Yogurt and Cucumber Raita with Fresh Mint

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A cooling Indian side dish combining creamy yogurt, crunchy cucumber, and fresh mint leaves with a touch of tangy lemon juice and spices. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 10 minutes pairs plain whole-milk yogurt, cucumber, peeled and grated, fresh mint leaves, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup peeled and grated cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Chill the raita in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve cold as a refreshing accompaniment to spicy dishes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Yogurt and Cucumber Raita with Fresh Mint take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Yogurt and Cucumber Raita with Fresh Mint?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain whole-milk yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Yogurt and Cucumber Raita with Fresh Mint?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Yogurt and Cucumber Raita with Fresh Mint for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Yogurt and Cucumber Raita with Fresh Mint?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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