Simple French Onion Soup
A creamy, tangy yogurt salad with sweet onions and crisp cucumbers, perfect as a light starter or side for Mediterranean gatherings.
Ingredients
- 32 oz. plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 2 cucumbers, seeded and julienned ⓘ
- 1 small mild onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 to 2 dinner rolls, sliced or 2 slices dry white bread, cut into 4 pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Gruyere or sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 2 cucumbers, seeded and julienned ⓘ
- 1 small mild onion, minced ⓘ
- 32 oz. yogurt (plain; nonfat or whole milk, either will work) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat yogurt with a fork until smooth.
- Add salt, sugar, crushed red pepper and black pepper.
- Mix well.
- Add cucumber and minced onion; mix until combined.
- Serve well chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt. If you're looking for a bit more flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. To enhance the dish, you can also blend in some finely chopped tomatoes or bell peppers, which will make it reminiscent of a Mediterranean salad. This recipe can easily be adapted to include ingredients from a Greek Salad(Elliniki Salata).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this yogurt-based cucumber salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or with pita bread for a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with Ann'S Artichoke Dip, making it a great addition to any Mediterranean-themed meal. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled dish, serve it cold straight from the fridge. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until just heated through, but avoid boiling to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple French Onion Soup contains roughly 1147 calories, with 43g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (239% of the Daily Value), calcium (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% 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 this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. However, for best flavor and texture, it is recommended to consume it within 24 hours of preparation.
What can I substitute for the cucumbers?
If you don't have cucumbers on hand, consider using diced bell peppers or zucchini as a substitute. Both will add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly since each vegetable has a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. However, if you choose to serve it with bread, opt for gluten-free bread or crackers to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
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).