Tzatziki with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your meals with this refreshing Tzatziki sauce featuring a perfect blend of creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. Ideal as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats, this versatile sauce is not only easy to prepare but also loaded with flavors that complement a variety of dishes. Share it with friends at your next gathering or enjoy it as a delightful snack with fresh vegetables.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
English cucumber
1 (seeded and diced)
Vidalia onion
1/2 (diced)
Salt
to taste
Low-fat Greek yogurt
2 cups / 500 ml
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon / 15 ml
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Fresh dill
1/2 cup / 125 ml (chopped)
Chives
1/2 cup / 125 ml (chopped)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. Place the diced cucumber and Vidalia onion in a sieve over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and let drain for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours to draw out excess moisture.
2
2. In a small bowl, create a garlic paste by mashing the minced garlic with 1/2 teaspoon of salt using the flat side of a chef's knife. This will help to release the garlic's essential oils and enhance the flavor.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber and onion mixture with the Greek yogurt, garlic paste, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, and chives. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
4
4. Season the mixture with additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as desired.
5
5. Before serving, pat the mixture dry with paper towels to ensure the best consistency. Keep the tzatziki refrigerated until ready to serve.
6
6. Serve this delicious tzatziki alongside grilled meats, on burgers, or as a refreshing dip for sliced vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tzatziki with Fresh Herbs?
Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek dip or sauce made with creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs like dill and chives.
What type of cucumber is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using one English cucumber, which should be seeded and diced.
Why do I need to drain the cucumber?
Draining the cucumber with salt helps draw out excess moisture, preventing the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
How long should the cucumber and onion drain?
They should drain for at least 1 hour at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
What kind of onion is used in this tzatziki?
This recipe uses 1/2 of a Vidalia onion, which is known for its sweet and mild flavor.
How do I make the garlic paste?
Mince 3 garlic cloves and mash them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt using the flat side of a chef's knife to release essential oils.
What type of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups (500 ml) of low-fat Greek yogurt.
Which fresh herbs are included?
This version of tzatziki features 1/2 cup each of fresh chopped dill and fresh chopped chives.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil.
What role does the lemon play?
The juice of one lemon is added to provide acidity and brighten the flavors of the yogurt and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this tzatziki is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (yogurt, vegetables, herbs, oil), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What are some serving suggestions for tzatziki?
It is ideal as a dip for vegetables, a spread for burgers, or an accompaniment to grilled meats.
How should I store the finished sauce?
Keep the tzatziki refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.
Should I peel the cucumber?
The instructions specify seeding and dicing; peeling is optional based on your preference for the skin's texture.
What should I do if the mixture is too wet before serving?
The instructions recommend patting the mixture dry with paper towels to ensure the best consistency.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick, creamy texture; regular yogurt may result in a thinner sauce unless strained.
How much salt is used for draining?
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the diced cucumber and onion to help them drain.
Can I add more seasoning?
Yes, you should season with additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste after mixing all ingredients.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe uses 10 ingredients in total.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, since the cucumber needs at least an hour to drain, it is an excellent make-ahead sauce.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features low-fat yogurt, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
What if I don't have fresh dill?
While fresh is best for flavor, you can substitute with dried dill, though you should use a smaller amount.
Are there any tips for better flavor?
Creating the garlic paste helps enhance the flavor by releasing the garlic's essential oils.
Can I use a different type of onion?
If Vidalia is unavailable, any mild white or red onion can be used as a substitute.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tzatziki, sauce, dipping sauce, greek yogurt, cucumber sauce, fresh herbs, appetizer, dip, and healthy.
Is the garlic raw or cooked?
The garlic is used raw, minced and mashed into a paste to provide a sharp, fresh flavor.
What tools do I need?
You will need a sieve, bowls, a chef's knife, and paper towels.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
While thick, it can be thinned slightly with more lemon juice or oil to be used as a creamy dressing.