Barefoot Contessa Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Sharon Brown
When it comes to summer gatherings, there’s nothing quite like a cool, refreshing dip to set the tone. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, friends and family mingling, and a spread of delicious dishes on the table.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3
Calories 128 kcal
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest
- 1 hothouse cucumber unpeeled and deseeded
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1/4 cup of rich sour cream
- 2 7-ounce tubs of full-fat Greek yogurt, like Fage Total
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Start by taking your hothouse cucumber. Since this is the star of the sauce, it’s crucial to prepare it well. Slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. This prevents excess water from making your tzatziki runny.
Grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor and place it on a clean towel to drain off the moisture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rich Greek yogurt, sour cream, and minced garlic. This is where the creamy texture begins. Stir until well blended. Watch how the garlic infuses those delightful flavors!
Now that your cucumber is drained, add it to the yogurt mixture. Squeeze out any extra moisture. You’re aiming for a nice, thick consistency.
Next, drizzle in the olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Zest the lemon and toss that in too. Then, add your fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Pop the tzatziki in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. You will be surprised how much better it tastes after this chilling time!
- Use full-fat yogurt for creaminess: While low-fat versions may work, full-fat Greek yogurt gives the tzatziki its signature richness.
- Adjust garlic to your taste: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, start with less and build up to your desired flavor.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh mint or parsley can be delicious substitutes for dill if you want to switch things up.
- Squeeze excess liquid from cucumber: This step is vital to prevent a watery dip.
- Plan ahead: Making tzatziki the day before enhances its flavor. Just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
Calories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 4.7gSaturated Fat: 1.7gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 91mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8g
Keyword barefoot contessa tzatziki sauce recipe