Have you ever felt the need for a light, refreshing snack, especially on those hot days? Then Cucumber Yogurt Salad, or Khiyar Bi Laban, is exactly what you are looking for. It is incredibly simple, super healthy, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly.
Cucumber Yogurt Salad is very famous in the Middle East. You must try it! You will get to enjoy the refreshing flavors of creamy yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and mint in one bowl. Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and enrich your dinner table with some extra flavors.
Liven Up Your Meal with Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Why You Will Love Khiyar Bi Laban
Cucumber Yogurt Salad translates into Khiyar (kh’yar or khyar) Bi Laban in Arabic. It is very famous in Middle Eastern cuisine and super versatile that each person can make their own tweaks to indulge their taste buds.
It is pocket friendly. With simple ingredients found in your pantry or the nearest store, you will get a flavorful chilled salad that will steal your heart away.
If you are watching your calorie intake, cucumber and yogurt salad is a great option for a late-night meal or a snack during the day.
You can also serve this light salad with Mujadara Lentils and Spiced Rice. How about adding this recipe to your mezze menu next to some Lebanese Fried Kibbeh Recipe? What a great idea!
Another amazing option is to serve cucumber in yogurt salad with some Palestinian Cauliflower Fritters (Emshat). It also goes along wonderfully with meals served hot or spicy food. It helps balance the flavors and cool down the heat.
Your Next Go-to Salad Bowl!
Tips and Tricks
You can turn Khiyar Bi Laban into a dip similar to Greek Tzatziki Dip. Add less water or no water at all, chop the cucumber into fine cubes, and use dill instead of mint. You can jazz it up with a drizzle of olive oil.
If you do not have dry mint, you can chop some fresh mint leaves and add them to your salad. They have a special refreshing aroma that I’m sure you will like.
Though a cucumber yogurt salad bowl can be devoured at once, you might find yourself with some leftovers. You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Don’t keep them for longer because the flavors will not stay the same, and the cucumber will lose its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, this salad calls for Persian cucumber which has thin skin. It does not need to be peeled. If you choose a different type of cucumber with thicker skin, feel free to peel it before chopping.
You can give it a try! You might get a thicker salad. If you like it thinner, you can add a bit of water until it suits your taste.
Give it a try! Choose dairy-free yogurt and mix it with cucumber and the rest of the ingredients.
How Beautiful and Refreshing!
Cucumber Yogurt Salad | Khiyar Bi Laban
Cucumber yogurt salad is the perfect companion to your kebabs, kibbeh, fritters, and much more. It requires few ingredients with no effort, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Simple Ingredients
Yogurt: You can use goat milk or cow milk to make cucumber yogurt salad.
Water: Use as much as you need to reach your preferred consistency.
Persian cucumbers: Cut them lengthwise into fourths, then cut horizontally to get cubes.
Garlic clove: Minced garlic perfectly blends with yogurt. If you are not a fan of garlic, you can omit it.
Dried mint: It adds depth and earthiness to yogurt and cucumber salad. It has that special refreshing aroma.
Salt: It binds all the flavors into perfect harmony.
What to Do
First, chop the cucumber into medium cubes. Then, add the minced garlic clove and the yogurt to the cucumber. Sprinkle the salt and dried mint.
Next, add water and mix. Enjoy it at room temperature or leave it in the fridge for some time, and enjoy a refreshing cold bowl of khiyar bi laban.
Recipes You Must Try
Tabbouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)
Traditional Palestinian Musakhan Recipe
Tender Middle Eastern Style Beef Shawarma
Palestinian Cauliflower Fritters (Emshat)
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Cucumber Yogurt Salad | Khiyar Bi Laban
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup yogurt
- ⅔ cup water
- 3 Persian cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
Instructions
- Chop the cucumbers into medium cubes. Then, add the minced garlic clove and yogurt to the cucumber. Sprinkle the salt and dried mint.
- Next, add water and mix. Enjoy it at room temperature or leave it in the fridge for some time, and enjoy a refreshing cold bowl of khiyar bi laban.
Notes
- You can turn Khiyar Bi Laban into a dip similar to Greek Tzatziki Dip. Add less water or no water at all, and chop the cucumber into fine cubes and use dill instead of mint. You can jazz it up with a drizzle of olive oil.
- If you don’t like your salad to be thin, slowly add water to cucumber and yogurt and mix. Stop when it looks perfect to you.
- If you do not have dry mint, you can chop some fresh mint leaves and add them to your salad. They have a special refreshing aroma that you will like.
This was so perfect with some extra rice I had laying around! I just added some lemon juice since I like my food a little extra lemony and it was perfect 🙂 so refreshing and easy!
This salad taste great with biryani also 😋.
Soooo good! I increased the amount of garlic and added some lemon juice – and its the perfect side to any rice dish!