Indulge in the Mediterranean flavors with our traditional Greek Tzatziki recipe. Made with creamy Greek yogurt, refreshing cucumber, zesty garlic, and aromatic herbs, this iconic dip is a refreshing addition to any meal or snack. Perfectly paired with grilled meats, pita bread, or simply enjoyed as a dip with veggies, our Tzatziki embodies the essence of Greek cuisine, offering a burst of freshness and tanginess in every bite. Try our recipe today and transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

Here's a classic recipe for Greek Tzatziki:

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Start by grating the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the cucumber in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain.

2- While the cucumber is draining, prepare the yogurt mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Mix well to combine.

3- After the cucumber has drained, squeeze out any excess moisture using your hands or by pressing it gently with a clean kitchen towel.

4- Add the grated cucumber to the yogurt mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

5- Season the Tzatziki with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

6- Cover the Tzatziki and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

7- Before serving, give the Tzatziki a final stir and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

8- Serve the Tzatziki as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a condiment alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this classic Greek Tzatziki!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Greek Tzatziki recipe:

Large cucumber (about 300g):

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Hydration: Cucumbers are high in water content, helping to keep you hydrated.
• Nutrient-rich: They contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
• Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Greek yogurt (1 1/2 cups or 360g):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 9g

benefits:

• Protein source: Greek yogurt is rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Probiotics: It contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and aid in digestion.
• Calcium: Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Immune support: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help boost the immune system and fight off infections.
• Heart health: It may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Anti-inflammatory: Garlic contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon or 15ml):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 14g

benefits:

• Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-inflammatory: Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon or 15ml):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Vitamin C: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health.
• Antioxidants: Lemon juice contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
• Digestive aid: It can stimulate the production of digestive juices, aiding in digestion and detoxification.

Fresh dill (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Digestive health: Dill has been traditionally used to relieve digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion.
• Antioxidants: It contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
• Flavor enhancement: Dill adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to dishes, enhancing their taste and appeal.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, ripeness, and size of ingredients. Additionally, the serving size of the Tzatziki will affect the overall nutritional content per serving.