Easy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce / Dip Recipe

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This post was originally published in December 2015 and has been refreshed with new pictures and content.

However you pronounce it, this is really are simple to make, and SUPER delicious. A popular condiment served at many Mediterranean restaurants, Tzatziki is the perfect complement to dishes such as these  Falafel or Tofu gyros, or alongside Turmeric rice. My family loves Mediterranean food and healthy, fresh, delicious ingredients and flavors. It’s the kind of food you can feel good about eating! Cool and creamy cucumber yogurt sauce that is perfect on salads, pitas or for dipping your favorite veggies or even eating by the spoonful!

Is Tzatziki sauce/ dip good for you?

Yes!  The primary ingredients in Tzatziki are Greek yogurt and cucumbers.  Greek yogurt is high in protein, packed with calcium and also an excellent source of potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12.  It is also low in cholesterol and calories. In additional, Greek yogurt contains probiotic cultures which promote digestive health.  

A lot of people seem to be under the impression that being a vegetarian is totally restrictive and boring and all about the things you can’t eat. Untrue! Eating meatless opens up so many possibilities! Take this Tzatziki sauce/ dip for example.

What does Tzatziki mean in Greek? 

Although Tzatziki sauce is undeniably Greek, the actual word Tzatziki comes from the Turkish word Cacık (“kind of edible herb”) which in turn comes from the Armenian word Cacıg.

What is Tzatziki made of?

Tzatziki is a Greek sauce or appetizer that is made from strained yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. Optional ingredients include a combination of herbs such as dill, mint, parsley and lemon juice. It is lusciously creamy, flavorful sauce or dip that is healthy and easy to make! So, if you’re looking to eat healthier, OR if you are on the lookout for a favorite potluck dip, this Tzatziki recipe is the answer!

Enjoy this Greek Tzatziki sauce with pita bread, homemade no fry gluten-free falafel, and raw veggies. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches, a sauce for cooked protein, or the base of a salad dressing or marinade. Personally I really love tzatziki paired with potatoes — French fries, potato wedges, or simply as a topping for a baked potato. You can also pair it with

• Falafel Waffles ( Falafel, a classic Middle Eastern recipe, made with chickpeas).
• Tabbouleh salad  Made of cracked wheat mixed with finely chopped ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and parsley.
• Tofu Tikka Gyro wraps Tofu and veggies are grilled and served wrapped in a soft and fluffy pita, with tomato, onion, tzatziki sauce.

What you'll need to make Greek Tzatziki sauce?

Plain full-fat Greek yogurt so the next question you must be thinking Does the yogurt have to be full-fat? No. But I highly recommend that it not be fat-free. The yogurt, believe it or not, contributes great flavor and texture. Fat-free yogurt just won’t be the same. Does it have to be plain? YES. 

 Cucumber Persian cucumber or English cucumber is best for this sauce because their skin is thin and unwaxed, and they do not need to be peeled — makes it easy.

Fresh herbs  Tzatziki is traditionally made with mint or dill. I prefer both as I have a ton of fresh mint going wild in my veggie garden :P 

I made a few adjustments to suit my taste (mainly because I don’t like putting a TON of dill in my Tzatziki), but feel free to experiment with your own amounts of each ingredient!

Can I make This Tzatziki sauce ahead of time? 

Of course! Tzatziki sauce tastes best after the ingredients have had time to meld into each other.  Plan on making at least an hour ahead of time but can be made 24 hours ahead of time.

How can you make homemade yogurt and homemade Greek yogurt?

Homemade yogurt takes this Tzatziki sauce toa whole another level. You should certainly look at making yogurt at home and follow the instructions to make greek yogurt. You will certainly end up saving a lot of money on yogurt and you can also create flavored yogurt for your diet.

BEST TIPS FOR MAKING TZATZIKI SAUCE

• Make sure your cucumber is well-drained. If you have time, you can drain it in a reusable fine-mesh sieve overnight. You can check out this reusable sieve on amazon here.
• For best results, combine all of the ingredients except for the cucumber and dill, then let it rest overnight in the fridge while your cucumber is draining.
• Add the dill at the last minute so it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the flavors.
• Add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil for flavor and shine.
• The flavors become less tangy as you let them sit, so your Tzatziki might just be best the next day.
• Greek Tzatziki should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  When properly stored, Tzatziki will last about 5 days but is freshest within the first 2.  After 2 days, the Tzatziki will become a little runny as the cucumbers continue to release moisture. 

PS: If you make any of our recipes, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram as @dbellyrulesdmind. We love seeing your takes on our recipes!

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Tzatziki Sauce / Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

• 3 Persian cucumber or 1 English cucumber
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoon fresh chopped dill(increase or decrease according to taste)
• 3 garlic cloves /minced
• 2 tablespoon fresh chopped mint
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grate the cucumbers. Toss cucumbers with salt in a small bowl. Firmly squeeze several times with your hands to release excess water. Drain.
2. Mix cucumbers, yogurt, lemon juice, herbs and garlic in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix is well
   
3. When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, if you like. Add a side of warm pita bread, falafel, and your favorite vegetables.

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