Tzatziki Recipe

This Tzatziki Sauce recipe is a refreshing and creamy dip that combines Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon for a perfectly balanced Mediterranean flavor. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, veggies, pita bread, and more. Whether you’re making a classic Greek tzatziki, serving it with a fresh Mediterranean meal, or adding a cool touch to your wraps and sandwiches, this homemade tzatziki sauce is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Healthy, light, and full of flavor, this sauce is the perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 English cucumber
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 16 oz plain Greek yogurt (cold; full-fat or fat-free)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (juice of 1/2 lemon)
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves (peeled and grated)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Cucumber:
   Peel and finely dice the cucumber, or grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Transfer the cucumber to a bowl lined with cheesecloth, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. Gently stir and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cucumber to release its juice.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated garlic, chopped dill, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Drain the Cucumber:
   After the cucumber has released its juice, use the cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Discard the juice and add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture. Stir well to incorporate.
4. Season and Chill:
   Taste the tzatziki and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
   Serve chilled, drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil on top for an added touch of richness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tzatziki sauce is incredibly refreshing, creamy, and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of tangy yogurt, bright lemon, aromatic dill, and garlic, it’s a versatile dip that complements many dishes. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread, it adds a cooling and zesty flavor that elevates any meal. Easy to make, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flair, this homemade tzatziki sauce will become your go-to dip.

Tips

• Strain the Cucumber Well: Be sure to squeeze out as much water from the cucumber as possible to avoid a watery tzatziki. The cheesecloth method works well, but if you don’t have one, a fine-mesh strainer will also do the job.
• Adjust the Garlic: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of garlic cloves. Grating the garlic finely will also help it distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the tzatziki sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the ingredients to meld together.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt of your choice to make this tzatziki vegan or dairy-free.
• Additional Herbs: While dill is the traditional herb used in tzatziki, you can experiment with fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Tzatziki sauce actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors develop. It can be made up to 2-3 days in advance.
• How can I store leftover tzatziki? Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers? Yes, you can use regular cucumbers. However, be sure to remove the seeds and peel them to get the smoothest texture.

Serving

Tzatziki is perfect for dipping with pita bread, veggies, or crackers. It’s also a great accompaniment to grilled meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, and can be used as a spread in wraps or sandwiches. Try it with falafel or as a topping for Greek salads.

Suggestions

• Grilled Veggies: Serve tzatziki alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers for a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Spread tzatziki on wraps or sandwiches for an extra creamy and tangy kick.
• Meze Platter: Include tzatziki in a meze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and stuffed grape leaves for a delicious spread.