Forktionary

Tzatziki

N/A Sauce, Condiment, Dairy

Tzatziki Sauce, Condiment, Dairy

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce, Condiment, Dairy

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate cool counterpoint to rich flavors, a refreshing staple that brightens any Mediterranean meal."

Definition

A creamy, refreshing Greek sauce made from strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like dill or mint.

Key Ingredient Greek yogurt or strained plain yogurt.
Primary Use Dip for pita, gyro sauce, salad dressing.
Shelf Life 3-4 days (refrigerated, homemade)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tzatziki are:

Tangy cool garlicky refreshing herbaceous

Chef’s Secret

Grate the cucumber, then salt it and let it sit for 15 minutes before squeezing out excess water. This prevents a watery tzatziki.

Best Substitutes

"Raita (Indian yogurt dip) 1:1

Sour cream & herb dip 1:1

Labneh with cucumber & garlic 1:1"

Buying Guide

Freshness is key. For store-bought, check the expiry date and ingredient list for natural components.

Culinary Pairings

Gyros souvlaki grilled meats falafel pita bread fresh vegetables salads

Recipes Using Tzatziki

7 Layer Dip Greek Style image 118
European Time To Make Greek 60 Minutes Or Less

7 Layer Dip Greek Style

This vibrant 7-layer dip puts a delicious Mediterranean spin on the classic Mexican favorite! Creamy hummus, savory lamb (or easily adaptable vegetarian!), crisp vegetables, and zesty tzatziki create a flavor explosion. Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal, served with warm pita chips. Get ready for this crowd-pleasing recipe to disappear in minutes!

See Complete Recipe