Zesty Lemon-Dill Tzatziki Sauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

Here's a recipe that brings a refreshing twist to any meal: Zesty Lemon-Dill Tzatziki Sauce. This creamy, tangy, and herb-infused sauce is perfect for waking up your taste buds and adding a dash of Mediterranean flair to your dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing flavors that enhance any meal.
  • Simple to prepare, with no cooking required.
  • Perfect for summer barbecues or as a healthy snack.
  • Packed with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a dip, spread, or sauce.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
1 English cucumber, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grating the cucumber using the large holes on a box grater. Once grated, wrap the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This step is crucial to avoid a watery sauce. Next, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine the Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir to distribute the flavors evenly.

Now, toss in the chopped fresh dill. If you've never worked with fresh dill before, you’re in for a treat; it adds a unique flavor that dried dill just can’t match. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest, mixing everything together thoroughly. These citrus elements are what give this sauce its signature zest and brightness.

Next, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. This step helps to meld all the flavors together, adding a luscious texture. Season with salt and black pepper, and give it one last good stir. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and develop, turning a good sauce into a great one.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best texture, always squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumber.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor for a few seconds.
  • Letting the tzatziki sit overnight enhances the flavors even more, making it even tastier the next day.
  • For a thicker sauce, use full-fat Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

This Zesty Lemon-Dill Tzatziki Sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, offering a cool contrast to the savory flavors. It's also fantastic as a dip for fresh vegetables or pita bread. Try spreading it on a sandwich or wrap for an extra layer of flavor, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cucumber instead of English cucumber?
Yes, but make sure to peel it and remove the seeds before grating to avoid excess water and bitterness.
How long will this tzatziki sauce keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
You can, but fresh dill provides a brighter flavor. If using dried, start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Ingredients Explained

Greek yogurt is the creamy base of the sauce, providing a rich texture and a bit of tang. English cucumber brings a fresh, crisp taste and helps lighten up the sauce. Adding minced garlic gives it a little kick, while fresh dill contributes a distinct, aromatic herbiness. The fresh lemon juice and lemon zest offer a citrusy zing that brightens the flavor, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds smoothness and a hint of fruitiness. Season it all with salt and black pepper to taste, and you've got a well-balanced, flavorful sauce.

Simplified Instructions

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Stir in the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve cold as a dip or side sauce.

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