Tzatziki — Cucumber Yogurt
Cool, creamy, and garlicky, this classic Greek sauce elevates any dish with its refreshing flavor. Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
Tzatziki — Cucumber Yogurt
Cool, creamy, and garlicky, this classic Greek sauce elevates any dish with its refreshing flavor. Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
Key move
Drain the cucumber thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce.
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The Setup
- Box Grater
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
- Medium Bowl
The Mise en Place
5 of 8Your prep station before cooking begins
The Aromatics (0/1)
The Spice Blend (0/2)
The Pantry (0/1)
Other (0/4)
Tzatziki is too watery.
Ensure the cucumber is thoroughly drained. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it.
Tzatziki is too thick.
Add a tablespoon of water or milk to thin it out.
Chef's Notes
For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt. It provides a richer flavor and creamier texture.
Grate cucumber on the large holes of a box grater, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible with your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
Tzatziki can be made up to 2 days ahead. Flavors meld beautifully, but it may become slightly more watery. Stir before serving.
Serve with grilled meats, pita bread, falafel, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
The Method
GRATE
Prep aheadPeel, seed, and grate the cucumber (1 large) using a box grater.
Cucumber is peeled, seeded, and grated.
DRAIN
Prep aheadPlace the grated cucumber (1 large) in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Let it drain for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Cucumber is significantly reduced in volume and appears dry.
COMBINE
In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber (1 large), Greek yogurt (2 cups), minced garlic (2 cloves), chopped dill, olive oil (2 tbsp), lemon juice (1 tbsp), salt (½ tsp), and pepper.
All ingredients are combined in the bowl.
STIR
Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
CHILL
Prep aheadCover and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tzatziki has chilled for at least 30 minutes.
TASTE
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt (½ tsp), pepper, or lemon juice (1 tbsp) to your liking.
Seasoning is adjusted to taste.
SERVE
Serve chilled with grilled meats, vegetables, pita bread, or as a dip.
Tzatziki is served.
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