This genuine tzatziki sauce recipe includes Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh garlic for an exceptionally creamy dip! Ideal for Mediterranean-style dishes, falafel, grilled chicken, and vegetables.
I’ve been refining this homemade tzatziki recipe for years, and I can assert with confidence that it competes with what you’ll enjoy at restaurants! Following an unforgettable trip to Greece, Alex and I devised a version to encapsulate the essence of our experience with this traditional dip.
This recipe has resided on our website for years, and when I recently presented it alongside my grilled chicken thighs for a dinner gathering, people couldn’t stop praising it. Alex’s meat-and-potatoes uncle even proclaimed it “Incredible.” Alex and I have featured this at countless dinner parties, and it consistently shines. Whether you’re dipping pita chips or spreading it on a sandwich, I am sure you’ll adore this one!
Essential tzatziki components
Tzatziki is a yogurt and cucumber sauce prevalent in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Greek and Turkish dishes. It is commonly served as a side with pita or vegetables or as a dressing for gyros or falafel.
There are numerous perspectives regarding this dip, especially concerning what constitutes the most authentic tzatziki recipe! We don’t have Mediterranean or Middle Eastern roots, so we respect the rich tradition of this cuisine (here’s an authentic recipe from a Greek chef). Here are the typical components found in tzatziki:
– Full-fat Greek yogurt: Utilizing full-fat yogurt is crucial to achieve the desired creaminess!
– Grated cucumber: Just the right amount to maintain the creamy texture. English cucumbers are best as they don’t need peeling or seeding!
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must; avoid jarred minced garlic.
– Olive oil: Oil is vital for flavor and texture.
– Red wine vinegar: A hint of acid adds some zing. While some opt for lemon, our findings indicate that vinegar is the most authentic choice.
– Fresh dill (optional): Fresh dill isn’t always included in traditional Greek tzatziki, but we appreciate how the herbal flavor enhances the dip.
– Salt: Salt is crucial for proper seasoning.
Pro tips for tzatziki sauce
There’s just one key to tzatziki sauce: otherwise, it’s simply dump and mix! Cucumbers are full of water, so it’s essential to extract as much excess as possible before incorporating it into the dip. Here’s what you should know:
– Peel and grate the cucumber, then salt it and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This helps to draw out the liquid.
– Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible with your hands. This step is vital; otherwise, the dip will be too runny.
– Combine! Then mix the cucumber with the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings.
Opt for an English cucumber
This tzatziki sauce is best when using an English cucumber over a regular one, but either will suffice! English cucumber offers a sweet flavor and imperceptible skin and seeds, making it easy to utilize in this recipe.
You can use a regular cucumber, but be sure to seed and peel it first, as the skin is quite bitter and the seeds are large. Persian cucumbers can also be used; they are akin to an English cucumber but smaller!
Vegan tzatziki sauce alternative
Recently, I spent hours experimenting with a vegan tzatziki sauce alternative, since my son avoids dairy. I tested various substitutes (cashew cream, tahini, etc.), but nothing proved effective. Ultimately, I prepared it with coconut yogurt, and it turned out wonderfully!
I chose Cocojune coconut yogurt, which is thick and tangy. I realize brands can differ, so try to find one that is plain, thick, and tangy. Please leave a comment below if you have a preferred brand!
Tasty ways to enjoy tzatziki
This adaptable sauce pairs well with numerous dishes, so I always keep a container in my refrigerator. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:
– Mediterranean mezze platter: I serve it with classic hummus, marinated olives, and warm pita bread for an authentic Greek appetizer spread.
– Grilled meats: It’s fantastic for summer grilling—try grilled chicken, grilled chicken thighs, grilled salmon, or my blackened chicken.
– Falafel and gyros: Essential for authentic falafel or falafel sandwiches.
– Vegetable dip: Fresh cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and carrots all taste fantastic dipped in this sauce.
– Burger condiment: I love spreading it on chickpea burgers or salmon burgers as an alternative to mayo.
– Fish cakes and fritters: It’s the ideal pairing for salmon cakes, tuna cakes, vegan crab cakes, corn fritters, or zucchini fritters.
Storage and preparation tips
Store this homemade tzatziki in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.