Tzatiki- The simple sauce that elevates everything

Yogurt, Lemon and Cucumber are the base for this Greek staple

Got a cucumber and some greek yogurt in the fridge?

Then you have the base for a creamy, fresh and bright dip/sauce/dressing that elevates every meal.

This is THE best recipe for Tzatiki.

It is really thick and creamy. Actually, I use Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt– it is really thick and has very low sugar. I strain the yogurt and squeeze the water out of the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce- do not skip this step.

Typically, I make this sauce and grill chicken, peppers and serve everything on pita bread with even more vegetables. Think of Tzatiki as a Greek style Taco Tuesday night- but super healthy.

Add anything to your gyro/pita- olives, tomatoes, roasted chick peas, tapenade, cucumber, feta. All those amazing Greek foods that are so good for you.

tzatiki sacue — Starined yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and fresh herbs- so healthy

To make Tzatiki, take plain Greek yogurt and place 2 cups in a fine mesh strainer for 30 minutes to drain out even more water. It is really important you use thick Greek Yogurt.

Grate a medium cucumber with the large holes of your box grater. Wrap the cucumber shreds in cheese cloth or a clean dish towel and squeeze out all the water. There is a ton of water in cucmbers.

To the thickened yogurt and cucumber, add lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped mint or flat leaf parsley (dill would be great), 2 chopped garlic cloves and a drizzle of olive oil over the top. Chill and serve with your grilled meats and veggies on warm pita bread.

Grilled chciekn and peppers are the perfect accompiament for my Tzatiki.

Healthy.

Easy.

Yummy.

Tzatiki Sauce- give it a try tonight.

Enjoy!

Salt, pepper, fresh herbs, garlic and lemon brighten this incredible dip.

Tzatiki Sauce

2 cups plain Greek or Icelandic Yogurt
1 medium cucumber, peeled
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 TBSP lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
2 TBSP flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
2 TBSP mint, finely chopped
Olive oil

Directions

Place yogurt into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and let sit for 30 minutes. You will see about 1- 2 teaspoons of water strain from the yogurt.
Peel the cucumber. Using the large holes in a box grater, grate the cucumber. Place grated cucumber in a piece of cheese cloth and tightly squeeze all the water of out- as if you were wringing out a towel. Place cucumber and the strained yogurt into a medium sized bowl.
To the yogurt, add in the remaining ingredients up to the olive oil. Mix well. Check for seasonings and add more salt if needed. Place into a decorative serving bowl and chill. Just before serving, drizzle about 2 tsp of olive oil over the sauce.