Hey there, it’s Jacob Allen from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I am excited to share a dish that brings me back to warm evenings on the Mediterranean coast ”Homemade Tzatziki Sauce“. It’s more than just a recipe; it is a flavorful journey through shared meals and unforgettable flavors.
It has been enjoyed in the Mediterranean for centuries, often used in Greek cuisine. Low in calories and high in protein from yogurt; cucumbers add vitamins and hydration. The sauce is good to go with several appetizers but my experience of serving it with pita bread, and roasted vegetables turned out to be the best one.
More Such Creamy Dips to Adorn Your Meals!
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large container or pitcher
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Stirring Utensil
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbp chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor, then squeeze out the excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve as a dip with pita bread, veggies, or as a sauce for gyros or grilled meats. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid excess liquid in the tzatziki sauce.
- For a thicker consistency, you can use a thicker Greek yogurt or strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth before using it in the recipe.
Nutrition
Here Are My Three Unique Tips for Making Tzatziki Sauce!
Tip 1. Grate & Drain: To ensure your tzatziki is perfectly creamy without excess liquid, grate the cucumber using the finer side of the grater and then squeeze out the moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This step prevents the sauce from becoming watery and preserves its rich texture.
Tip 2. Infuse Flavor: For an extra burst of freshness, try infusing the olive oil with garlic and herbs before adding it to the sauce. Simply warm the olive oil in a small pan over low heat, then add minced garlic and herbs like dill or mint. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to release the flavors, then drizzle it into the tzatziki mixture.
Tip 3. Chill & Marinate: While tzatziki is delicious right after making it, the flavors truly come alive when allowed to mingle in the refrigerator for at least an hour. For even better results, prepare the sauce a few hours ahead of time or even overnight to let the flavors fully develop. It’s worth the wait!
What Goes Best with Tzatziki Recipe?
The unique flavors of this blend pair well with a lot of dishes but given below are some of my favorite ones. You can definitely give them a try without a second thought.
Also, try some tests and trials from your end and let us know below how it turned out for you guys.
- Chicken And Peppers
- Lettuce Wraps
- Roasted Vegetables
- Green Beans And Potatoes
- Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Creative Spins to Try with This Dish!
- Herb Variations: Try fresh mint, parsley, cilantro, or basil instead of dill.
- Vegetable Variations: Use grated carrots, zucchini, or radishes alongside cucumber.
- Nutritional Variations: Add grated carrots, beets, chopped spinach, kale, or mashed avocado for extra nutrition.
- Dairy Variations: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Protein Variations: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped nuts, or cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein and texture