the veggies on a clean towel to dry off.
Amanda's technique for drying and storing washed salad greens works well here -- just roll everything up in a clean, dry kitchen towel.
After sweating all that moisture out, it would be a shame to not dry these guys thoroughly.
Just finishing touches remain: First, rice wine vinegar for a bit of sweet acidity.
Then Greek yogurt and lemon zest -- Lizthechef is lucky enough to have a Meyer lemon tree in her backyard, but if you don't, regular lemon zest is just fine.
Two tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, from a veritable dill forest
Fold in the ingredients till you have a nice, even blanket of dressing -- this tastes great now, and even better after chilling for an hour.
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Author Notes: This simple side dish gives a cool note to summer suppers and works well with salmon or lamb. I prefer the crisp crunch of an English cucumber to the waxy ones that require peeling. You may substitute sour cream for the yogurt. Any mild-flavored vinegar can be used in this warm weather recipe. Sweet onions tend to run large so a half will do. Dill and lemon came from my garden. - Lizthechef - Lizthechef
Food52 Review: The success of this recipe lies in the details: salting the cucumber and onion slices to keep them from getting soggy and soften the sting of the onion, augmenting the sweet tang of the yogurt with a dash of vinegar and a bit of sugar, and adding Meyer lemon zest and fresh dill to achieve subtle layers of perfume. The resulting dish is cooling and crisp -- as Lizthechef says, it would go particularly well with either fish or lamb. - A&M - A&M
Serves 4
- 1 organic English cucumber (about one lb-sized)
- 1/2 Vidalia onion, peeled
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon organic cane sugar
- 1/2 cup best quality Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- zest of one Meyer lemon
- Slice the cucumber and onion as thinly as possible. Place slices in a colander, sprinkle with the salt, stir and seat the colander over a bowl to catch the released liquid. Refrigerate for one hour.
- Discard the extra liquid and now rinse the salt from the cucumber and onion. Drain well and pat the slices dry using kitchen towels.
- Turn the cucumber and onion into a medium-sized bowl and add the sugar and vinegar, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Fold in the yogurt, dill and lemon zest. Chill for an hour, stir again (juices will have settled) and serve.
- Your Best Cucumber Recipe Contest Winner!
Tags: Summer
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10 months ago ElleLearnsToCook
Made and served with salmon tonight. This wonderful and yummy cucumber side is cool, tasty, and refreshing.
about 1 year ago EmilyC
Made this today to accompany porchetta sandwiches and loved it! Thanks for a great recipe!
over 1 year ago pow
Is really good with apples.
almost 2 years ago MsDs_Foodie
I made this today for my family and they loved it. The only change I made was to substitute Splenda for the sugar. Thanks for the great recipe!
over 2 years ago Rivercook
I just found this site and have spent far too much time looking and printing wonderful recipes..this cucumber dish is really really good, just made it last night and will make it again tonight with a curry dinner as I think it will be a nice cool addition..love the greek yogurt!
thanks to all for sharing..!
over 2 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks so much for your comment and welcome to the site!
over 2 years ago lapadia
Hi Lizthechef, well it's September and as I wrote 3 months ago, as soon as our garden cucumbers were ready I was making your recipe, and did just that tonight! I tweaked using cilantro instead of dill (was what I had available), and agave for the sugar...what a Delicious winning recipe, but of course you already know that. Will be making it with dill very soon. Thanks!
almost 2 years ago Lizthechef
Almost a year later, just found your comment from a time when my email was not picking up comments - we have had a good laugh about this, haven't we?
almost 2 years ago lapadia
:) Too funny, Liz!!! BTW - I have made this recipe with dill, too. Delicious. AND...our cucumbers are starting to produce this year. Yay!!
over 2 years ago sonomagal
I make a similar cucumber recipe but I never salt the cukes first. I prefer them crisp. Sweet and sour with a little sour cream sugar and vinegar and dill snips.
over 2 years ago euramirez
I've never worked with yogurt before and you suggest we drain it, how should I do this?? Thanks!!
over 2 years ago Lizthechef
Put your yogurt in a small-sized, fine-holed sieve and place sieve over small bowl. Place in fridge while you drain the cukes and onions. Good luck!
over 2 years ago mdm
I LOVE this, and have been adding radishes as well. Then yesterday I added blanched green beans, too -- yum! It was a big hit at our party -- thanks!
over 2 years ago Lizthechef
I like your idea of adding blanched green beans! Happy you are enjoying this simple summer recipe-
over 2 years ago thirschfeld
I can't believe I wasn't invited! Those are great additions to an already great salad.
almost 3 years ago Sunchowder
OK, I just made this on Sunday--absolutely delish Liz! Simple, gorgeous clean--I love it and will make it again and again.
almost 3 years ago Sunchowder
Liz--I made this last night as a side for dinner, YUM!!!!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
So glad you enjoyed it!
almost 3 years ago dymnyno
I have made this so many times lately that I'm beginning to think that I invented it myself!!!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
LOL - I made it over the weekend and had to look up the recipe! Did you see my note about draining the Greek yogurt? So much liquid released. Anyhow, glad you like it.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
RECIPE UPDATE: am making this for supper tonight with some fresh halibut and discovered draining the yogurt releases even more liquid...in addition to draining the cuke-onion mixture.
almost 3 years ago The Internet Cooking Princess
Liz, I made this last night and it was a big hit! Loved the flavor from the lemon zest - very nice touch!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Glad you enjoyed it - try draining the yogurt next time - gets even more liquid out, resulting in creamier dish.
almost 3 years ago Oui, Chef
To be honest, I've never been a big fan of cucumber (unless its a pickle), but this dish sounds REALLY good, I'll have to give it a try. Congrats on the win! - S
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thank you for your comment - but don't force yourself re cukes...Summer squash is right around the corner ;) Thanks, Liz
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
No problem finding shiso in San Diego - we are fortunate to have super-sized Asian markets, at least half a dozen. I have a smaller Japanese supermarket that I know will have them.Brava, again - we are both winners!
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Congrats..your recipe is on my list of what to do with all the cucumbers, once they are read to harvest!!
almost 3 years ago Teri
Congrats Liz the Chef!!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
As soon as I can face another cucumber, I'm trying your terrific recipe! Thanks for being so gracious -
almost 3 years ago Teri
I hope you all find shiso soon!
almost 3 years ago MrsWheelbarrow
Cathy is a trusted source on Pickling/Preserving.
Fantastic to see this recipe selected. Perfect example of a classic reimagined. Big congratulations Liz!!!
almost 3 years ago monkeymom
Yay Liz! Congrats on your win!
almost 3 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Yay! Congrats. Such a yummy side.
almost 3 years ago MyCommunalTable
Wow! Way to go. Well deserved. It is a great recipe!
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
Yah!! Congrats Liz on winning with a great recipe!
almost 3 years ago ENunn
Way to go, LtC. My cookout guests gobbled this up on Friday. Thanks!
almost 3 years ago thirschfeld
This recipe takes cucumber and dill, a favorite combo of mine, to a whole new level. I can't wait to try this with the cucs from my garden. Congrats and what a great recipe.
almost 3 years ago drbabs
Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.
BIG congratulations!
almost 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Congrats, Liz! Great recipe!!
almost 3 years ago WinnieAb
Yay! Big congrats Liz!!!
almost 3 years ago dymnyno
I made this Friday night to "side" with BBQ lamb loins and it was wonderful! Finished the rest for lunch on Saturday.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks - we're having it tonight with grilled lamb burgers and curried rice salad for my husband's Dad's Day party.
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
YUM!!! I made this last night and it was wonderful. And this morning, even better! Love it!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Cukes for breakfast -! Glad you enjoyed it -
almost 3 years ago KelseyTheNaptimeChef
This is a fabulous recipe Lizthechef! I can't wait to make it! The cukes are coming into our markets now and you know what that means... :)
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Yes, that you and your Dad are on alert! Would so love to meet up - two retired docs, both in peds...I won't let up on you about those darn pickles, Kelsey ;)
almost 3 years ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
What a perfect summer salad. I think I'll have it with some Greek lamb tonight!
almost 3 years ago ENunn
Congrats LtC! I'm finally making this, tonight, to go with Merrill's fish tacos on the grill (the second time I've made those. They are so good.) I love the Vidalia onion--so nice with grilled things.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Great idea to pair with M's fish tacos - those are on my "must cook" list.
almost 3 years ago Heena
Congratulations!! My vote is in. I can imagine how refreshing this must be because my recipe was a little similar. Love the addition of the Meyer lemon.
almost 3 years ago MrsWheelbarrow
Cathy is a trusted source on Pickling/Preserving.
Thrilled for you Liz. The recipe is wonderful, cool, refreshing and just right for lunch - which is what I'm planning today!
almost 3 years ago drbabs
Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congratulations, Liz! Great recipe--and how cool to have been chosen from among 125 recipes!
almost 3 years ago TasteFood
I am a huge fan of tsatsiki and this recipe is a dream, since it gives me an excuse to gobble it up as a side dish instead of a condiment. Congratulations!
almost 3 years ago Teri
Congratulations Lizthechef. I've made your side myself, so I know the competition is steep!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
And I appreciate your comment about the salt - which I reduced, by the way.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks, everyone - for all your support throughout the year!
almost 3 years ago dymnyno
Once again...congrats on your recipe! Simple ingredients, simple method to create a stunning result!
almost 3 years ago MyCommunalTable
Bravo!! Way to go with the Meyer Lemon touch. I know that I would love this.
almost 3 years ago lapadia
As I said a whole 9 days ago, this is a recipe waiting for my garden cucumbers, just voted...congrats to you!
almost 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Yahoooo, Meyer Lemon Liz!!! Congrats!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks, Merrill, for the great solo act! Going to treat myself to a mandoline today...
almost 3 years ago thirschfeld
Way to go Liz!!!!!
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
Woo-hoo! Go Liz! Congrats on being finalist!!
almost 3 years ago Teri
I made this for lunch today. Used honey instead of sugar, halved the salt and didn't wash it off. So good! Thanks for sharing it with us.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks and I think a have 30 minutes to modify my recipe, You have confirmed what I intuited - re too much salt - thanks so much. I'm reducing the salt to one teaspoon. Dilemma is that you need salt to draw out the water to avoid a soupy salad. Fingers crossed!
almost 3 years ago ENunn
Yes, this looks great, and I want some now, for lunch.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks, I just tried a batch with some red onions - like the combo.
almost 3 years ago J-Dizzle
Hi Lizthechef, you mentioned 'grilled lamb burgers (from your Father's Day Menu) in the reply...do you have the recipe?? If so, will add it to my menu at the cottage this weekend....We looooove lamb.....thanks very much.
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
I buy ground lamb at my butcher or Whole Foods, add cumin, parsley,s & p - grill about 4 min per side. Check out lamb recipes in this site - we had a "lamb" contest and I remember some tasty recipes along this line - good luck!
almost 3 years ago J-Dizzle
Yummy, love cucumbers! love dill! With a large garden, will be able to make this recipe throughout the summer months....Thanks!
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
You're welcome - it's on my Father's Day menu, along with grilled lamb burgers...
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Yum, have a large garden but the cucumbers are not abundant until August (maybe late July), unusually cooler this year, so who know...September?? Anyway, enough of that, we will definately make this when "our" cucumber harvest is here!
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
This looks so refreshing - perfect for a warm summer day! And I agree - I prefer the crisper English cucumbers too. This might go on the menu for tonight - thanks :-)
almost 3 years ago Lizthechef
Thanks - I hope you like it!
almost 3 years ago aargersi
Abbie is a trusted source on General Cooking.
This is a perfect summer side dish ... yummy!