Tzatziki Sauce - Greek Cucumber Yogurt Delight
This Tzatziki Sauce, a classic Greek condiment, is a refreshing blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, and aromatic herbs. Celebrated for its mild yet enticing flavor, it complements an array of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables, a tangy accompaniment to grilled meats like lemon-baked chicken, or served alongside hearty falafel and veggie burgers. Easy to prepare and full of bright flavors, this sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meals with a cool, creamy touch. Embrace the Greek culinary tradition with this delightful sauce, or use it in any creative way that suits your taste!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonfat plain yogurt
2 cups (none)
fresh dill
1 teaspoon (chopped)
medium cucumber
1 (diced)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
lemon juice or vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by finely dicing the cucumber. If desired, you can peel it for a smoother texture, but leaving the skin adds a lovely crunch and color.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the nonfat plain yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, diced cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and salt.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
5
Refrigerate the sauce overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When serving, give it a quick stir before enjoying it with your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki Sauce is a classic Greek condiment made from a refreshing blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, and aromatic herbs.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The ingredients include 2 cups of nonfat plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh dill, 1 medium cucumber, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be finely diced. You can peel it for a smoother texture or leave the skin on for added crunch and color.
Should I peel the cucumber for Tzatziki?
It is optional. Leaving the skin on adds a lovely crunch and vibrant color, while peeling it results in a smoother consistency.
What type of yogurt is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of nonfat plain yogurt.
How long does the sauce need to refrigerate?
The sauce should be refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why must the sauce be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigeration allows the garlic, dill, and cucumber to infuse into the yogurt, creating a more cohesive and enticing flavor.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
While fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried dill, though you may need to adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
Is this Tzatziki sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What are some serving suggestions for Tzatziki?
It is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables, a tangy accompaniment to grilled meats like lemon-baked chicken, or served with falafel and veggie burgers.
Can I use vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar depending on your preference.
Is this sauce considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy sauce option, utilizing nonfat yogurt and fresh ingredients like cucumber and garlic.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
One minced garlic clove is required for this recipe.
Can I add more garlic if I prefer a stronger taste?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and you can adjust the garlic to suit your specific taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed, including yogurt, cucumber, and herbs, are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store leftover Tzatziki?
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated.
How long does Tzatziki last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it typically remains fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze Tzatziki sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the yogurt and cucumber will become watery and grainy once thawed.
What is the flavor profile of this sauce?
It has a cool, creamy, and bright flavor with aromatic notes from the fresh dill and garlic.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil, which adds a traditional Mediterranean touch.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
This specific recipe is not vegan as it uses dairy yogurt, but it can be made vegan by substituting with a plant-based plain yogurt.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 ingredients required to make this Tzatziki sauce.
What size cucumber is needed?
One medium cucumber is sufficient for this recipe.
How can I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
Finely dicing the cucumber and stirring the mixture thoroughly helps maintain the creamy consistency.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for a thicker and even creamier texture.
Is Tzatziki a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it is a staple of Mediterranean and Greek culinary traditions.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Absolutely, it works wonderfully as a creamy dressing for various salads.
Do I need to stir the sauce after refrigeration?
Yes, give it a quick stir before serving to ensure the ingredients are well-distributed.
How easy is this recipe to prepare?
It is very easy to prepare, requiring only dicing and mixing before chilling.