If you’re craving a dish that feels like a cool breeze on a warm day, look no further than this **Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill Recipe**. Light, creamy, and packed with bright, fresh flavors, this soup combines the crispness of cucumbers with the tang of Greek yogurt and the fragrant touch of dill, creating a vibrant, healthful dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you want a quick lunch, a stunning appetizer, or a refreshing palate cleanser, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You'll Need
This **Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill Recipe** relies on a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture. The freshness of the cucumbers, the creaminess of the yogurt, and the brightness of the lemon juice come together to create the perfect harmony in every spoonful.
- 2 large cucumbers: Roughly chopped for that cool, fresh base with a subtle crunch if you leave some texture.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk Greek yogurt: Adds rich creaminess and a lovely tang that balances the mild cucumbers perfectly.
- 1 garlic clove: Just a hint of savory depth without overpowering the lightness of the soup.
- ¼ cup fresh dill: Fresh dill brings a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Injects a refreshing acidity that lifts the flavors and adds vibrancy.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Smooths out the texture and brings a fruity richness to each bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without being salty or harsh.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by roughly chopping your cucumbers—no need to peel them unless you want an extra silky texture. Freshness is key here, so pick cucumbers that are firm and bright green. Measure out your yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and other ingredients, and get ready to blend.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Place the chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner soup, add cold water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your ideal consistency.
Step 3: Chill for Full Flavor
For the best results, refrigerate your soup for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. This chilling step is optional but highly recommended because it lets the bright, herbal notes fully develop and makes the soup wonderfully refreshing.
Step 4: Final Stir and Serve
Give the soup a good stir before serving to re-incorporate any settled ingredients. This ensures every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor and luscious creaminess.
How to Serve Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take this soup from everyday good to impressively gourmet. Try a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill, or even thin cucumber ribbons for a delicate crunch. Adding a few cracked black peppercorns on top can add a subtle heat contrast that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
This refreshing cucumber soup pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides. Think crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrettes, crusty sourdough bread for dipping, or a handful of roasted almonds for a touch of crunch and protein. It’s a fantastic starter before grilled fish or chicken as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the soup in chilled shot glasses or small bowls with microgreens perched on top for an elegant touch. You can also pipe the soup into cucumber cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Presentation doesn’t have to be fancy—just a little creativity can make the experience extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may continue to meld and deepen, making for even tastier seconds. Just stir well before serving again, as the contents may separate slightly.
Freezing
Freezing this soup isn’t recommended because the texture of the cucumbers and yogurt can change and become watery or grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
This soup is best served cold, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you want to lift the chill slightly, let the soup sit at room temperature for a bit or gently warm a small portion on the stove—just don’t bring it to a boil as it can curdle the yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of whole milk Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use low-fat Greek yogurt, but the soup may be less creamy. Whole milk Greek yogurt offers the richest, smoothest texture, which complements the fresh cucumbers beautifully.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
This classic recipe relies on Greek yogurt for creaminess, making it non-vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based yogurt alternatives, keeping in mind the texture and tang might differ somewhat.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Absolutely! While dill provides that classic flavor pairing with cucumber, fresh mint or chives also work wonderfully to give the soup a different herbaceous twist.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The actual preparation takes about 10 minutes. Including chilling, plan for at least an hour to really let the flavors meld and the soup get gloriously chilled.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Sure! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh jalapeño when blending for a playful kick that contrasts nicely with the cool cucumber and creamy yogurt.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this **Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill Recipe** enough for anyone who loves simple yet vibrant dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients. It’s a breeze to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion that calls for something light and nourishing. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen, especially when you want to feel refreshed and delighted in every spoonful!
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Refreshing Cucumber Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and creamy cucumber soup made with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and zesty lemon juice. Perfect as a light appetizer or a cooling summer dish, this no-cook soup blends fresh cucumbers and flavorful ingredients for a smooth and tangy experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (roughly chopped, about 5 cups), plus more for garnish
- 1 ½ cups whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ cup fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Roughly chop the cucumbers to measure about 5 cups. Peel the garlic clove and measure out the fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend the Soup: Add the chopped cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, add cold water one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until reaching the desired consistency.
- Chill the Soup: Transfer the blended soup to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is optional but recommended to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to taste best served cold.
- Serve and Garnish: Stir the chilled soup before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Add additional chopped cucumber if desired for extra texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- This cucumber soup can be made vegan by substituting Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Adjust the garlic quantity to taste if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For a refreshing variation, add a few fresh mint leaves when blending.
- Serve as a starter or a light summer lunch on hot days.
- Best served chilled; however, you can consume it immediately if short on time.
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