Homemade Tzatziki Recipe

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Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe close to my heart – an old-fashioned tzatziki sauce with a healthful twist. Imagine, if you will, the creamy, tangy, and utterly refreshing taste of traditional tzatziki, but packed with an extra punch of vitamins and minerals.

It’s a dip that dances on the palate and nourishes the body, perfectly embodying the balance of indulgence and wellness.

Nutritional Information

A 2-tablespoon serving of this homemade tzatziki sauce approximately contains:

• Calories: 35
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams

Ingredients List

• 2 cups Greek yogurt, full-fat for richness or non-fat for a lighter version
• 1 large cucumber, seeded and finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the cucumber. Cut it in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Grate the cucumber, and then wrap the shreds in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the thick Greek yogurt with the minced garlic, olive oil, white vinegar, and fresh dill. Stir in the lemon zest for a hint of citrus zing. This concoction forms the creamy base of your tzatziki.
3. Fold the drained cucumber into the yogurt mixture, blending it thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
4. For the best flavor, cover and let the tzatziki sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. This rest time allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the yogurt with their robust flavors.
5. Give the tzatziki one final stir before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Homemade Tzatziki Recipe

Recipe by Dr. Hailee

5.0 from 1 vote

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Total time

10

minutes

An old-fashioned tzatziki sauce with a healthful twist.

Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups 2 Greek yogurt, full-fat for richness or non-fat for a lighter version

• 1 large 1 cucumber, seeded and finely grated

• 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon 1 white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon 1 fresh dill, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon 1 lemon zest

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

• Begin by preparing the cucumber. Cut it in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Grate the cucumber, and then wrap the shreds in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the thick Greek yogurt with the minced garlic, olive oil, white vinegar, and fresh dill. Stir in the lemon zest for a hint of citrus zing. This concoction forms the creamy base of your tzatziki.
• Fold the drained cucumber into the yogurt mixture, blending it thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
• For the best flavor, cover and let the tzatziki sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. This rest time allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the yogurt with their robust flavors.
• Give the tzatziki one final stir before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1g
• Total number of serves: 5
• Calories: 35kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is tzatziki sauce made of?

Tzatziki sauce is a Mediterranean marvel made primarily from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs such as dill or mint. It’s a versatile condiment that can be slathered on sandwiches, used as a dip for vegetables, or as a companion to grilled meats.

The coolness of the cucumber and the tang of the yogurt make it an ideal summer treat, but honestly, it’s a delight in any season.

What is the difference between Greek and Turkish tzatziki?

While both Greek and Turkish cuisines feature a yogurt-based cucumber sauce, the Greek version, known as tzatziki, often includes olive oil, garlic, and vinegar or lemon juice, with dill as a favored herb.

The Turkish counterpart, called cacık, is typically more diluted and can be consumed as a cold soup, with a focus on the combination of yogurt and cucumber without the pronounced use of garlic and dill found in Greek tzatziki.

Is tzatziki healthier than sour cream?

Absolutely! Tzatziki made with Greek yogurt is lower in calories and fat, and higher in protein than sour cream. It’s also packed with probiotics, calcium, and vitamins.

The cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and are a good source of hydration and fiber. When you substitute sour cream with this tzatziki recipe, you’re not just adding flavor, you’re upgrading the health benefits of your meal.

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Wrap-Up

This tzatziki sauce is a testament to the idea that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s a guilt-free addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a burst of flavor and a multitude of uses.

Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “Opa!” Enjoy the rich heritage of Mediterranean cuisine right in your kitchen, and feel good about what’s going into your body. Eat well, live well, and until next time, happy cooking!