Cucumber Salad(Lo-Cal)
A refreshing, low-calorie cucumber salad with tangy yogurt and a hint of sweetness from artificial sweetener. Perfect for hot days or as a light side, it offers crisp crunch and cool flavors that appeal to health-conscious eaters and those seeking a quick, nutritious dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the sliced cucumber and red onions in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the plain low-fat yogurt, artificial sweetener packets, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the cucumber and onion slices.
- Toss gently to coat all the slices evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or mint into the yogurt dressing. If you're looking for a creamier texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the plain low-fat yogurt. For a low-carb option, you might also try using a sugar substitute like stevia instead of Equal. This salad is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, making it a perfect side for summer barbecues. It also complements Mediterranean recipes like Khyar Bil-Laban (Lebanese)(Cucumber-Yogurt Salad) or can be served alongside a hearty main dish. Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to rehydrate the cucumbers, you can sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Salad(Lo-Cal) contains roughly 46 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cucumber and onion mixture in advance and store it separately from the yogurt dressing. Combine them just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and freshness.
What can I substitute for the yogurt if I want a dairy-free option?
A great dairy-free alternative is coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, which will still provide a creamy texture while keeping the salad light and refreshing. Be sure to choose unsweetened versions to control sugar content.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
To boost the protein content, consider adding chickpeas or diced grilled chicken. These additions will enhance the salad's nutritional value and make it a more complete meal, perfect for those following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).