Tzatziki Salad

Fresh cucumbers are an excellent choice for a refreshing salad or a light appetizer, and this recipe is simple yet full of flavor. The first step in preparing this delicious cucumber salad is peeling them, an essential stage for achieving a finer texture and a more pleasant aroma. After peeling the cucumbers, cut them into small cubes, about 1 cm, so they mix evenly with the other ingredients.

Once the cucumbers are cut, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over them and place them in a sieve. This process is important because the salt will help draw out excess water from the cucumbers, making the salad less watery and more concentrated in flavors. Let them drain for about an hour to achieve an ideal consistency.

Meanwhile, prepare the dressing that will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Crush a few cloves of garlic, depending on your preferences for the intensity of the flavor. Rub the crushed garlic with olive oil, as if you were making mayonnaise, being careful to achieve a smooth paste. This technique will allow the flavors to integrate perfectly. As you mix, gradually add yogurt, preferably Greek, for a creamy consistency. Continue mixing until you obtain a fine and delicious dressing that will perfectly coat the cucumbers.

After the cucumbers have drained well, place them in a large bowl and add the garlic and yogurt dressing. Mix the ingredients well so that each cucumber cube is evenly coated. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting the flavors as desired.

For an extra touch of freshness, finely chop a few sprigs of fresh dill and incorporate it into the salad. The dill will add an aromatic note and highlight the taste of the cucumbers. Once you have finished preparing the salad, it is recommended to let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to develop and blend harmoniously.

Cucumber salad with garlic and yogurt is a versatile dish suitable to be served as an appetizer alongside a glass of white wine or as a side dish to various meals. It is not only healthy but also extremely refreshing, perfect for hot summer days. Enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 3 medium cucumbers or one large, 400 g yogurt, 3 cloves of garlic, 5 tablespoons of oil, fresh dill, salt, pepper

 Tags:  garlic oil salad cucumbers gluten-free recipes vegetarian recipes