Fresh & Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad with Creamy Dill Yogurt Dressing: Your Go-To Summer Side!
This Cucumber Tomato Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing is not just an easy dish to put together; it’s a vibrant explosion of fresh flavors, perfect for any BBQ, picnic, or simple weeknight meal. The delightful crunch of crisp cucumbers, the juicy burst of ripe tomatoes, and the subtle bite of red onion all come together beautifully. Paired with tangy feta cheese and a luxuriously creamy dill yogurt dressing, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser that embodies the essence of fresh, healthy eating.
I recently returned from an incredibly inspiring and fun-filled weekend in sunny Miami, where I attended the BlogHer Food conference with my wonderful friend, Jess, from Stuck On Sweet! As it was our very first food blogging conference, the excitement was palpable. We both had an absolute blast, soaking up all the knowledge, meeting so many incredible people, and truly learning a tremendous amount that will undoubtedly fuel our culinary journeys and blogging endeavors.
The trip kicked off with a breathtaking flight into Miami, greeting us with this stunning view of the sunset, a perfect welcome to the vibrant city…
Our entire weekend in Miami was a delightful blend of warm weather, abundant sunshine, invaluable learning sessions, and fantastic networking opportunities. It was an absolute joy to finally meet other food bloggers in person, connecting faces to the inspiring voices and creative minds behind blogs we’ve admired. This conference provided the perfect chance to deepen connections, share insights, and get to know each other better in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. From mastering new photography techniques to understanding the latest SEO strategies, every session offered practical takeaways that are sure to elevate our blogging efforts. The energy of being surrounded by so many passionate individuals was truly invigorating.
From left to right: Stephie from Eat Your Heart Out, Me, and Jess from Stuck on Sweet – enjoying the BlogHer Food conference in Miami!
Me, Sheila from Eat 2 Gather, and Jess from Stuck on Sweet – cherished moments and new friendships forged at BlogHer Food.
The conference culminated in a spectacular closing party at a chic lounge in Miami. It was an unforgettable evening, made even more special by being hosted by three titans of the food blogging world: Ree Drummond of Pioneer Woman, Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes, and Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen. Meeting these inspiring women, whose work has shaped the landscape of online food media, was a truly surreal and exhilarating experience. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, laughter, and a shared passion for all things food. It was an incredible way to wrap up a weekend filled with learning and connection!
From left to right: Jess from Stuck On Sweet, Ree from Pioneer Woman, Stephie from Eat Your Heart Out, and me – an unforgettable photo with blogging royalty!
Cooling Down with Fresh Flavors: Introducing the Cucumber Tomato Salad
After such an exciting, high-energy weekend, I’m thrilled to shift gears and share today’s recipe with you, one that perfectly captures the refreshing spirit of summer: Cucumber Tomato Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing. I’m especially excited because I’m partnering with Stonyfield Organic for this recipe! I was incredibly fortunate to become a “Clean Plate Club Member” with Stonyfield recently, and it was a true pleasure to finally meet their wonderful team in person at the BlogHer Food conference. For those who know me, you’ll understand why this partnership is such a perfect pairing – I am, without a doubt, a yogurt fanatic! Their commitment to organic, high-quality products aligns perfectly with my cooking philosophy, and I’m eager to showcase how their delicious yogurt elevates this simple salad.
The Incredible Versatility of Yogurt in Your Kitchen
If you’re as big a fan of yogurt as I am, then you already know it’s a culinary superhero, capable of being used in countless ways beyond just a breakfast staple. My fridge is perpetually stocked with plain, Greek, and various flavored yogurts, each serving a different purpose. In Lebanese culture, and certainly within my family, plain yogurt is an indispensable ingredient – a creamy, tangy accompaniment that we use to top or dip almost anything! From freshly baked pita bread to savory kibbeh, tender grape leaves, or even alongside rice dishes, you name it, and chances are we’ll find a way to incorporate yogurt. It’s not just about flavor; it’s about adding a cooling balance, a rich creaminess, and a healthy dose of probiotics and calcium to every meal. This tradition highlights yogurt’s incredible power to transform and enhance the simplest of dishes into something truly special.
Among the many applications for yogurt, salads have always been one of my favorite dishes to feature it, especially as the base for a light and healthy dressing. By opting for a yogurt-based dressing, you’re not only adding a delightful tang and creaminess but also boosting the nutritional profile of your meal with extra calcium and beneficial probiotics. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, flavorful dressing without the heavy guilt often associated with traditional options. This particular Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is absolutely perfect to bring to a picnic, potluck, or any gathering. Its robust ingredients travel beautifully, and the refreshing flavors are guaranteed to be a hit with any crowd. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the sunshine and company!
Crafting Your Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad: Tips & Tricks
The beauty of this Cucumber Tomato Salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. To ensure the best flavor and texture, here are a few tips:
- Cucumbers: Opt for English or Persian cucumbers if available, as they tend to have fewer seeds and thinner skins, eliminating the need for peeling. If using standard cucumbers, seeding them helps prevent the salad from becoming watery. Dice them into bite-sized cubes for easy eating and a pleasing crunch.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and pop of color. Halving them ensures each bite gets a burst of juicy tomato. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. If using larger tomatoes, chop them into similar-sized pieces as the cucumber.
- Red Onion: A little red onion adds a welcome zing and sharpness. If you find raw red onion too strong, a quick soak in ice water for 10-15 minutes can mellow its flavor without losing its crunch. Slice it thinly to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy counterpoint that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija would work well.
The Star of the Show: Dill Yogurt Dressing
The creamy dill yogurt dressing truly elevates this salad from good to extraordinary. Made with simple ingredients, it’s remarkably flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare:
- Yogurt: I love using a good quality low-fat plain yogurt for this dressing, especially an organic one like Stonyfield. It provides a smooth, tangy base that’s much lighter than mayonnaise-based dressings. For an even thicker, richer dressing, feel free to use Greek yogurt.
- Fresh Dill: This herb is non-negotiable! Fresh dill provides a unique, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor that defines the dressing. Don’t substitute with dried dill if you can help it; the fresh herb makes all the difference. Finely chop it to release its full aroma.
- Garlic & Lemon: Minced garlic adds a pungent warmth, while fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and enhances the tangy notes of the yogurt. Always use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best results.
- Olive Oil: A touch of extra virgin olive oil helps emulsify the dressing, adding a silky texture and a hint of fruity richness.
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential to tie all the flavors together. Taste and adjust to your preference.
Perfect for Any Occasion & Easy Customizations
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic light lunch on its own, a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or a vibrant accompaniment to any summer BBQ or picnic spread. Because the dressing is yogurt-based, it holds up well, making it a reliable choice for gatherings where it might sit out for a little while (though always keep it chilled for food safety).
Feel free to get creative with your additions! You could toss in some Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist, add chopped bell peppers for extra color and crunch, or even mix in some chickpeas for added protein, transforming it into a more substantial meal. A sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley alongside the dill would also be delicious. No matter how you serve it, this salad is sure to become a beloved recipe in your rotation.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad with Dill Yogurt Dressing
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Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, seeded and cubed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 cup low fat yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 teaspoons dill, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl combine cucumber, tomato, red onion and feta cheese.
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In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, fresh dill, garlic, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the yogurt dressing into the salad and mix well. Taste and adjust to taste.
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Garnish with fresh dill.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.