Mediterranean Diet Traditional Cucumber Raita

Discover the ultimate fusion of freshness and flavor with this Mediterranean Diet Traditional Cucumber Raita! This quick and easy recipe combines the creamy richness of unsweetened Greek yogurt with the crisp, hydrating crunch of grated cucumber, perfectly balanced by vibrant herbs like mint and cilantro. A hint of ground cumin and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice add warm, citrusy notes, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil elevates the dish with Mediterranean flair. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile side dish or dip is perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or warm flatbreads. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and packed with cooling, tangy flavors, this refreshing raita is a must-try for anyone exploring the Mediterranean diet.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium Cucumber
• 1.5 cups Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumber thoroughly under cool running water. If desired, peel the skin for a softer texture, or leave it on for added crunch and nutrients.

Step 2

Grate the cucumber using a box grater and transfer it to a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out any excess water to prevent the raita from becoming too runny, then set aside.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the plain Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Add the grated cucumber to the yogurt, then stir in the fresh mint, cilantro, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Drizzle in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Step 7

Transfer the cucumber raita to a serving dish. If desired, drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil for garnish.

Step 8

Serve immediately, or chill the raita in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Enjoy as a side dish, dip, or salad accompaniment. It pairs particularly well with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or flatbreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(598.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	324.8

Total Fat 17.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 36mg	0%
Sodium 1290.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 20.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 13.9g
Protein 23.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 442.1mg	0%
Iron 2.4mg	0%
Potassium 897.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.7%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 24.6%