Mouth-watering Tzatziki Sauce Recipe For Greek Lovers
In the realm of Mediterranean cuisine, tzatziki sauce is king. This creamy, tangy sauce adds a refreshing burst of flavor to any meal and serves as the perfect dip, salad dressing or spread for bread, especially when paired with tender pita bread. It’s no wonder that tzatziki is a staple in Greek households and remains popular worldwide as a culinary delight.
I invite you to try this easy and healthy tzatziki sauce recipe that is low in calories yet full of bright flavors. This cooking light recipe will give you a light, creamy and full-bodied version of this classic condiment, without sacrificing taste or nutrition value.
The ingredients used are simple, consisting mainly of plain low-fat yogurt – or Greek yogurt – chopped fresh dill, cucumber, lemon juice and garlic. Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; they come together to create an authentic tzatziki sauce that will tantalize your taste buds with each bite.
This recipe is straightforward and can be made in minutes thanks to the use of a food processor, which makes grating and pureeing the ingredients effortless.
Now it’s time to discover how this delicious tzatziki sauce can elevate your meals to new heights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing sauce recipe that can elevate your meals to another level, this easy tzatziki sauce from Cooking Light is exactly what you need. Not only is it made with simple and fresh ingredients, but it’s also light, creamy and full of bright flavors that will delight your taste buds.
One of the best things about this healthy tzatziki is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dip for veggies, pita bread or chips, as a salad dressing or even as a sandwich spread. With so many uses, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy its delicious taste.
This tzatziki sauce recipe is also incredibly easy to make. All you have to do is mix plain low-fat yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped fresh dill, garlic lemon juice, salt and black pepper in a food processor until smooth. You can make it in just five minutes, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy its delightful taste.
Moreover, this easy tzatziki is a healthy alternative to other sauces that might contain lots of calories, sodium and unhealthy fats. It’s made with Greek yogurt and sour cream, which are rich in protein and calcium, and with olive oil instead of mayonnaise, which is high in saturated fat. This means you can enjoy this sauce guilt-free without compromising on flavor.
Lastly, this tzatziki sauce recipe allows for substitutions and variations depending on your preferences. You can use different herbs like parsley or mint instead of dill, add some minced onions or red pepper flakes for extra flavor or even mix some feta cheese for an authentic Greek touch.
In conclusion, if you love Mediterranean cuisine and want to take your dishes to the next level without sacrificing your health goals, then this easy tzatziki sauce is definitely worth trying. With its simplicity, versatility and delicious taste, you’ll surely become a fan of this authentic Greek sauce in no time!
Ingredient List
Gather high-quality ingredients for an irresistible sauce!
Creating this Easy Tzatziki Sauce recipe requires simple, yet tasteful ingredients that will satisfy any palate. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 English cucumber (about 2 cups grated cucumber)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups plain low-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- \1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- \1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Note: You can substitute the plain low-fat yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier consistency. Nonetheless, if you want to add a little bit of tanginess to your sauce, you can also mix in sour cream in equal proportion with the yogurt.
Make sure that the vegetables and fruits you buy are fresh and have not surpassed their expiration date. You don’t want to start with bitter or overripe cucumbers.
The Recipe How-To
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Make sure that your cucumbers are dry. You can do this by wiping them with a paper towel or clean cloth.
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Next, grate the cucumber using a box grater. Avoid grating the seeds as they may give off a bitter taste into the sauce.
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Put the grated cucumber in a bowl, mix with 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the excess moisture to come out from the cucumber. After 15 minutes, squeeze out all of the excess liquid from the cucumber using clean hands or cheesecloth.
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In a food processor, combine 1 cup of plain low-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup of grated cucumber, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 cloves of crushed garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill. Pulse on medium speed until well combined.
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Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper to taste. Mix well.
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Finally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir into the tzatziki sauce to make it creamier.
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Enjoy your healthy tzatziki sauce made right in your kitchen!
Note: For a creamier texture, you can add more Greek yogurt or sour cream to the mixture in step 4.
Tips for Making the Best Tzatziki Sauce
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible.
- When grating the cucumber, avoid grating too far down to where you are close to getting to the seeds.
- The longer you let your fresh dill soak in the yogurt sauce, the more flavorful it will be.
- Tzatziki gets better over time but best when served really cold!
- Don’t skimp on removing the excess water from your cucumber for a thicker tzatziki sauce
- You can make this sauce up to two days ahead and refrigerate.
FAQ
Q: Can I use sour cream instead of plain low-fat yogurt?
* Yes, you can substitute plain low-fat yogurt with sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt.
Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
* Fresh dill is highly recommended for this recipe since its flavor is much more potent than dried dill.
Q: Is it normal for tzatziki sauce to taste bitter?
* No, if your tzatziki sauce tastes bitter then chances are that you grated too close to the seeds or didn’t remove enough moisture from the cucumbers.
Conclusion
That’s it! This easy tzatziki sauce recipe is perfect as a dip for pita bread or vegetables or even as a salad dressing! With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate an authentic Mediterranean sauce to add vibrant flavors to any dish. Plus, with these helpful tips and FAQs answered beforehand you’re ready to whip up this yummy healthy light and creamy full
Substitutions and Variations
With its tangy and refreshing flavor, tzatziki sauce is an incredibly versatile condiment that can be used in various ways. Luckily, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own.
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this classic sauce, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt. This will cut down on calories and fat while still maintaining the creamy texture. You could also opt for plain low-fat yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
For those who prefer a more savory take on tzatziki sauce, consider adding some chopped fresh onions to the mix. This will give the sauce a subtle kick while still allowing the cucumber and lemon juice to shine.
If dill isn’t your favorite herb or you’re looking for something different, try experimenting with other herbs such as mint or parsley. Both herbs add a fresh touch and can complement different dishes.
You can also customize the consistency of your tzatziki by adjusting the amount of grated cucumber you add. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use less grated cucumber. However, if you enjoy a chunkier texture, you can add more grated cucumber to achieve this.
Finally, serving tzatziki with different dishes can add an exciting twist to your meals. Whether as a dip for raw vegetables or pita bread, as a salad dressing or as a topping for grilled meats, tzatziki is an authentic Mediterranean sauce that elevates any dish. So go ahead and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this easy tzatziki sauce, there are a plethora of options to consider. This creamy, garlic and lemon-infused sauce is a delightful dip for various traditional Mediterranean dishes, including pita bread, falafel, and gyros. The tzatziki sauce is also a fantastic topping for wraps or sandwiches with grilled chicken or shrimp skewers.
Aside from using it as a dip or dressing choice in your favorite dishes, tzatziki sauce can improve your meals even if you’re not fond of Mediterranean cuisine. You can pair it with grilled fish or roasted vegetables and toss in a few slices of onions or cucumbers to add extra crunch and texture. This mild and refreshing sauce brings culinary pleasure to any meal, offering the perfect balance of tanginess, creaminess, acidity and brightness.
The possibilities for synergetic pairings are quite numerous. For instance, you could ensure complementary textures by pairing the tzatziki light sauce with crispy seasoned flatbreads like lavash or pita chips. Perhaps even do some experimentation on incorporating this beloved recipe into other popular foods that entertain guests at parties.
All this said the most fundamental recommendation for enjoying tzatziki yogurt sauce is to let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will allow artfully-blended flavors to meld better together, and making sure the garlic isn’t overpowering your palate but rather plays along side perfectly with fresh dill and lemon juice.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many advantages of this easy tzatziki sauce recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making meal prep much simpler. The flavors actually develop and intensify when the sauce is stored in the fridge for a few hours. This makes it perfect for entertaining or for a quick dinner at home.
To store your tzatziki sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Do not freeze tzatziki as it doesn’t thaw well, and it tends to become watery and lose its flavor.
When it comes to reheating tzatziki sauce, this is a no-go zone as the mixture separates with heat, making the taste turn bitter. If you have leftover tzatziki dip that needs to be served, there’s no need to reheat or cook it.
Before serving make sure you check if its consistency has remained thick and creamy; if not stir through gently to combine before using.
The best way to enjoy this Mediterranean sauce is by serving it chilled from your fridge as a healthy condiment. You can serve tzatziki chilled alongside fresh veggies, flatbread like pita bread, utilize as salad dressing or anything in between as a dip or spread too! So refrigerate and enjoy fresh healthy Tzatziki all week!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your tzatziki sauce turns out perfect every time, I have some tips to share with you.
First and foremost, be sure to use fresh ingredients. For example, if you’re using dill or garlic in the recipe, make sure they are fresh and not dried out. The fresher the ingredients are, the better the flavor of your sauce will be.
Another important tip is to use a food processor. A food processor will give you a smoother consistency than if you were to chop the ingredients by hand. This will make your tzatziki sauce look more appetizing and appealing to the eyes.
When grating your cucumber, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. Excess moisture in your tzatziki sauce can cause it to become watery and dilute the flavor.
It’s also crucial to properly season your tzatziki sauce with salt and black pepper. Add these slowly and try different measurements until you find one that suits your preference. Be careful not to go overboard with salt, because too much can ruin your healthy tzatziki sauce.
Lastly, remember that tzatziki is best made ahead of time and stored overnight in the refrigerator so that it can develop its full flavor profile. When serving it with pita bread or as a salad dressing, let it sit out for about 15 minutes at room temperature to take off the chill before serving.
With these few helpful tips, cooking tzatziki sauce will be a breeze!
FAQ
As we near the end of this tzatziki sauce recipe article, it’s worth addressing some frequently asked questions that arise around tzatziki sauces and dips. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you become a tzatziki master and troubleshoot along the way. So, let’s dive in!
Can tzatziki sauce be heated?
It is possible to serve Tzatziki sauce warm. After straining the cucumbers, it is advisable to allow them to reach room temperature before heating up the sauce. To warm up the sauce, just mix up all the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
What’s the difference between yogurt sauce and tzatziki?
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, then you must have come across that delicious sauce made with yogurt and cucumber, called Tzatziki. Pronounced as Tsaht-ZEE-kee, this sauce can be easily prepared by mixing yogurt, drained cucumber, olive oil, a few fresh herbs (such as mint or dill), garlic, lemon juice and some salt.
Is homemade tzatziki good for you?
Tzatziki is indeed a healthy dipping sauce that can be savored with various meals, such as falafel or Greek meatballs. Moreover, it can be used as a dip for vegetables. This delightful sauce has a low-calorie and low-fat composition, which is perfect for keeping your healthy diet in balance. It is made with fresh ingredients containing protein, calcium, and vitamins that add to its nutritional value.
Why does my tzatziki taste bitter?
Using a blender or food processor to make an emulsion, like mayonnaise or tzatziki sauce, causes the olive oil to break into smaller droplets. This allows the polyphenols to spread more evenly throughout the food, enhancing the bitterness of the taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy tzatziki sauce recipe is a game-changer that you don’t want to miss out on. It’s healthy, creamy, and full of bright flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more. The combination of cucumber, yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice and salt gives this sauce an authentic Mediterranean taste.
Besides being a tasty addition to your meals, tzatziki is also very versatile. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It pairs perfectly with pita bread, vegetables, meat or fish. You can also use it as a salad dressing or dip.
The best part? This cooking light easy tzatziki sauce recipe can be made in less than 10 minutes! With such a quick recipe at hand, there’s no need to buy pre-made tzatziki from the grocery store ever again.
If you’re looking for a way to add some zest to your meals while eating healthy at the same time, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to impress your friends and family and leave them asking for more. After tasting this delicious sauce, I promise you won’t go back to your old ways.
So go ahead and cook some tzatziki sauce today! Your taste buds will thank you for it!
Cooking Light Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cucumbers, grated, peeled, seeded
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onions, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.
- It says a serving size is 1 tablespoons.