Best Tzatziki Sauce Recipes

CHICKEN SOUVLAKI WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large resealable bag. Add chicken, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
• Mix yogurt, cucumber, 1 tablespoon olive oil, vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 pinch salt together in a bowl. Refrigerate tzatziki sauce for flavors to blend, 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Soak wooden skewers in a bowl of water for about 15 minutes.
• Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto the soaked skewers. Discard unused marinade.
• Cook the skewers on the preheated grill, turning frequently until nicely browned on all sides and chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 8 minutes per side. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

TZATZIKI SAUCE-- GREEK CUCUMBER/YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Peel cucumbers and dice. Put them in a colander and sprinkle with the tablespoon of salt (draws water out). Cover with a plate and sit something heavy on top. Let sit for 30 minute Drain well and wipe dry with a paper towel.
• In food processor or blender, add cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, dill and/or mint, and a few grinds of black pepper. Process until well blended, then stir into yogurt. Taste before adding any extra salt, then salt if needed. Place in refrigerator for at least two hours before serving so flavors can blend.
• This will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but you will need to drain off any water and stir each time you use it.
• ** If you can't find the thicker Greek Yogurt Cheese, you can use regular, plain yogurt that is either full fat or low fat. To thicken, spoon yogurt into cheese cloth that has been quadrupled. Draw the corners of the cloth up and tie together. Suspend above a bowl for 2 hours so that water can drip out. The consistency of the yogurt should be like that of sour cream.
• You can skip this draining process, if you want, but you will have a moderately messier, runnier result.

GYRO MEAT WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Process the onion in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds and turn out into the center of a tea towel. Gather up the ends of the towel and squeeze until almost all of the juice is removed. Discard juice.
• Return the onion to the food processor and add the lamb, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper and process until it is a fine paste, approximately 1 minute. Stop the processor as needed to scrape down sides of bowl.
• To cook in the oven as a meatloaf, proceed as follows:
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Place the mixture into a loaf pan, making sure to press into the sides of the pan. Place the loaf pan into a water bath and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 to 170 degrees F. Remove from the oven and drain off any fat. Place the loaf pan on a cooling rack and place a brick wrapped in aluminum foil directly on the surface of the meat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes and feta cheese.
• To cook on a rotisserie, proceed as follows:
• Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place on top of 2 overlapping pieces of plastic wrap that are at least 18 inches long. Roll the mixture in the plastic wrap tightly, making sure to remove any air pockets. Once the meat is completely rolled in the wrap, twist the ends of the plastic wrap until the surface of the wrap is tight. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, to allow the mixture to firm up.
• Preheat the grill to high.
• Place the meat onto the rotisserie skewer. Place a double-thick piece of aluminum foil folded into a tray directly under the meat to catch any drippings. Cook on high for 15 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F. Turn off the heat and allow to continue to spin for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
• Place the yogurt in a tea towel, gather up the edges, suspend over a bowl, and drain for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Place the chopped cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove the liquid; discard liquid. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mint. Serve as a sauce for gyros. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Yield: 1 1/2 cups

TZATZIKI SAUCE (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)

Steps:

• Line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth and place it over a medium bowl. Place the yogurt on the cheesecloth and cover the colander with plastic wrap. Allow yogurt to drain overnight.
• Lay grated cucumber on a plate lined with paper towel; allow to drain 1 to 2 hours.
• Combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

TZATZIKI SAUCE -YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP

Steps:

• Line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Place yogurt on the cheesecloth and cover the colander with plastic wrap. Allow yogurt to drain, 8 hours to overnight.
• Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer; allow to drain 1 to 2 hours.
• Mix yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate for flavors to blend, at least 2 hours.

LAMB GYRO WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE AND SPICY SOUR CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss the cubed lamb with the garlic, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and lemon juice. Coat the lamb completely. Let the lamb marinate for 30 minutes.
• Heat a large, deep skillet over high heat and drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the lamb with 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the lamb to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked to medium-rare, about 4 minutes on each side.
• Heat the pita bread in a dry pan or in the microwave for just a few seconds until warm and pliable. On each piece of bread, lay a few pieces of lamb, some tomato slices, lettuce, feta and a spoonful of each sauce. Transfer to a serving platter, fold and enjoy!
• To make Tzatziki sauce:
• In a small bowl, combine the cucumber, mint, dill, lemon zest, and yogurt. Season with salt, to taste, and serve with the gyros.
• Yield: about 2 cups
• To make Spicy Sour Cream Sauce:
• In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream, lemon, and sriracha sauce together until completely blended. Season the sauce with salt, to taste, and serve with the gyros.
• Yield: about 1 cup

EASY TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, parsley, and salt together in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Stir before serving.

LAMB KABOBS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat grill to high. Soak skewers in water for 25 to 30 minutes.
• In a large bowl combine lamb, scallions, onion powder, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, cumin, thyme, salt and pepper, to taste. Form meat around skewers, making an oblong sausage shape pressing and securing firmly. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove skewers from refrigerator. Brush grill with oil. Grill kabobs until charred on the outside and medium-rare on the inside, turning only once, about 3 minutes each side. Brush pita lightly with oil, and grill briefly on both sides to warm. Remove lamb kabobs from skewers and place 2 on each pita. Drizzle with Tzatziki Sauce to serve.
• Add the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, hot sauce, lemon juice and zest in a food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix everything together in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. (Can be made a day ahead.) Try it drizzled over slow-cooked Greek lamb with chickpea salad.

GREEK TURKEY BURGERS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• In small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of the yogurt and remaining sauce ingredients; refrigerate until serving.
• Heat gas or charcoal grill. In medium bowl, mix all burger ingredients and remaining yogurt. Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
• Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 8 to10 minutes, turning after 5 minutes, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F. Place burgers on buns; top with tomato slices and sauce.

TZATZIKI (GYRO SAUCE)

Steps:

• Toss cucumber with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a colander and drain 15 minutes.
• Mince and mash garlic to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt, then whisk together with olive oil, yogurt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Squeeze out any excess water from cucumbers with your hands, then stir cucumbers into yogurt mixture. Season with salt.
• Cover and chill 1 hour.

GYRO MEAT LOAF WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble lamb over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish., Bake, uncovered, 55-60 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with tzatziki sauce. Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled meat loaf in plastic wrap and foil. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Unwrap meat loaf; reheat on a greased shallow baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

GREEK PITA BURGERS WITH SPINACH, FETA AND TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Place shredded cucumber in clean dish towel; squeeze to remove any excess liquid. In small bowl, mix cucumber and remaining sauce ingredients. Cover; refrigerate until serving time.
• Heat gas or charcoal grill. In large bowl, mix all burger ingredients except buns, tomatoes and lettuce. Shape into 8 patties, 1/4 inch thick. Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F.
• Spoon 2 tablespoons sauce on bottom half of each bun. Top with burger, tomato and lettuce. Cover with top halves of buns.

GREEK CHICKEN BURGERS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Set oven control to broil. Chop enough cucumber to equal 1/2 cup; place in small bowl (slice 8 slices from remaining cucumber for sandwiches; set aside). Stir in remaining sauce ingredients; refrigerate until ready to use.
• In large bowl, mix chicken, spinach, olives, cornstarch, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Shape into 4 oval patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. On broiler pan, place patties. Broil with tops about 5 inches from heat 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until thermometer inserted in center of burgers reads at least 165°F.
• Place burgers in pita pocket halves. To serve, top each burger with tomato, cucumber slices and about 3 tablespoons sauce.

CRISP ATLANTIC SALMON ON LENTILS WITH MOROCCAN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE WITH HARISSA, SERVED WITH TZATZIKI AND GRILLED NAN BREAD

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Pre-heat grill.
• Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and season. Saute until the vegetables are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, or to taste.
• Toast the above in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for five minutes (or on the stove over medium heat). Grind the mixture in a spice or coffee grinder.
• Coat the salmon.
• Finish the Sauce:
• Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor, until the liquid is smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Makes enough for at least twelve fillets.
• Heat saute pan, add stock and lentils and simmer until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in butter, season and serve.
• Bring two saute pans to high heat, add the olive oil, and when hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down (do not crowd pan). Shake pans to be sure the fillets are not sticking. Add the butter little bits at a time, shaking the pan to incorporate the butter into the oil. Place pan in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast.
• Make the tzatziki: 32 ounces yogurt 2 English cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste
• Place yogurt in cheese cloth, tie the end closed with kitchen string and hang it on a rack, above a bowl, in the refrigerator. Allow to drain for two hours or overnight. Discard the liquid in the bowl, and blend the yogurt with the remaining ingredients.
• Combine oil, garlic and salt. Using a pastry brush, coat the bread lightly with the oil and place on grill. Cook to mark bread, turn to mark other side and serve.
• To serve:
• Mound lentils in center of plate. Place salmon fillet on top, skin side up. Surround with sauce. Present with side dishes of tzatziki and nan bread.

TZATZIKI SAUCE I

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill and garlic. Blend thoroughly and serve.

GYRO BURGERS WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, mint, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small container. Cover and refrigerate.
• Combine beef, oregano, feta cheese, onion powder, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 patties.
• Grill patties on each side until desired doneness is reached.
• Grill pitas for a minute or two on each side to warm.
• Assemble sandwiches - open pitas, add burger, a dollop of sauce, and any of the sliced vegetables listed above for garnish. Enjoy!

MINI GREEK MEATLOAVES WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.
• In medium bowl, mix meatloaves ingredients. Scoop generous 1/3 cup meat mixture into each muffin cup, pressing down slightly.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of one loaf reads 160°F. Let stand in pan 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix tzatziki sauce ingredients; refrigerate until serving time. Serve meatloaves with tzatziki sauce.

GREEK TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Place yogurt in a coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth, and place in a strainer over a dish. Let drain for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. If using Greek yogurt you do not need to drain it, as it is already a thick consistency.
• Meanwhile, put the chopped or grated cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove liquid. Discard liquid. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and mix into the cucumber. Set aside 20 minutes. Rinse a little to wash out the extra salt, if you want to. Then squeeze again to express as much liquid as possible.
• Draining the yogurt and cucumber make for a thick and authentic consistency of tzatziki sauce.
• Combine the drained yogurt and cucumber, sour cream, pinch of salt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, mint and garlic. Note: we love garlic, so I tried adding more once. It made for an overpowering and almost bitter taste, so now I stick to only 1 clove.
• Place sauce in the refrigerator for 1 hour or more to meld flavors. Stir before serving. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Makes 1 1/4 cups.

GREEK MEATBALL STUFFED PITAS WITH SIMPLE TZATZIKI SAUCE

Steps:

• For the Tzatziki
• Place the grated cucumber in the center of a clean kitchen towel. Roll up the towel and squeeze out the excess water from the cucumber. Place the cucumber in a medium bowl. Add the yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made several days in advance.
• For the Meatballs
• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease the foil with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and milk and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to let the crumbs soften. Add the parsley, egg, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the turkey and mix until well combined.
• Portion the meatballs into tablespoon-sized balls and place ½-inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center.
• To Serve
• Slice the pita breads in half. Dollop a spoonful of tzatziki sauce on the bottom of each pita. Add a layer of tomatoes and greens. Stuff meatballs inside and serve.