Nothing says summer like a fresh and flavorful summer dip! Persian Style Yogurt Cucumber dip is a refreshing and good-for-you sauce that you can use multiple ways. This creamy cucumber dip is not only made with garlic, mint, and lemon but we added crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins and for a fancy twist, rose petals! Talk about REFRESHING! You can serve it as a dip with veggies, pita and even french fries; or as a spread on sandwiches (gyros!) and kebabs; or a sauce for grilled meats like chicken breast, lamb and salmon. The uses are endless! 

What You’ll Need

Greek Yogurt. Yogurt is the base of this recipe and Greek yogurt is preferred as it adds a thicker consistency and creaminess. However, if you only have plain yogurt, that will work as well, but it just won’t be as creamy and thick. Choosing a full-fat yogurt also is ideal as the flavour is that much better! 

Persian Cucumbers. Cucumbers are absolutely crucial to this dip and we chose to use the Persian version. Persian cucumbers are similar to English cucumbers, but are nearly seedless and extra crispy rather than watery. They also have a mild sweetness to them that makes them oh-so-good! If you only have English cucumbers on hand, not to worry, they will work as well! 

Mint. Depending on the recipe, cucumber dips can be either made with dill or mint. We love the refreshing flavour of mint, so we chose to use that in our recipe, but feel free to substitute fresh dill if you like.

Walnuts. We love nuts! So why not add some to this dip? Walnuts add a wonderful crunch to the dip that makes it uniquely good!

Raisins. A handful of raisins balances the refreshing lightness of the dip with a bit of sweetness.

Rose Petals. Rose petals are a sophisticated addition to any Persian dish and they add a colorful twist to this recipe. If you want to level-up your cucumber yogurt dip, rose petals are a must!

How To Make Yogurt Cucumber Dip

This dip takes no time at all and is very easy to make. Here are the steps:

1. Begin by peeling and dicing the cucumbers into pieces and place them in a bowl. Toss with salt to help them release water. After 15-20 minutes, using your hands, strain the cucumbers to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Do not rinse.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, strained cucumber, onion, walnuts, raisins and dried mint. Mix and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
3. Garnish with dried mint, more walnuts and raisins, and rose petals.

It’s that easy! We also recommend refrigerating the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving, as the flavors enhance and brighten when the dip has had a chance to sit for a bit. 

How To Serve It

Believe it or not, this recipe is more than just a dip but can be used as a spread and sauce, as well. Here are some different ways to serve it:

• As a dip - try it with fresh veggies, pita, crackers, french fries, zucchini fries or greek meatballs. You can also use it to drizzle on top of pizza too!
• As a sauce - pair it with chicken breasts, salmon or any type of grilled meat. 
• As a spread - level-up your sandwiches with this cucumber yogurt sauce. It makes a great substitute for mayo! You can also use it on gyros, kebabs or falafel.

Tips to Make a Better Yogurt Cucumber Dip

• For the best flavour, use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
• If using cucumbers with lots of seeds, you will need to seed them before straining. Simply cut them in half and use a spoon to remove all the seeds.
• If you notice the cucumbers have a thin skin, you don’t need to peel them. This can save you some time in the kitchen.
• If you have a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve, use either one to strain the cucumbers. You don’t want to squeeze them dry, just aim to reduce excess moisture. 
• Get creative! If you have other fresh herbs at home, feel free to add them to the dip and experiment with different flavors!

Storing Persian Style Yogurt Cucumber Dip

Persian Style Yogurt Cucumber Dip will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. We don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the consistency will change and it will become very watery after being thawed.