Looking for a way to cure your travel bug now that summer is at a close? Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with our delicious homemade tzatziki sauce recipe. Embracing a balance of refreshing cucumber, tangy yogurt, and savory spices, this tzatziki sauce recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Get ready to elevate your culinary repertoire with the vibrant and tangy allure of fresh homemade tzatziki.
Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply seeking a versatile and refreshing snack-time dip, tzatziki is a culinary gem that never disappoints. Join us as we delve into the art of making tzatziki and all of the tasty ways you can eat it.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This tzatziki sauce recipe going to become a favorite in your home for a variety of different reasons.
First, it's a quick and easy recipe to make. This means that no matter whether you are a professional chef or a budding home cook, this tzatziki sauce recipe is accessible to cooks of all levels.
Beyond its ease, this recipe shines in its adaptability. It is easily adapted to accommodate personal tastes and dietary preferences, offering dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. Moreover, it welcomes creative variations, allowing for adjustments and the addition of unique herbs or spices.
Perhaps the best part about this tzatziki sauce recipe lies in its versatility. It can effortlessly transition from a creamy dip for pita bread and vegetables to a flavorful topping for grilled meats, falafel, or salads.
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt provides a luscious base that beautifully balances the sharpness of garlic and the freshness of cucumber. Its thickness is particularly crucial as it prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery, ensuring the tzatziki remains thick enough to cling perfectly to a variety of foods. While Greek yogurt is the traditional and preferred choice for authentic tzatziki, you can opt for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt.
Cucumber:
While English cucumbers are often favored for their thin skin and fewer seeds, other cucumber varieties can also be used. Remember to remove excess moisture from any cucumber by squeezing cucumber with a cheesecloth.
Balsamic Vinegar:
The inclusion of balsamic vinegar introduces a sweet, slightly tangy flavor profile. While not a traditional ingredient in tzatziki sauce, balsamic vinegar adds a layer of sweetness and acidity. However, if you prefer to stick with the traditional Greek flavors, you can omit the balsamic vinegar altogether or replace it with red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.
Olive Oil:
High-quality olive oil brings a rich and slightly peppery taste that complements the fresh ingredients in tzatziki, like cucumber. Opt for an extra virgin or light olive oil. However, if you don't have either of those, avocado oil and grapeseed oil will also make acceptable substitutes.
Seasonings:
Traditionally, tzatziki relies on a handful of key seasonings to create its distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile with garlic at the forefront. However, you can experiment with different tastes by adding a sprinkle of ground cumin for a hint of earthy warmth, a pinch of paprika for a touch of smokiness, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
Step One:
Prepare your cucumber by peeling and discarding the skin and dicing the cucumber.
Step Two:
Transfer it to a bowl and add salt and pepper.
Step Three:
Mix to combine, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a cheesecloth.
Step Four:
Add cucumber, garlic, yogurt, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to a blender. Blend until the consistency of your tzatziki is smooth, thick, and creamy.
Step Five:
Transfer the tzatziki sauce to a bowl once it has reached your preferred consistency.
Step Six:
Serve with pita slices, and enjoy!
Tips
- If your tzatziki turns out too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water, olive oil, or lemon juice. Conversely, if it's too thin, add more yogurt.
- While you can enjoy tzatziki right after making it, it's even better after it has had some time to chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in better, brighter flavors in your tzatziki.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Dill is a popular herb choice in tzatziki. However, mint, cilantro, or parsley can also create new and exciting flavor profiles. You can add a touch of honey for sweetness, a pinch of ground cumin for depth, or even some chopped olives or capers for a unique twist.
What to Serve With Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that pairs well with a wide range of side dishes. It is the perfect accompaniment to a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dish, adding a cool and tangy contrast to grilled meats such as lamb souvlaki skewers, grilled chicken thighs, or beef tenderloin. You can drizzle this tzatziki sauce over gyros or use it to dip your falafel, crispy pita chips, or vegetable sticks. Tzatziki also makes an excellent topping for salads, sandwiches, and wraps, infusing them with its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I make my tzatziki sauce spicy?
If you find that you want to add some heat to your tzatziki, you can include a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Add a little bit at a time and adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
How long can tzatziki sauce be kept fresh?
When stored in the refrigerator, tzatziki sauce can be kept fresh in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, it often tastes better after a day or two spent in the fridge once the flavors have all melded. Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to minimize air exposure and maintain freshness.
What if my tzatziki sauce separates or becomes too watery after refrigeration?
If separation occurs, simply stir the tzatziki well before serving to reincorporate the ingredients. If it's too watery, you can try draining some of the excess liquid. You can also strain the yogurt before you make the tzatziki to reduce the chances of this happening. Simply strain your Greek yogurt for a few hours or overnight using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer.
More Saucy Recipes
If you love the ease of a good sauce and how it can have the power to elevate and transform your meal, then you need to check out this collection of more saucy recipes to help you do just that.
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 18 oz plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your cucumber by peeling and discarding the skin and dicing the cucumber.
- Transfer it to a bowl and add salt and pepper.
- Mix to combine, then blot away excess moisture with a clean paper towel.
- Add cucumber, garlic, yogurt, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to a blender. Blend until the consistency of your tzatziki is smooth, thick, and creamy.
- Transfer the tzatziki sauce to a bowl once it has reached your preferred consistency.
- Serve with pita slices, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- If your tzatziki turns out too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water, olive oil, or lemon juice. Conversely, if it's too thin, add more yogurt.
- While you can enjoy tzatziki right after making it, it's even better after it has had some time to chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in better, brighter flavors in your tzatziki.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Dill is a popular herb choice in tzatziki. However, mint, cilantro, or parsley can also create new and exciting flavor profiles. You can add a touch of honey for sweetness, a pinch of ground cumin for depth, or even some chopped olives or capers for a unique twist.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water for a thicker sauce.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your taste preference.
- Use a food processor to blend the ingredients for a smoother consistency.
love this is just so great thanks for sharing Corrie delicious recipe
When you measure your 2 Tbs of fresh Dill or Mint, do you measure before or after chopping or is that a moot point. Have been searching for a recipe that is similar to the ones I encountered in Europe in the 80's and so far no luck. Hope this is the one...thanks for posting