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Cucumber Laban (Lebanese Yogurt Sauce)

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LIZ DELLA CROCE

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This cool and creamy cucumber laban (Lebanese yogurt sauce) is perfect with grilled meats, salmon, or as a side salad with a variety of Lebanese specialties.

Spooning out cucumber laban Lebanese yogurt sauce.


Cucumber laban (Lebanese yogurt sauce) holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I remember watching my Aunt Paula make it in her kitchen before family dinners or holiday gatherings. She would taste test often to find the perfect balance of garlic, mint, and lemon juice. Khyar bi laban is traditionally served alongside many Lebanese dishes such as Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves, M’Juddarah (lentils and bulgur with caramelized onions), Stuffed Kousa Squash, or Sfeehas.

Ingredients

  • Yogurt: I use low-fat plain yogurt, for a creamy, tangy, refreshing taste.
  • Cucumber: Using English cucumbers is my go to as they don’t have as many seeds and the skin usually isn’t as bitter, but you could use regular cucumbers as well.
  • Lemon juice: The bright, acidic, citrusy flavor cuts through the creamy yogurt sauce and pairs well with the cucumber.
  • Mint: I use dried mint as it has an intense flavor and is easy to access, but you could use fresh mint as well, although you’d have to use more of it.
  • Garlic: Strong, aromatic, and a little nutty if flavor, it pairs well with many flavors and ingredients.

How to Make Cucumber Laban

Start your cucumber laban by dicing your cucumber. Alternatively, you could also shred it.

Then in a large bowl, scoop in your yogurt.

And add in the chopped cucumber.

Then using a microplane, freshly grate your garlic, or you could also mince it.

Then add your freshly squeezed lemon juice.

And finish with the dried mint, and some salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Cucumber laban (Lebanese yogurt sauce)

Garnish with additional mint (dried or fresh), serve, and enjoy your Cucumber Laban (Lebanese Yogurt Sauce)!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of yogurt work best for laban?

Greek yogurt would work, but it would make the laban tangier. Low-fat yogurt works best.

How far in advance can this be made?

Cucumber laban can be made 1-2 days ahead of time for a gathering.

What is the difference between tzatziki and laban?

They are very similar in that they use yogurt and cucumber, but where Greek tzatziki uses dill, laban uses mint.
Cucumber laban (Lebanese yogurt sauce)

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Liz eating cucumber laban Lebanese yogurt sauce.

Whip up a batch of my Cucumber Laban (Lebanese Yogurt Sauce) and pair it with a Lebanese classic, or it’s also great in a pita sandwich or on top of grilled salmon, chicken, or pork.

No fork required.

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Cucumber Laban (Lebanese Yogurt Sauce)

4.27 stars average
Liz Della Croce
This cool and creamy cucumber laban Lebanese yogurt sauce is perfect with grilled meats, salmon, or as a side salad with a variety of Lebanese specialties.
PREP: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 10 minutes
Pin
Servings4

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups plain low fat yogurt
  • 2 cups cucumber (finely chopped)
  • 1 juice of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons dried mint
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
    2 cups plain low fat yogurt, 2 cups cucumber, 1 juice of lemon, 2 tablespoons dried mint, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Check for seasoning and add more lemon, garlic, mint or salt depending on your personal preference.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps us to continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

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Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.5g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2.4g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 380mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 9.3g


4.27 from 57 votes (48 ratings without comment)

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71 responses to “Cucumber Laban (Lebanese Yogurt Sauce)”

  1. Rachelle Avatar
    Rachelle

    Will this recipe work with lactose free yogurt? I’m lactose intolerant
    I would love to try this

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes, you can use lactose free yogurt!

  2. laura Avatar
    laura

    Super easy and so delicious!

  3. Yousef Shanawany Avatar
    Yousef Shanawany

    This is amazing. We like to double the lemon quantity.

  4. eloiza Avatar
    eloiza

    Hi, may I ask how long can I store the sauce in the fridge?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Up to three days! Enjoy!

  5. Bob Avatar
    Bob

    My girlfriend said she’ll eat it again. That’s good, because like you, it was a childhood favorite. My mother taught me to slice the cucumber thin and layer it with salt, let it sit and then squeeze it to draw out the water. At any rate, I used labneh from ARZ in California which is made from cow milk. I never put lemon juice in mine, so it was interesting to see how it turned out. Great!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Ohhh that’s a really great idea Bob!!!

  6. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    Can you use Greek yogurt instead or is it best to use the low-fat yogurt?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Greek yogurt would work but it would be more tangy than I typically prefer. :)

  7. Maria B. Avatar
    Maria B.

    This sounds amazing. Is thsomething i can make a day ahead for company?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh yes absolutely! 1-2 days ahead is fine!

  8. Liz Pease Avatar
    Liz Pease

    I made this for your Chicken Shawarma recipe and I pretty much want to eat it on EVERYTHING now. And I don’t even like cucumbers!

    We are trying to go dairy-free at my house due to an allergy, so I made this with unsweetened coconut yogurt and it was perfect. My husband had no idea it wasn’t regular yogurt.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      YES!! Isn’t it so good?!

    2. Sara Avatar
      Sara

      My mother made this dish all the time. I am Lebonese and Greek and growing up Sundays were terrific

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        Liz DellaCroce

        Oh I’m so glad she did!! Btw I’m teaching a Lebanese cooking class March 24th!! You should join!

  9. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    This is the only recipe site where I have seen the autiomatic servings converter for ingredient quantities. Brilliant!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Aww thank you so much!! :)

  10. Del Avatar
    Del

    Brings me back to my childhood in a Lebanese, Greek, & French Canadian kitchen- did WE get a little taste of everything!
    Our cucumbers were cut into bites and with the same dressing, served as a salad.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh that’s wonderful!!!! Thank you so much!