Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 English cucumber, partially peeled (striped)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated or minced (start with 1 to 2 cloves if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- A handful of chopped fresh dill or mint (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Warm pita bread and sliced vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Grate the cucumber using a box grater or pulse it in a small food processor until finely chopped. Toss the grated cucumber with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Place it in a cheesecloth or a double-layered kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible; you’ll be surprised at how much water comes out.
- Combine Garlic Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix the grated garlic with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, white vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
- Mix in Yogurt and Cucumber: Add the drained cucumber to the garlic mixture. Stir in the Greek yogurt, a pinch of white pepper, and fresh herbs if you’re using them. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Chill the Sauce: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the sauce a thicker texture.
- Serve: Before serving, give the tzatziki a good stir. Transfer it to a serving bowl and, if desired, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil on top. Serve it alongside warm pita bread and an assortment of sliced vegetables.
Notes
Choosing the Cucumber: Opt for an English cucumber to minimize seeds and bitterness. Partially peeling it adds a lovely aesthetic touch with alternating dark and light green stripes.
Garlic Intensity: Adjust the number of garlic cloves to suit your taste. Starting with fewer cloves allows you to control the pungency.
Herb Variations: Fresh dill is traditional, but mint offers a refreshing twist. Feel free to experiment with both or neither, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 33 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg