20-Minute Fresh Cucumber Kefir Cheese Salad
A refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired cucumber salad that combines crisp, salted cucumber cubes with tangy kefir cheese or thick Greek yogurt. The garlic adds a mild bite while fresh dill provides an aromatic herbal note. This cooling side dish is perfect for hot summer days, alongside grilled meats, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread. The technique of salting and draining the cucumbers ensures a crisp texture without excess moisture that would dilute the creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Peel cucumbers and scrape out large seeds if present
- 2
Cut cucumbers into small cubes and place in mesh strainer over bowl
- 3
Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes
- 4
Press cucumber cubes gently to remove water and drain
- 5
Transfer drained cucumbers to serving bowl
- 6
Add garlic, kefir cheese or yogurt, lemon juice, and dill
- 7
Stir to combine and adjust salt to taste
Tips
Press cucumbers firmly after salting to remove maximum moisture for better texture
Adjust lemon juice based on tanginess of your cheese - kefir cheese needs more than Greek yogurt
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days
Can be made 1 day ahead - flavors improve with time
Serve chilled as a side dish or part of mezze spread
Common Mistakes
Don't skip salting cucumbers or salad will be watery
Press cucumbers well to avoid diluted dressing
Substitutions
may need more seeding
FAQ
Can I make this without draining the cucumbers?
Not recommended as the excess water will make the salad watery and dilute the creamy dressing. The salting and draining step is essential for proper texture.
What if I don't have kefir cheese?
Thick Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute. You may need less lemon juice since Greek yogurt is already tangy.
How long does this salad keep?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight.