Creamy Cucumber Gyro Sauce
This Creamy Cucumber Gyro Sauce is a deliciously refreshing addition to your meals, especially perfect for gyros! After experimenting with various sauces, I stumbled upon this delightful combination of tangy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors that will elevate your dishes. The cooling effect of the cucumber pairs beautifully with the richness of sour cream and mayonnaise, while the garlic and lemon juice add just the right amount of zest. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a tasty weeknight dinner, this sauce is versatile enough to accompany grilled meats, vegetables, and more. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste, and let me know your favorite variations!
N/A
Servings
43
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sour cream
6 tablespoons (none)
mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
dried dill
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
cucumber
1 large (seeded, peeled, and finely chopped or grated)
salt
to taste (pinch)
pepper
to taste (pinch)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cucumber. Place it in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to let excess moisture drain.
2
Once the cucumber has released some of its juices, gently squeeze it with a paper or cloth towel to remove any remaining water.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon juice, and dried dill (if using).
4
Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
5
For a variation in texture, you can pulse the mixture in a food processor for a smoother sauce.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, letting it chill for at least 30 minutes will still enhance its taste.
7
Serve this refreshing sauce as a dip or drizzle it generously over your favorite gyros or grilled dishes.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cucumber Gyro Sauce?
It is a refreshing, tangy, and herbaceous condiment made from a blend of cucumber, sour cream, and mayonnaise, specifically designed to complement gyros and grilled meats.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this sauce?
The main ingredients include 6 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and dried dill, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, and one large cucumber.
How should I prepare the cucumber for the sauce?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and finely chopped or grated. It must then be salted and drained to remove excess moisture.
Why is it important to salt the cucumber before mixing?
Salting the cucumber draws out excess water. If skipped, the moisture from the cucumber will make the sauce watery instead of creamy.
How long should the cucumber sit with salt?
You should allow the salted cucumber to rest in a colander for 10-15 minutes to ensure proper drainage.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream if you prefer a tangier flavor or a higher protein content.
Is this sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 1.5g of carbohydrates and 43 calories per serving, this sauce fits well within a ketogenic diet.
How long does the sauce need to chill before serving?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours. If you are in a hurry, 30 minutes is the minimum recommended time.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?
Absolutely. If using fresh dill, you may want to increase the amount slightly as dried herbs are often more concentrated than fresh ones.
How can I achieve a smoother texture for the sauce?
You can pulse the combined ingredients in a food processor until you reach your desired level of smoothness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including sour cream, mayonnaise, and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.
What is the serving size for the nutritional facts provided?
The nutritional facts are based on the total batch yielding several servings; one serving contains approximately 43 calories and 3.5g of fat.
Can I substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder?
Yes, you can use finely minced fresh garlic, though garlic powder distributes more evenly for a consistent flavor throughout the sauce.
What kind of lemon juice is best?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best zest and brightness in the sauce.
How long will this sauce last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, the sauce typically stays fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze the Creamy Cucumber Gyro Sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because the sour cream and mayonnaise can separate and the cucumber may lose its texture upon thawing.
Is mayonnaise necessary for this recipe?
The tablespoon of mayonnaise adds a specific richness, but it can be omitted or replaced with extra sour cream if you prefer.
What other dishes can I pair this sauce with?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or even as a dressing for Mediterranean salads.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients: sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon juice, dried dill, cucumber, salt, and pepper.
Why do I need to seed the cucumber?
The seeds contain a high concentration of water; removing them helps maintain the thick, creamy consistency of the sauce.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with your favorite plant-based alternatives.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
Try whisking in an extra tablespoon of sour cream or letting it chill longer to set. Ensure future cucumbers are squeezed very dry.
Does this sauce contain any sugar?
Based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is this sauce similar to Tzatziki?
Yes, it is very similar to a traditional Greek Tzatziki, though the addition of mayonnaise adds a unique creaminess.
Can I add other herbs to the sauce?
Yes, fresh mint or parsley are excellent additions if you want to vary the herbaceous profile.
How do I remove the moisture from the cucumber after salting?
You can use a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth to gently squeeze the cucumber bits until the liquid is removed.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
With 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, the flavor is present but balanced. You can reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon for a milder taste.
What type of cucumber works best?
An English cucumber or a standard large garden cucumber works well, provided it is seeded and peeled.
Can I use this as a dip for vegetables?
Yes, it makes an excellent healthy dip for carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
There is 1 gram of protein per serving of this sauce.