You could serve mujaddara on its own, but it’s missing something without this side dish. Cucumber yogurt is the cool, creamy yogurt sauce that balances the warm lentils, rice, and crispy onions and adds freshness and contrast.
Thick yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, and dried mint come together in minutes in this easy Middle Eastern side dish.
If you like Tzatziki, you’ll probably enjoy this cucumber yogurt sauce. The main differences are in the shape of the cucumber, and then lemon juice and olive oil in Tzatziki, versus dried mint in this recipe. But overall, they are quite similar.
For Tzatziki, an English cucumber is used and shredded, and then the water is drained out. For this recipe, Persian cucumbers are used, which are less watery, and they are diced instead of grated, giving a more pronounced crunch.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- yogurt: I use plain, Greek yogurt, a thick variety for the best texture.
- cucumbers: No need to peel. These are crisp and don’t have many seeds, so they don’t get too watery.
- garlic: for a little kick
- dried mint: contributes to the cooling and refreshing feel
- salt: very important to season for the best results
Instructions
- Dice the cucumbers small. If they seem very juicy, gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Add yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dried mint, and salt to a bowl.
- Stir until fully combined.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Taste and adjust salt before serving.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
What to Serve Cucumber Yogurt Sauce With
I like to serve this alongside mujaddara as a fresh cooling contrast to the earthy, savory rice and lentils. It’s also good with flatbread, wraps, or in grain bowls, especially anything with bold spices or roasted vegetables. The cool, creamy texture helps balance heavier dishes and adds freshness.
More Middle Eastern Inspired Recipes
If you’ve made this Cucumber Yogurt recipe or another recipe on Pipercooks, I’d love it if you’d leave a comment with a recipe rating. I want to know how you enjoyed it, and ratings help other people know that the recipe is worth trying.
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 small Persian cucumbers diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Dice the cucumbers small. If they seem very juicy, gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Add the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dried mint, and salt to a bowl.
- Stir until fully combined.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
SHARE THIS RECIPE
Rating, commenting, and sharing my recipes really helps. Thanks for taking the time! Mention @pipercooksblog on Instagram.
