When the days are warm and you crave something refreshing yet satisfying, Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill becomes a true hero. This soup brings together crisp cucumbers, zesty lemon, cool creamy yogurt, and aromatic dill into one irresistibly smooth blend.

It’s light but filling—almost like a spa day in a bowl! The Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences shine through with fresh herbs and tangy yogurt, making it both globally loved and incredibly simple to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s ultra-refreshing — perfect for hot weather.
• No cooking required! Just blend and chill.
• It only needs a handful of wholesome ingredients.
• Smooth, creamy texture with a clean, crisp flavor.
• Great as a light meal, appetizer, or snack.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthy yet luxurious — high in protein from yogurt and hydrating from cucumber.
• Ready in minutes but feels fancy enough for entertaining.
• Customizes easily to different flavor profiles.
• A wonderful palate-cleanser between rich courses.

Timing, Cuisine & Servings

Detail	Info
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	None
Total Time	15 minutes + chilling
Servings	4 bowls
Approx. Calories	~120 kcal per serving
Course	Soup / Appetizer
Cuisine	Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients

• 3 large English cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3–4 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup chilled water (optional, to adjust consistency)

Optional garnishes

• Sliced cucumbers
• Chopped dill
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil drizzle
• Crushed ice for extra-cold serving

Cooking Directions (Quick Version)

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
3. Garnish and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Preparation

1️⃣ Prep Cucumbers
Peel and roughly chop cucumbers. Remove seeds if desired for smoother texture.

2️⃣ Combine Ingredients
Add cucumbers, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a blender.

3️⃣ Blend Until Creamy
Blend until completely smooth; add cold water if too thick.

4️⃣ Taste & Adjust
Add more lemon or salt if needed — flavor brightens when cold.

5️⃣ Chill
Refrigerate 1–2 hours for flavors to develop.

6️⃣ Serve Cold
Pour into bowls and garnish beautifully!

How to Serve

• Best served very cold — chilled bowls make a big difference!
• Pair with grilled pita, crusty bread, or a summer salad.
• Ideal first course for Mediterranean or seafood dinners.

Recipe Tips

• Chill ingredients beforehand for faster serving.
• For mild flavor, use roasted or less garlic.
• Use English or Persian cucumber — fewer seeds & softer skin.
• Start with less salt — taste again after chilling.
• For ultra-smooth soup: strain through a fine sieve.

Variations

Variation	What Changes
Minted Cucumber Soup	Replace half the dill with mint — extra fresh and cooling
Spicy Version	Add green chili or a pinch of cayenne
Avocado Cucumber Soup	Blend in 1 ripe avocado for creamier richness
Vegan Option	Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt
Middle Eastern Twist	Add cumin + garnish with pomegranate seeds

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigeration	2–3 days	Stir well before serving; separation is normal
Freezing	❌ Not recommended	Yogurt may split and become grainy

Special Equipment Needed

• Blender or immersion blender
• Mixing bowl (if prepping in batches)
• Fine mesh strainer (optional for ultra-smooth finish)

FAQ

Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
A: Yes, but the soup will be thinner. Reduce added water.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely — it tastes even better after chilling. Make up to a day in advance.

Q: What if I don’t like dill?
A: Substitute parsley, basil, or mint — still delicious!

Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add avocado or top with seasoned chickpeas.

Conclusion

This Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill is the ultimate refreshing dish — cooling, creamy, and delightfully simple. With just a blender and a few fresh ingredients, you can create something gourmet and energizing any time the weather calls for a chill. It’s healthy, elegant, and unbelievably easy. Definitely a must-have in your summer recipe rotation!