Garlic Lover's Creamy Cucumber Dressing

A thick, tangy cucumber dressing loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt-mayo base. Think of it as a homemade ranch with a Mediterranean attitude.

Light mayonnaise gives the dressing body while nonfat yogurt keeps it tangy and lighter than an all-mayo version. Pared, seeded, and chopped cucumber adds cool crunch and freshness throughout. Minced parsley, chives (or scallions), and garlic bring the flavor.

Folding the yogurt in last, rather than stirring it aggressively, keeps the dressing thick and creamy instead of thinning it out. Chill before serving so the garlic mellows slightly and the flavors have time to blend together.

Pro Tips

• Seed the cucumber before chopping. The watery seeds will thin out the dressing as it sits in the fridge.
• Mince the garlic as fine as possible, or use a microplane. Nobody wants to bite into a chunk of raw garlic in a salad dressing.
• This dressing thickens as it chills. If it’s too thick after refrigerating, stir in a teaspoon of milk to loosen.

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of dill for a tzatziki-style variation.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt and skip the mayo for an even tangier, thicker version.
• Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.