Tzatziki Recipe (Greek Cucumber Sauce)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
134 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Tzatziki Recipe (Greek Cucumber Sauce)
Description
The Tzatziki Recipe uses peeled and grated Persian cucumbers that have most of their moisture removed by hand squeezing. These cucumbers are combined with Greek yogurt to create a creamy base. Minced garlic and freshly chopped dill add pungent and fresh herbal notes, while extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice provide richness and acidity, respectively. Salt balances the flavors.
Chilling the mixture for thirty minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a cool, refreshing condiment with a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous elements. It is typically served alongside grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread.
Substitutions include using an English cucumber in place of Persian cucumbers and optionally adding mint instead of or along with dill. Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder to maintain authentic flavor, but chilling can mellow the garlic's sharpness. Leftovers keep well for about two days refrigerated, and stirring before serving is recommended.
Ingredients
- 3 cucumber Persian
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp dill chopped, fresh
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers. Peel them in stripes and grate them in a large bowl.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber in your hand and discard the excess water.
- Place the squeezed cucumbers in a bowl and add in yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, olive oil and lemon juice.
- Mix well and cool in the fridge for thirty minutes.
- Stir well and serve with grilled meat, veggies or pita bread as a dip.
Notes
- You may substitute one English cucumber for three Persian cucumbers if needed.
- Use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder or pre-minced garlic for best flavor.
- Add fresh mint as an alternative or addition to dill to vary the herbal profile.
- Tzatziki is best served cold and fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Chilling the sauce helps mellow raw garlic intensity; stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 134 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 134kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 329mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 218mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 67IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 124mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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