A delicious, summery sauce that bring you to the Mediterranean with fresh cucumber and lemon. One of the best parts of summer is that dinner suddenly becomes easy. Fresh fruits and veggies are at their peak, and makes dinner ten times easier. This tzatziki sauce is a great recipe for showcasing summer produce. It’s rich & creamy, bright, and packed with fresh herbs. Roast some summer squash with grape tomatoes and onions in the oven and throw tzatziki on it. Grill some chicken and wrap it in a pita, and throw tzatziki on it. The list goes on with the endless choices of what you can use this sauce for. I actually made this sauce to accompany turkey meatballs and lemony rice with peas.
How easy is it to make Tzatziki Sauce?
I remember tasting tzatziki for the first time when my parents used to take me to Pete’s Pitaria in Island Park, NY when I was a kid. Throughout the years, I always ordered from Greek Town in Rockville Center, NY just to have my favorite dinner. Spanakopita, rice with peas in a tomato sauce, and of course, the tzatziki sauce. I was very picky on where I got my tzatziki and Spanakopita. Until today, I learned how easy it was to make tzatziki at home! I haven’t attempted to make Spanakopita yet, but I may one day. Since I live in Pittsburgh now, I haven’t looked for a Greek restaurant here. So, I figured I would make my own sauce until I find one.
- Shred the cucumber. You want to use the biggest holes on the box grater when shredding the cucumber. It’ll give the Tzatziki sauce texture.
- Squeeze the water out of the shredded cucumbers. This is essential. If you don’t squeeze the water out, it’ll make the sauce separate and not creamy. Squeeze the cucumber in a towel over the sink so water doesn’t get everywhere.
- Stir everything together! All that’s left to do is mix the cucumbers, yogurt, lemon, garlic, dill, salt, olive oil, and mint, if you plan on using it. Chill the Tzatziki until you’re ready to use it. You can make this a day in advance to let the flavors mingle a bit longer to get the full potential out of it.
What can I do with the Tzatziki sauce?
You can serve this with a crudité platter that consists of lot’s of fresh veggies such as snap peas, Persian cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, etc. A simple way to enjoy this is with some pita, crackers, or pita crackers! This is a great dip to serve at a party you host. It’s simple and easy to make, and will be the most enjoyed.
You can also dollop this sauce onto sandwiches such as gyros, burgers, or even on a grilled chicken wrap with spinach, tomato and zucchini. Serve it alongside some Mediterranean classics like falafel, souvlaki, spanakopita, or even a baked salmon dish. Smother some salads like tabbouleh or a couscous salad. Last but not least, serve it with pita and LOTS of fresh summer veggies straight from the farmers market (or your local supermarket!).
What exactly is Tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki sauce is a salted yogurt dip and cucumber dip made with strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Usually, your authentic Greek tzatziki is made with sheep or goat yogurt, but being as that isn’t as widely available, whole milk Greek yogurt is ok to take its place. It’s easier to find, and the consistency is still thick and creamy that tzatziki should have.
Want the recipe? Click print below! Let me know how it came out for you by tagging me on Instagram (@missravenskitchen) and using #missravenskitchen! Let me know if I need to tweak anything.
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded cucumber
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place the shredded cucumber on a towel and gently squeeze to get rid of the excess water.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, dill, and mint, if using.
- Chill until you are ready to use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
32.21Fat (grams)
1.72Sat. Fat (grams)
0.72Carbs (grams)
1.66Fiber (grams)
0.10Net carbs
1.55Sugar (grams)
1.28Protein (grams)
2.66Sodium (milligrams)
83.51Cholesterol (grams)
3.69
Miss Raven's Kitchen 
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