Description
Tzatziki is not just a sauce—it’s a culinary ambassador of Greek tradition. Its essence reflects the Mediterranean way of eating: fresh, seasonal ingredients combined with simple techniques to produce bold flavors. Whether served as a dip, spread, or topping, tzatziki brings a touch of Greece to every table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Strain the Yogurt
Place Greek yogurt in a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to remove excess whey. This step ensures a thick and creamy texture.
2. Prepare the Cucumber
Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Sprinkle with salt and let it rest for 15 minutes to draw out water. Squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the strained yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir gently to blend.
4. Add Fresh Herbs and Seasoning
Mix in chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed.
5. Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold for the best taste.
Notes
Creative Twists
1. Spicy Tzatziki
Add a kick by mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or minced jalapeños.
2. Vegan Tzatziki
Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like almond, coconut, or cashew yogurt. Use olive oil as an additional thickener if needed.
3. Avocado Tzatziki
Blend ripe avocado with Greek yogurt to create a creamier, richer version of tzatziki.
4. Beet Tzatziki
Add grated roasted beets for a vibrant pink hue and earthy sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Dip
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: ~35 kcal
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~90mg
- Fat: ~2g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Fiber: ~0.2g
- Protein: ~2.5g
- Cholesterol: ~1mg
Keywords: Tzatziki, Greek yogurt sauce, cucumber dip, Mediterranean dip, healthy sauce, gyro sauce