Description
Creamy Greek tzatziki sauce by Michael Symon brings Mediterranean magic to your kitchen. Cool cucumber and tangy yogurt combine in this simple yet sophisticated condiment perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over grilled meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt
- ½ cup finely grated cucumber
- 1 garlic clove, grated
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint (optional)
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning:
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly pat the cucumber dry using a clean kitchen towel, applying gentle pressure to remove excess moisture without crushing the vegetable.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine full-fat yogurt (227 grams / 8 ounces), freshly squeezed lemon juice (30 milliliters / 2 tablespoons), extra virgin olive oil (15 milliliters / 1 tablespoon), minced fresh garlic clove, kosher salt, finely chopped fresh dill, and optional chopped mint leaves.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-integrated sauce with a consistent texture and balanced flavor profile.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the prepared sauce for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, which will enhance the overall taste and aroma of the condiment.
Notes
- Zesty Lemon Plays Perfectly: Fresh-squeezed juice cuts through the creamy yogurt, creating a bright and tangy flavor profile that awakens your palate.
- Moisture Management Matters: Removing excess water from grated cucumber prevents watery tzatziki, maintaining a thick and luxurious dip consistency.
- Dairy Density Determines Quality: Whole milk Greek yogurt provides a dense, rich base that holds other ingredients together with remarkable smoothness.
- Herb Harmony Enhances Depth: Finely chopped fresh dill and mint introduce layers of aromatic complexity, transforming a simple sauce into a Mediterranean sensation.
- Garlic Intensity Customization: Grate or mince fresh garlic to control the pungent punch, allowing you to dial up or down the traditional Greek flavor intensity.
- Chill Time Concentrates Flavors: Refrigerating tzatziki for at least an hour lets ingredients meld together, developing a more robust and integrated taste experience.
- Serving Versatility Shines: Beyond a classic dip, this sauce elevates grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and works wonderfully as a sandwich spread or salad dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg