Discover Chef Symon’s Fresh Tzatziki Sauce Recipe!

Tzatziki sauce unleashes a Mediterranean flavor explosion that transforms mundane meals into culinary adventures.

This creamy Greek delight mingles tangy yogurt with cucumber’s crisp freshness and herbs’ vibrant essence.

Zesty and light, the sauce brings an elegant touch to every plate it graces.

Home cooks can effortlessly craft this sublime condiment with just a few simple ingredients.

Each dollop delivers a cool, smooth sensation that elevates grilled proteins and roasted vegetables to new heights.

From backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties, tzatziki sauce adds instant sophistication and authentic Mediterranean charm.

Let’s transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Cucumber: Choose firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing for the best crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Select bright green, fragrant dill with crisp leaves, avoiding wilted or discolored bunches.
• Fresh Mint: Pick vibrant green mint leaves with no brown edges, ensuring a strong aromatic quality.
• Lemon: Look for bright, firm lemons with smooth skin and heavy feel, indicating juiciness.

• Greek Yogurt: Select thick, creamy full-fat yogurt for richness and authentic texture.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choose cold-pressed, deep green oils with robust flavor and smooth finish.

• Garlic, Salt: Use fresh, firm garlic cloves and high-quality sea salt for enhanced depth of flavor.

Tools for Mixing Michael Symon’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized, sturdy vessel for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Kitchen Towel: Clean, soft cloth for pressing and drying cucumber effectively.
• Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs precisely.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for preparing and chopping ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise utensils for adding exact amounts of salt and liquids.
• Garlic Press (optional): Convenient tool for crushing garlic cloves quickly.
• Citrus Juicer (optional): Handy device for extracting fresh lemon juice easily.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Sturdy utensil for stirring ingredients thoroughly.
• Plastic Wrap or Lid: Cover for sealing and chilling the tzatziki in the refrigerator.

Instructions for Tzatziki Sauce

• Squeeze Cucumber Dry

Spread a clean kitchen towel and roll the cucumber across it, pressing firmly to extract excess liquid. This technique ensures a thick, rich tzatziki without wateriness.

• Blend Flavor Companions

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, fragrant olive oil, crushed garlic, and a sprinkle of salt. Chop fresh herbs like dill and mint, then fold them gently into the mixture. Stir until the ingredients dance together smoothly. Cover and let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for half an hour, allowing the flavors to become best friends. Serve chilled alongside grilled meats, pita bread, or as a vibrant dipping companion for vegetables.

Expert Tips on Symon’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Squeeze Out Moisture: Pat cucumber dry thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki and maintain a thick, creamy texture that clings perfectly to your favorite foods.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the tzatziki rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing garlic, herbs, and yogurt to blend and develop a more intense, harmonious taste profile.
• Herb Swap Adventure: Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano or parsley to create unique flavor variations that match your main dish or personal preference.
• Temperature Trick: Serve tzatziki chilled for maximum freshness and a refreshing taste that complements grilled meats, vegetables, and Mediterranean-style dishes.

How to Serve Michael Symon’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Dip into Fresh Appetizers: Serve tzatziki with warm pita bread, crispy vegetable sticks, or grilled flatbreads for a delightful Mediterranean-style starter.
• Pair with Protein Perfection: Drizzle over grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or roasted fish to add a cool, tangy complement to your main course.
• Create Sandwich Sensation: Spread tzatziki inside gyros, wraps, or Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches for an extra burst of creamy, herbal flavor.
• Elevate Veggie Platter: Use as a dipping sauce for roasted or raw vegetables, transforming a simple side dish into a zesty, refreshing experience.

Storage Suggestions for Tzatziki Sauce

• Maximize Freshness: Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may release some liquid, so give it a quick stir before serving.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Make tzatziki a day in advance to let flavors develop more intensely. The longer it chills, the more delicious and harmonious the taste becomes.
• Moisture Management: Always drain excess liquid from cucumber before mixing to maintain the perfect creamy consistency. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out water effectively.
• Serving Smart: Keep tzatziki chilled until ready to serve. If the sauce separates, simply whisk it gently to restore its creamy texture. Bring to near-room temperature for the most vibrant flavor profile.

Authentic Michael Symon Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Renowned chef Michael Symon’s tzatziki sauce blends creamy Greek yogurt with crisp cucumber and zesty garlic. Herbs and lemon juice highlight Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with grilled meats or fresh vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt, whole milk, thick
• ½ cup (120 ml) cucumber, finely grated
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) mint, chopped (optional)
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) sea salt

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Instructions

1. Cucumber Preparation: Delicately blot cucumber with a kitchen towel, extracting excess liquid without damaging the vegetable’s structural integrity.
2. Flavor Fusion: Blend full-fat yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, chopped fresh dill, and optional mint leaves in a medium mixing bowl, whisking vigorously until achieving a harmonious, silky consistency.
3. Flavor Maturation: Seal the mixture in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 15-20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more complex, nuanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Drain Cucumber Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent watery tzatziki and maintain a thick, creamy consistency.
• Choose Full-Fat Yogurt: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to ensure a rich, luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex taste.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Add salt, garlic, and herbs incrementally, tasting as you go to achieve perfect balance without overwhelming the delicate sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 20mg