Make your very own homemade fresh Tzatziki sauce in under 10 minutes. It is rich, creamy, healthy and can be served as a dip, sauce, salad dressing, or sandwich spread. This quick and simple sauce is so versatile you can eat it with meats, veggies and crispy fried appetizers.
What lights up Mediterranean cuisine? Tzatziki sauce. This versatile and refreshing condiment originates from Greece and has spread across the globe. It has a creamy, cool, tangy and a herbaceous profile which offers different uses for the sauce.
The magic lies in the core ingredients which are simple and fresh. The base of the sauce is formed by the thick and creamy Greek yogurt, cucumbers are then grated and drained for the coolness. The minced garlic adds a savory kick while the lemon juice offers a zesty feel. Fresh dill brings in that herbaceous aroma. Along with seasoning, we finally touch off the sauce with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the richness.
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How is Tzatziki used?
Sauce: Tzatziki is used as a sauce with grilled meats like gyros and souvlaki by adding a refreshing flavor to the dish.
Dip: It can be used as a dip for pita bread, fries, nachos to vegetable sticks like carrots and celery or even fried appetizers like crispy fried wings and shrimp. Check out this Mediterranean spring rolls recipe.
Salad dressing: The sauce can be used as a salad dressing with fresh leafy veggies.
Sandwich spread: You can spread tzatziki on sandwiches or wraps as it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or falafel.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh dill
- Salt to taste
- Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Walk through the Recipe
Let's prepare the original Greek tzatziki recipe.
Let us start by mincing the garlic, and finely chopping the dill. We now use a box grater to grate the cucumber on the thickest side.
We then place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and twist the cloth to squeeze out as much liquid as we can to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Let’s bring this dip together, we combine all the listed ingredients along with the grated and dried cucumber.
We then season with salt and pepper, and it's finally ready. Refrigerating the sauce before serving will allow the flavors to intensify.
Additions to the Original Recipe
The below ingredients can be used for different variations and to customize the recipe for added flavors and flair.
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)
- Grated lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Finely chopped Kalamata olives can add a briny kick to your tzatziki (optional)
- Cilantro in addition to dill (optional)
Tips
- Use Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt for a thick and creamier texture as compared to regular yogurt. You can either use full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt based on your preference.
- Drain Cucumbers: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, lemon juice, and dill will yield the best flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the Tzatziki in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and a subtle fruity note in comparison to regular olive oil.
FAQs
Yes, You can use regular plain yogurt by removing the excess liquid by placing the yogurt in a cheesecloth and hanging it over a bowl for approximately an hour.
Yes, You can prepare tzatziki in advance and store it in a refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to intensify and meld together.
The Tzatziki dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container and is best when consumed within this timeframe to maintain its freshness.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Ajvar Recipe (Balkan Roasted Red Pepper Relish)
- Roasted Tomato Salsa (Salsa Tatemada)
- Pistachio Basil Pesto
- Aji Verde
Fusion Recipes
Try out some of our specialty recipes:
- Jerk Chicken Quesadilla
- Sumac Fries
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe (Indian style)
- Jerk Shrimp Pasta (Rasta Pasta Recipe)
Recipe
Tzatziki
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Use a box grater to grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent tzatziki from becoming watery
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and dried cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dill and extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt to taste and pepper as per your preference. Mix everything together until well combined
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving
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