Lebanese Cucumber and Yogurt Salad
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Prep Time5 mins
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Serving2
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Ready In5 mins
This creamy Lebanese cucumber and yogurt salad is very similar to the popular Greek tzatziki. In Arabic, this salad is known as Laban wa Khyar. Made with only a few ingredients, it comes together so easily. While it may seem like a dip, it differs from tzatziki as it isn’t usually served “on top” of a sandwich but, rather on the side, in a small bowl. Khyar bi Laban or Laban wa Khyar is considered a salad, just like Fattoush or Tabbouleh.
What’s in it?
The ingredients for this Lebanese cucumber and yogurt salad are yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dried mint (or fresh), salt and water! Most of the time, I use whole milk yogurt, but, this salad is very versatile and a low-fat yogurt or plain Greek yogurt work just as great. The yogurt is thinned out with some water according to your preference. Some people prefer it runnier than others so, whisk the yogurt and water together until it reaches your preferred consistency. The yogurt is flavored with some crushed garlic and mint. I typically like to use dried mint but, finely chopped fresh mint works deliciously as well.
Cucumbers in Lebanon are those mini cucumbers that are very easily found at any supermarket. They are small so they don’t have many seeds, and are so flavorful. In the picture below, you will see that I sliced the cucumbers lengthwise only and chopped them since they were extra small. However, if they are on the bigger side, I usually chop them a little bit smaller. You can substitute English cucumbers in place of the mini cucumbers.
Most often, Laban wa Khyar is served on the side of Mujadara, Eggplant Makloubeh, and Tomato Bulgur Pilaf. However, it also makes a wonderful side dish to any rice or grilled meat. Since it is served cold and is so refreshing, this would make a great summer salad.
STEP 1
Sprinkle the salt over the garlic cloves and crush using a mortar and pestle.
STEP 2
Wash and chop the mini cucumbers.
STEP 3
Add the yogurt, garlic and water in a medium-sized bowl and whisk thoroughly.
STEP 4
Add the chopped cucumber and mix well.
STEP 5
Sprinkle with the dried mint and mix.
Serve with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Lebanese Cucumber and Yogurt Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole Milk Yogurt or Low Fat Yogurt
- 2 Mini Cucumbers
- 2 cloves Garlic
- ½ tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Dried Mint
- ⅓ cup Water
Instructions
- Sprinkle the salt over the garlic cloves and crush using a mortar and pestle.
- Wash and chop the mini cucumbers.
- Add the yogurt, garlic and water in a medium-sized bowl and whisk thoroughly.
- Add the chopped cucumber and mix well.
- Sprinkle with the dried mint and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Nutrition
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