Description
Creamy Greek tzatziki sauce brings Mediterranean magic to your plate with its cool cucumber and tangy yogurt blend. Light and refreshing, this classic condiment elevates grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread for a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- 1 medium cucumber
- 2–3 cloves of garlic
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Meticulously grate the cucumber and extract maximum moisture using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, ensuring a rich, concentrated texture for the sauce.
- Transfer the drained cucumber into a mixing vessel and incorporate Greek yogurt, releasing an aromatic blend of fresh ingredients.
- Introduce finely minced garlic, delicately chopped dill, and a vibrant splash of lemon juice to elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive consistency that marries all components harmoniously.
- Season with precision, sprinkling salt and freshly cracked pepper to enhance the natural flavors and balance the tanginess.
- Gently fold all ingredients until thoroughly integrated, allowing each element to contribute its unique profile.
- Transfer the preparation to a sealed container and nestle in the refrigerator, permitting the flavors to intertwine and develop depth for a minimum of two hours.
- Before presentation, give the tzatziki a gentle stir and optionally embellish with an additional swirl of olive oil for a lustrous finish.
- Serve chilled as a versatile accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a robust dipping sauce.
Notes
- Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery sauce, using cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for maximum moisture removal.
- Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for richer, creamier texture that holds up better in the sauce.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice levels to create personalized flavor profile that suits individual taste preferences.
- Prepare tzatziki at least two hours ahead of serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg