Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prepare this delicious sauce in just over 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to numerous dishes.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to vegan diets by using non-dairy yogurt.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome, readily available components.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened non-dairy yogurt
- 1 packed cup (6 oz) cucumber, grated with large holes of a box grater
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (choose from dill, mint, flat-leaf parsley, or purslane)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber: Wash and dry the cucumber. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the cucumber, keeping the peel on for added color and texture. Squeeze the grated cucumber with your hands over a bowl to remove excess moisture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the grated cucumber, yogurt, finely chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, finely grated garlic, and salt.
- Mix and Adjust: Stir the mixture until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with extra chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Tzatziki: Substitute Greek yogurt with plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt.
- Herb Choices: Experiment with different herbs like dill, mint, parsley, or a combination to suit your taste.
- Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic to make the sauce milder or more robust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Tzatziki is best served cold and does not require reheating. Stir well before serving if it has been stored.
FAQs
What is tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, commonly served as a dip or accompaniment to various dishes.
Can I make tzatziki vegan?
Yes, by using plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt, you can create a vegan version of tzatziki.
How long does homemade tzatziki last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, tzatziki can last up to 3 days.
What dishes pair well with tzatziki?
Tzatziki complements grilled vegetables, salads, pita bread, fritters, falafel, and can be used as a sauce for sandwiches and wraps.
Can I freeze tzatziki?
Freezing tzatziki is not recommended, as the texture may become watery and less creamy upon thawing.
How can I prevent my tzatziki from becoming watery?
Ensure you thoroughly squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumber for tzatziki?
Peeling the cucumber is optional; keeping the peel adds color and texture to the sauce.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but if unavailable, dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities.
What type of yogurt is best for tzatziki?
Full-fat Greek yogurt provides a rich and creamy texture, but you can also use low-fat or non-dairy yogurt based on your dietary preferences.
How do I make tzatziki thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, use strained yogurt and ensure the grated cucumber is well-drained to reduce excess moisture.
Conclusion
Tzatziki is a delightful and versatile sauce that brings a refreshing element to many dishes. Its simple preparation and customizable nature make it a staple in both traditional and modern cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a dip, spread, or accompaniment, this creamy and tangy sauce is sure to enhance your culinary creations.
Tzatziki
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Sauces and Dips
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
“Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek yogurt-based sauce featuring creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a dip, topping, or side dish, this quick and versatile recipe brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your meals.”
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or unsweetened non-dairy yogurt
- 1 packed cup (6 oz) cucumber, grated with large holes of a box grater
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, mint, parsley, or purslane), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber: Wash and dry the cucumber. Grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze out the excess moisture over a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the grated cucumber, yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
- Mix and Adjust: Stir well until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice, if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Ensure you thoroughly drain the cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Adjust garlic quantity for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Tzatziki tastes best when chilled for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: Greek
- Cuisine: American
