Description
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce is a creamy, refreshing Mediterranean yogurt and cucumber dip that balances richness with zesty flavors. Made with simple, fresh ingredients like Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice, this versatile sauce elevates pita, grilled meats, and salads with a true Greek touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Grate a fresh cucumber and gently squeeze out the excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to prevent a watery sauce.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the thick Greek yogurt with freshly minced garlic and finely chopped dill, blending the creamy base with fresh herbaceous notes.
- Add Cucumber and Seasonings: Fold the drained cucumber into the yogurt mixture, then drizzle olive oil and lemon juice on top. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Chill to Marry Flavors: Refrigerate the sauce for at least one hour to allow all ingredients to meld into a balanced and refreshing dip.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir the sauce briefly, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve chilled as a dip, spread, or sauce.
Notes
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer and creamier texture essential to authenticity.
- Drain cucumbers well to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
- Fresh minced garlic is key for the best pungent flavor.
- Chilling the sauce enhances flavor melding and slightly thickens the texture.
- Add lemon juice gradually to maintain creamy balance without overpowering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Tzatziki, Greek yogurt dip, Mediterranean sauce, yogurt cucumber dip, authentic tzatziki
