Tzatziki is a versatile Greek sauce that is both creamy and refreshing. Learn how to elevate any meal with its burst of flavor.
As much as I love Greek food, I’m not sure I would love it as much as I do without tzatziki sauce. It’s one of those cuisines that is almost synonymous with a particular condiment or sauce. (Imagine Mexican food without salsa or hot sauce.) I usually end up eating more of the tzatziki sauce than the actual food… and I’m okay with that. It got so bad (I was blowing through my monthly tzatziki budget in a matter of days) that I just knew I had to learn how to make it myself. With this recipe, I’ve tried to maintain the healthy aspects of a traditional sauce while infusing it with lots of flavor, courtesy of the spices.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tzatziki has a beautifully refreshing and light flavor to it.
- It can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for a wide range of dishes.
- A healthier alternative to creamy dressings and sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 cups double-cream plain yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, finely grated
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mint, finely chopped
- salt and pepper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6
Instructions
- Use a few sheets of paper towel to squeeze the water out of the cucumber.
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, dry cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, mint, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Drizzle the rest of the olive oil over the top and enjoy.
Variations
Tzatziki sauce lends itself well to change. Here are some suggestions you may want to try the next time you attempt this recipe:
Spicy Tzatziki: As with most sauces, you can play around with the degree of heat. Add finely chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce until you reach the burn you desire.
Lemon Zest Tzatziki: The recipe calls for lemon juice but, if you really like citrus, why not add some lemon zest to the proceedings? You’ll also feel good about getting so much out of your lemons. (Well, I do, at least.)
Smoky Tzatziki: You don’t often think of a smoky tzatziki sauce but it can definitely be done. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke. This variety goes particularly well with grilled or barbecued dishes (calamari or pork kebabs, for instance).
Cucumber Variations: I don’t specify which kind of cucumber to use so take that as license to experiment. Garden or English cucumbers are the default, but try using Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and slightly sweeter. You can also adjust the texture by chopping the cucumber and/or peeling them.
Yogurt Substitutes: Greek yogurt (surprise surprise) is usually used but you can go with regular yogurt, coconut yogurt (if you want to go dairy-free), or even sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Rather than suggest dishes that you can serve alongside tzatziki sauce, I am going to list some of the Greek cuisine I’ve made over the years on AAM.
Spanakopita: Also known as Greek spinach pie, spanakopita is a lovely mix of spinach, feta cheese, and flaky phyllo pastry.
Greek Pasta Salad: Greek salad — olives, feta, cucumber — but in pasta form!
Greek Baklava: Another Greek pastry dish, this time featuring walnuts and honey for a delicious treat.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of double-cream plain yogurt?
Yes, you can use whatever flavorless yogurt you like. I prefer the double cream because it provides that thick consistency I love.
Can I substitute lemon juice with vinegar?
If you don’t want to use lemon juice, I would suggest leaving the acidity out rather than use vinegar.
Can I make a vegan version of tzatziki?
Yes, you can use coconut yogurt or plain nut yogurt instead.
How to Store Tzatziki
Once you’re done with the tzatziki (and assuming it hasn’t been left out for more than 2 hours), place it in an airtight container and move to the fridge, where you can keep it for up to 4 days. When you take it out to serve, give it a good stir, as the liquid might separate. If you’re thinking about freezing it, I beg you to reconsider. While you can technically do so, the texture of the sauce will change and you probably won’t find it nearly as delicious.
Tasty Tzatziki Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups double-cream plain yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber finely grated
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 tbsp dill finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mint finely chopped
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Use a few sheets of paper towel to squeeze the water out of the cucumber.
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, dry cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, mint, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Drizzle the rest of the olive oil over the top and enjoy.
Notes
- To make this vegan, use coconut yogurt or plain nut yogurt instead.
Nutrition
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