National Dish Lebanon: Laban w Khiyar (Recipe)
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Cool, creamy and wonderfully refreshing, Laban w Khiyar is the Lebanese yoghurt-and-cucumber salad that earns a place at almost every Levantine table. Thick yoghurt is folded together with crisp cucumber, a whisper of garlic and a scattering of fresh herbs to make a dish that soothes the palate on the hottest of days. Whether you serve it as a cooling side to grilled meats or enjoy it as a light meal in its own right, it captures the easy, sun-drenched spirit of Lebanese home cooking.
About Laban w Khiyar
Laban w Khiyar is a much-loved dish from Lebanon, prized for its freshness and its remarkable versatility. At heart it is a simple yet delicious yoghurt and cucumber salad, quick to put together yet offering a perfect balance of creamy yoghurt and crunchy cucumber. This refreshing dish is ideal for warm summer days, works beautifully as a side to meat dishes, and can just as happily be eaten as a light main course. A handful of fresh herbs and a touch of seasoning give it not only flavour but also a genuine hint of Levantine cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g Greek yoghurt
- 1 large cucumber
- 1–2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of paprika
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Laban w Khiyar are usually easy to find in any well-stocked supermarket or at the local market. When buying cucumbers, look for ones that are fresh and firm, as this makes a real difference to the finished dish. The Greek yoghurt should have a creamy consistency — ideally choose a plain version with no additives. Fresh herbs such as dill or mint are equally important, lending the salad its aromatic character.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making Laban w Khiyar, it is worth getting all your ingredients ready. Wash the cucumber thoroughly and cut it into small cubes or slices, whichever you prefer. The garlic can be finely chopped or crushed, depending on how strong you like it. The fresh herbs should also be washed and roughly chopped to release their aromas and brighten up the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt with the chopped garlic and the olive oil.
- Add the prepared cucumber and stir everything together well.
- Fold in the chopped herbs and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Optionally add a pinch of paprika to give the dish a gently spiced note.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for around 30 minutes before serving so the flavours have time to deepen.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For anyone who is gluten- or lactose-intolerant, making Laban w Khiyar could not be simpler. Instead of Greek yoghurt, just use a lactose-free yoghurt or a plant-based alternative such as soya or coconut yoghurt. These options keep the creamy texture and fresh taste of the traditional dish intact. Take care to choose gluten-free spices and herbs as well, and the salad suits every guest.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
A vegan version of Laban w Khiyar is easy to achieve. Reaching for a plant-based yoghurt is an excellent way to adapt the dish to a vegan diet — whether soya, almond or coconut, these alternatives bring an interesting depth of flavour to the salad. Add extras such as avocado or even a few nuts to boost the nutritional value and introduce a little more texture. It pairs nicely with vegetable-forward dishes like Loubiyeh bil Zeit.
More tips and tricks
To make Laban w Khiyar even tastier, feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of cumin or a squeeze of lemon, for instance, can lend the dish a lovely extra dimension. Let your creativity run free by working in whatever ingredients are in season. One small secret is to salt the cucumber lightly before mixing, so it releases its excess water and the salad stays beautifully thick rather than watery.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Depending on personal preference, Laban w Khiyar is easy to tweak. For a little extra crunch, scatter in some toasted almonds or pine nuts. The choice of herbs can vary too: while mint is the classic option, coriander or basil can create equally interesting flavour combinations. The joy of this dish lies in shaping it to your own liking and giving every bite its own character.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are usually good alternatives. Instead of cucumbers, you can use tender courgette, which also pairs well with yoghurt. For the yoghurt itself, a mixture of curd cheese and a little water gives a similar consistency. This flexibility makes the dish a great choice for spontaneous cooking days when you fancy getting creative — much as you would with a Chanklich Salad.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks pair wonderfully with Laban w Khiyar. A refreshing pomegranate juice or a minty iced tea make lovely companions, echoing the salad’s fresh flavours. If you prefer something alcoholic, a light, crisp white wine or a beer-based cocktail can be a tasty choice. Opt for drinks that support the lightness of the dish rather than overpowering its delicate flavours.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the enjoyment of Laban w Khiyar considerably. Serve the salad in a handsome bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs or a slice of lemon. Small, decorative metal or ceramic dishes add an extra touch. Colourful vegetables can also be worked in, serving both the flavour and the look of the salad. It sits beautifully on a mezze spread alongside Rahib.
A bit of history
Laban w Khiyar has its roots in traditional Lebanese cooking and reflects the use of fresh ingredients and flavours that runs through the wider Lebanese cuisine and the Mediterranean. Yoghurt is a staple across the Middle East and has been used for centuries. The salad brings together simple ingredients to make a refreshing dish enjoyed in home kitchens and restaurants alike. Its popularity has led to countless variations found right across the eastern Mediterranean.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Laban w Khiyar
Laban w Khiyar is a refreshing, healthy and versatile yoghurt-and-cucumber salad that comes together in next to no time. Whether as a side or a light main course, the combination of creamy yoghurt, crisp cucumber and fresh herbs makes for a genuinely flavourful experience. Use the various tips and alternatives to shape the recipe to your own taste. Dive into Lebanese cuisine and savour this delicious little dish!
