Tzatziki Sauce
Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this authentic and incredibly refreshing Tzatziki Sauce. Made with rich Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, pungent garlic, and a hint of lemon, this vibrant dip is a culinary cornerstone. It's the perfect cooling accompaniment to grilled meats, a delightful dip for fresh vegetables, or a zesty spread for sandwiches, promising a burst of fresh flavor in every spoonful.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes (including chill time)
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Exceptionally refreshing and cooling, making it perfect for warm weather or as a balance to rich dishes.
- Packed with vibrant, fresh flavors from crisp cucumber, pungent garlic, and zesty lemon.
- Remarkably versatile, pairing wonderfully with a wide array of dishes from grilled proteins to fresh vegetables.
- Simple to prepare with minimal effort and common kitchen ingredients, ideal for any home cook.
- A healthy, protein-rich dip option that offers a satisfying and nutritious addition to your meal.
Ingredients
- 240g (1 cup) plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 150g (1/2 large) English or hothouse cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and grated
- 1 large clove garlic, freshly minced (about 5g)
- 30ml (juice of 1/2) fresh lemon
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) extra virgin olive oil (optional, for richness)
- 2g (1 tablespoon) fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, for authentic flavor)
- Salt, to taste (start with 2g/1/2 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber. Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, or wrap it tightly in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This critical step ensures your tzatziki is wonderfully thick and creamy, not watery.
- Combine the core ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the well-strained Greek yogurt, the thoroughly squeezed grated cucumber, the freshly minced garlic, and the fresh lemon juice.
- Season and mix thoroughly. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are completely combined and smooth. If using, incorporate the extra virgin olive oil and the finely chopped fresh dill, mixing again. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed. Remember that flavors will meld and intensify slightly as the sauce chills.
- Chill and allow flavors to meld. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For the best flavor development and a slightly thicker consistency, chill for 1-2 hours, allowing all the vibrant flavors to fully harmonize.
- Serve chilled. Before serving, give the tzatziki a final gentle stir. Garnish with an additional drizzle of olive oil or a small sprig of fresh dill, if desired. Serve this delightful sauce chilled with warm pita bread, crunchy fresh vegetable sticks, grilled meats, or as a refreshing spread.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Grater (box grater or food processor attachment)
- Fine-mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Garlic press or knife for mincing
Essential Success Tips
- Always thoroughly squeeze out excess liquid from the grated cucumber. This is the single most important step to prevent a watery tzatziki.
- Opt for full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and the most authentic, rich flavor. Low-fat or regular yogurt may result in a thinner consistency.
- Allow the tzatziki to chill for at least 30 minutes, or even better, 1-2 hours. This crucial rest period allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning (especially salt and lemon juice) after the chilling period, as the flavors can evolve and intensify.
- Mince your garlic very finely or use a garlic press to ensure its flavor is well distributed without large, overpowering pieces.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an ultra-thick and creamy tzatziki, consider straining your Greek yogurt through a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before mixing. This removes additional whey, concentrating the yogurt's richness.
- A tiny splash (about 2-3ml / 1/2 teaspoon) of white wine vinegar can brighten the overall flavor profile and add an extra layer of subtle tang, complementing the lemon beautifully without overpowering it.
- Before adding the tzatziki, lightly rub the inside of your serving bowl with a cut clove of garlic. This imparts a very subtle, underlying garlic aroma to the sauce as it rests, enhancing the overall experience.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The garlic flavor may become more pronounced over time.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs. A small amount of finely chopped fresh mint or parsley can be added alongside the dill for a slightly different aromatic profile. For a hint of spice, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can be included.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond the classics, tzatziki is excellent as a spread for wraps and sandwiches, a dollop over roasted potatoes, or even alongside eggs for a unique breakfast twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my tzatziki watery?
The most common reason for watery tzatziki is insufficient draining of the cucumber. Cucumber contains a significant amount of water, which will leach out into the yogurt if not thoroughly squeezed after grating. Ensure you press out as much liquid as possible.
Can I make tzatziki ahead of time?
Absolutely, tzatziki often tastes even better when made ahead! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to fully meld. Give it a good stir before serving.
What kind of yogurt is best for tzatziki?
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is highly recommended. Its inherent thickness and tangy flavor are ideal for the sauce. Regular yogurts are typically too thin and may result in a runny tzatziki even with proper cucumber draining.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 90, Protein: 9g, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 4g per serving (approximate, based on 4 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. Naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick, plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt alternative (e.g., coconut or almond).
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