Creamy Greek Tzatziki Delight
Savor the cool, creamy texture of this traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce, a delightful condiment that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, such as gyros, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. Made with thick, creamy Greek yogurt and crisp, refreshing cucumbers, this sauce offers a burst of flavor balanced by the brightness of lemon and the aromatic touch of fresh herbs. Whether you're hosting a Mediterranean feast or simply craving a flavorful dip, this versatile sauce is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Easy to prepare, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Embrace the essence of Greek cuisine with this irresistible Tzatziki Sauce!
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Greek yogurt
3 cups (Thick variety, also known as Yogurt Cheese.)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed or from 1 lemon.)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced.)
English cucumber
1 large (Diced.)
Salt
1 tablespoon (For salting cucumbers.)
Fresh dill
1 tablespoon (Chopped (or substitute with fresh mint).)
Freshly ground black pepper
To taste (For seasoning.)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the cucumbers; peel and dice them into small pieces.
2
Place the diced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt. This will help draw out excess moisture. Cover the cucumbers with a plate and place a heavy object on top (such as a can or a heavy bowl). Let them sit for 30 minutes to drain.
3
After 30 minutes, drain the cucumbers well and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
4
In a food processor or blender, combine the cucumbers, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill and/or mint, and a few grinds of black pepper. Process until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
5
Transfer the cucumber mixture to a large mixing bowl and gently fold in the Greek yogurt until fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve as a dip with pita bread, as a sauce for gyros, or alongside grilled meats. Note that the Tzatziki will keep for several days in the refrigerator; stir well before serving as some moisture may separate.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
6.5g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
0.33g
Fiber
1.67g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Greek Tzatziki Delight?
It is a traditional Greek condiment and dip made with thick Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 3 cups of Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 clove of garlic, 1 large English cucumber, salt, fresh dill or mint, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for the sauce?
Wash, peel, and dice the cucumbers. Sprinkle them with salt and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Why is it important to salt the cucumbers?
Salting the cucumbers draws out excess water, ensuring the final Tzatziki sauce remains thick and creamy rather than watery.
How long does the cucumber draining process take?
The cucumbers should sit and drain for approximately 30 minutes under a heavy object.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, use a food processor or blender to combine the drained cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and pepper until smooth.
How long should the Tzatziki refrigerate before serving?
The sauce should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
What type of yogurt is recommended?
A thick variety of Greek yogurt, also known as Yogurt Cheese, is recommended for the best texture.
Can I substitute fresh dill with another herb?
Yes, you can substitute the fresh dill with fresh mint according to your preference.
How many calories are in a serving of this Tzatziki?
There are 75 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it contains approximately 6.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides about 3.75g of protein.
What is the fat content of the sauce?
The sauce contains 3g of fat per serving.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 minced clove of garlic.
What kind of cucumber is best for this recipe?
One large English cucumber is the preferred choice for this Tzatziki.
How should I serve Creamy Greek Tzatziki?
It is excellent as a dip with pita bread, a sauce for gyros, or as a side for grilled meats and fresh vegetables.
How long can I store Tzatziki in the refrigerator?
It will keep for several days in the refrigerator if kept covered.
Should I stir the sauce before serving?
Yes, you should stir it well before serving as some moisture may separate while standing.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 0.33g of fiber per serving.
Is there sugar in this Tzatziki recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 1.67g of sugar per serving.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You need 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, which is roughly the juice of one lemon.
Do I need to peel the English cucumber?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel the cucumber before dicing it.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash, peel, and dice the cucumbers into small pieces.
What tools are needed for the cucumber draining?
You will need a colander, a plate, and a heavy object like a can or a heavy bowl.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as an appetizer, condiment, and dip.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it ahead so it can chill for at least 2 hours.
What gives the sauce its aromatic touch?
The aromatic touch comes from the addition of fresh dill and/or fresh mint.
What texture should the final cucumber mixture have?
After processing, the mixture should be well blended and smooth before folding it into the yogurt.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, after folding the mixture into the yogurt, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.