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Classic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Traditional Greek tzatziki is garlicky, lemony, fresh and delicious for a classic mezze platter to dip flatbreads or as a sauce for gyros. This recipe makes a thick and creamy, yet light tasting dip. Note the garlic flavors become more pronounced as the flavors marry.
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 79 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber (not English or hothouse) peeled
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt preferably whole milk, but can use non-fat
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest from about 1/2 lemon
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh mint leaves chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
GRATE THE CUCUMBER:
- Using the large holes on a box grater, grate the flesh from thecucumber, leaving the center column of seeds intact. Discard the seeds.
- Line a mesh sieve with a coffee filter (if you have one) and set over a bowl.
- Transfer the grated cucumber to the sieve to drain for about 20 minutes.
Cup of Yum
MAKE THE GARLIC LEMON PASTE:
- Add the minced garlic and lemon to a mortar and pestle and sprinkle with the kosher salt. Work the pestle over the mixture, pressing and grinding to form a thick paste. Set aside.
- Gently gather the sides of the coffee fiilter together and firmly squeeze to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Cucumber should be fairly dry.
ASSEMBLE THE TZATZIKI
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic paste and olive oil. Add the chopped mint, dill, salt, black pepper and stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Notes
- Recipe can be doubled.
Nutrition Information
Calories
79kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
5g
(8%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
3mg
(1%)
Sodium
117mg
(5%)
Potassium
152mg
(4%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
99IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
68mg
(7%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 79
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 79kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 117mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 152mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 99IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.