Mediterranean Yogurt Sauce (Tzatziki Style)
A cool, creamy Mediterranean yogurt sauce made with thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, lemon, and garlic. This tzatziki-style sauce is ready in 15 minutes and pairs with everything from grilled meats to grain bowls.
Equipment
- Cheese grater or mandolin
- Colander
- Cheesecloth or paper towel
Ingredients
- 2 cups thick whole milk Greek yogurt 5% fat
- 1 cup finely grated cucumber 1-2 medium cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Line a colander with a paper towel or cheesecloth and set it over a bowl or in the sink.
- Grate the cucumber using a cheese grater or mandolin. Spread the grated cucumber across the lined colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to drain excess liquid.1 cup finely grated cucumber, 1 teaspoon sea salt
- After 10 minutes, gather the cucumber in the paper towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is key to a thick, creamy sauce.
- Transfer the drained cucumber to a mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of Greek yogurt, 2 grated garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.2 cups thick whole milk Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Stir all ingredients together until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Sauce improves in flavor after a few hours in the fridge.
- Stir before serving if any liquid has separated.
- Swap dill for fresh mint or use a combination of both for a variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 5gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.1mg
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