How to Make Chilled Cucumber-Yogurt Soup with Greek Yogurt and Dill – A Refreshing No-Cook Summer Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions and Ingredients in Grams

🥒 A Heartwarming Story Behind Chilled Cucumber‑Yogurt Soup

Chilled cucumber-yogurt soup served in a glass bowl, garnished with fresh dill, olive oil, and cucumber slices – a creamy, tangy, refreshing summer dish made with Greek yogurt

Recently, during a scorching July afternoon, I visited my cousin’s seaside house in Greece. She served a bowl of creamy chilled cucumber‑yogurt soup—light yet deeply flavorful. The subtle tang of Greek yogurt, the crunch of cucumber, and the fragrant dill transported me instantly to the Aegean breeze. That spoonful sparked this recipe series. Now, I want to bring that sense of summer serenity to your kitchen—no matter which hemisphere you live in.

🌍 Why This Chilled Cucumber‑Yogurt Soup Is Global Comfort Food

This soup is creamy, tangy, and cooling. Plus, it comes together in minutes and requires no heat—ideal for breaking the cooking routine on hot days. Furthermore, it offers:

  • Low calories, high hydration
  • Probiotics and protein from Greek yogurt
  • Fresh flavors that travel across cuisines
  • Easy customization for any dietary needs

🛒 Ingredients List & Nutrition in Grams

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Greek yogurt (full fat) 400g Thick, creamy base
Cucumber (peeled) 300g Seeded, diced small
Fresh dill 10g Chopped finely
Lemon juice 30g Freshly squeezed
Garlic 5g Minced (1 small clove)
Extra‑virgin olive oil 15g Adds richness
Water 100ml For thinning (optional)
Sea salt 5g Adjust to taste
Black pepper 2g Freshly ground
Cold water/ice cubes 100ml To chill fast before serving

Nutrition per serving (serves 4):
Calories: ~140 kcal • Protein: 8g • Carbs: 7g • Fat: 10g • Fiber: 1g • Sodium: 220mg

🔪 Directions – How to Cook Deeply & Clearly, Step by Step

  1. Prep cucumber and dill
    Dice cucumber into small cubes. Chop fresh dill finely. These prep steps ensure even texture and flavor balance.
  2. Blend base ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Whisking helps create creamy consistency without lumps.
  3. Add cucumber and dill
    Stir in diced cucumber and chopped dill. Mix gently to preserve cucumber texture. If you prefer smoother soup, blend briefly for 5 seconds in a handheld blender.
  4. Adjust consistency
    Add up to 100ml water until you reach preferred thickness—thicker like tzatziki or thinner like a drinkable soup.
  5. Chill quickly – Unique technique
    Unlike other recipes, place your serving soup in a metal bowl inside another bowl filled with ice cubes and cold water for 5 minutes. This rapidly chills the soup while intensifying the dill aroma—something most recipes miss.
  6. Taste and finalize
    After chilling, taste again and adjust salt, lemon, or pepper. Drizzle remaining olive oil on top and sprinkle extra dill before serving.
  7. Serve immediately
    Garnish with cucumber slices, dill, or a couple of ice chips for visual appeal and cool experience.

Chilled cucumber-yogurt soup served in a glass bowl, garnished with fresh dill, olive oil, and cucumber slices – a creamy, tangy, refreshing summer dish made with Greek yogurt

🍽️ Serving Suggestions for International Palates

  • Greek style: Serve with grilled pita, olives, and feta
  • Middle East twist: Add mint and serve alongside falafel or tabbouleh
  • South Asian fusion: Garnish with toasted cumin seeds and serve beside spicy curry
  • Latin variation: Stir in avocado slices and a pinch of smoked paprika
  • Western refreshing: Pair with smoked salmon bruschetta

💡 Pro Tips & Unique Steps

  1. Water‑Bowl Chill Hack: The ice‑bath method locks in dill aroma while chilling.
  2. Infused Olive Oil Drizzle: Warm olive oil briefly with dill before drizzling for aroma burst.
  3. Fine‑Dice Cucumber: Uniform cubes create better presentation and texture.
  4. Double Lemon Zest: Add zest while whisking for fresh citrusy notes.
  5. Protein Boost Option: Stir in 50g crumbled cottage cheese or tofu for extra creaminess and protein.

🧊 How to Store & Meal Prep

  • Refrigeration: Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
  • Freezing: Not recommended—yogurt texture changes.
  • Pre‑prep: Blend base ingredients and store separately from cucumber/dill. Combine and chill before serving.

⚠️ Food Safety Note

  • Use pasteurized Greek yogurt
  • Keep soup refrigerated at ≤4 °C (39 °F)
  • Discard if left out over 2 hours or shows separation after 3 days
  • Use clean utensils and avoid cross‑contamination

📝 Final Thoughts: Cool, Creamy, and Globally Loved

This Chilled Cucumber‑Yogurt Soup merges tang, texture, and tradition across cuisines. Its refreshing nature and rapid chill method make it ideal for global kitchens—from the US to UAE, UK, or Australia. More than a recipe, it’s a memory in a bowl—a spoonful of summer calm from Greece shared with the world.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in this chilled cucumber soup?
Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt, but keep in mind it will be thinner. For a creamier texture, consider straining it through a cheesecloth for a few hours before using.

Q2. Is this cucumber-yogurt soup served as an appetizer or a main dish?
Traditionally, it’s served as a light appetizer or a cooling side dish. However, you can enjoy it as a main dish by pairing it with pita bread, falafel, or a protein-rich salad.

Q3. Can I make this cucumber soup vegan?
Absolutely. Replace Greek yogurt with a thick plant-based yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy. Make sure it’s unsweetened and plain for best results.

Q4. How long can I store chilled cucumber-yogurt soup in the refrigerator?
You can safely store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving as some separation may occur.

Q5. What kind of cucumbers work best for this soup?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re seedless and have thin skin. If using regular cucumbers, peel and deseed them for a smoother texture.

Q6. Can I blend the soup for a smooth texture?
Yes. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the soup until creamy. However, many enjoy the light crunch from finely chopped cucumbers.

Q7. Is this soup good for weight loss diets?
Definitely. This soup is low in calories, high in hydration, and rich in probiotics and protein, especially when made with full-fat Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for a light, nutritious meal.

Q8. Can I freeze this cucumber-yogurt soup?
Freezing is not recommended, as the yogurt can separate and become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

Continue Reading: Refreshing Chilled Watermelon Soup with Mint and Lime – Easy No-Cook Summer Recipe for Hot Days

Thank You 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. Your interest and support mean the world to me. I hope this refreshing cucumber-yogurt soup adds a touch of cool comfort to your table. Stay tuned for more globally inspired, health-conscious recipes made with heart. Happy cooking! 🌿🥣

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