Yogurt & Cucumber Dip (Tzatziki)
Tzatziki is one of the most refreshing and delicious dips out there. Made from thick Greek yogurt, cucumbers and garnished with mint or dill, it is the perfect dip for crackers, pita, or raw veggies and it is goes nicely with any grilled meat.
What Is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a classic Greek appetizer (or meze) consisting of salted yogurt and cucumber. Authentic tzatziki is made with sheep or goat yogurt, but since it can be hard to find in stores it is often made using full fat Greek Yogurt.
How To Make Tzatziki:
It's time to stop buying store bought tzatziki! (or only enjoying it in Greek restaurants) Tzatziki is so easy to whip up at home and it only requires a few ingredients.Â
What to do:
- Dice the cucumbers:Â Begin by dicing your cucumbers and placing them in a bowl.
- Salt the cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers will help them to release the water. This makes sure that the water from the cucumber won't cause your sauce to separate making it an essential step for a creamy tzatziki.
- Strain the cucumbers:Â Let the cucumbers strain themselves (do not rinse)
- Mix everything together:Â Mix the yogurt, cucumber, garlic and mint together and stir to combine. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Garnish:Â Right before serving, garnish with dried mint, chopped walnuts and fresh mint.
Tips for making tzatziki:
- Make sure that your cucumber is well drained. If you are in a rush you can squeeze out the water using your hands or if not, leave it overnight to strain with a little salt.
- For best results, combine all of the ingredients except for the cucumber then let it rest overnight in the fridge while your cucumber is draining.
- The longer the garlic rests in the yogurt, the less sharp it will be and the better it will taste.
- Make sure your yogurt is as dense as possible, if not you can strain it using a cheesecloth.
- Make sure the garlic is properly chopped or grated otherwise it may spoil the texture of the sauce.
Ways To Use Tzatziki Sauce:
This Greek yogurt sauce is so tangy and delicious and it is perfect spread over some warmed pita bread or crackers and served alongside some grilled meat. For the healthy snackers, eat this sauce with your raw veggies! (cucumber, celery, baby carrots and broccoli are our faves). It's also amazing as a spread for sandwiches.
How Long Can I Keep Tzatziki In The Fridge?
This tzatziki will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some of the water might separate, but you can just stir it back in before serving it.Â
Can I Make A Vegan Tzatziki?
Yes you can! Just substitute coconut milk yogurt for the full fat yogurt and voila, you have a vegan sauce.
If you're looking for a easy seeded cracker recipe to go with this yummy sauce then check this recipe out.
Author:
Gillian Brady
Ingredients
2 Persian cucumbers
2 cups Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, finely grated or chopped
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp dried mint
-
3 tbsp walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Directions
Dice cucumbers into pieces and place them in a bowl. Toss with salt to help them release water.
Strain the cucumbers after 15-20 mins (do not rinse)
In a medium bowl, add cucumber, yogurt garlic and dried mint.
Stir to combine and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Just before serving, stir in the walnuts and transfer them to a serving bowl.
Garnish with dried mint, chopped walnuts and fresh mint.
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