Tzatziki or cacik is a refreshing and versatile dip, sauce, or salad made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil. Originating from Greece and popular throughout the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, it is a staple in many cuisines. With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and cooling properties, tzatziki is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pita bread. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or as a topping for salads and soups. The variations of tzatziki are endless, allowing for customization to suit personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer a classic Greek-style tzatziki or a more modern interpretation with herbs, spices, or additional vegetables, this delightful dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
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TURKISH CACIK (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)
This is a great recipe for a traditional yogurt and cucumber dip or sauce, flavored with garlic and fresh mint or dill.
Provided by Saad Fayed
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl , combine the grated cucumbers and minced garlic. Add salt to taste.
- Mix in the yogurt with a wooden spoon, and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with the mint or dill, and drizzle olive oil on top. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 60 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 114 mg, Sugar 5 g, Fat 3 g, ServingSize 16 ounces (8 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
TZATZIKI SAUCE -YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP
Drain some low-fat yogurt overnight to make this yummy cucumber dressing. This is a delicious topping for grilled chicken or meat. It's also a great dip for veggies and pita chips. Added another clove of garlic ( werewolves in Florida). Eliminated the parsley and go a little bit heavier on the fresh dill.
Provided by jslingo
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Tzatziki
Time 10h15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 20.3 calories, Carbohydrate 2.5 g, Cholesterol 1.7 mg, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 20.3 mg, Sugar 2 g
TZATZIKI SAUCE (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)
Drain some low-fat yogurt overnight to make this yummy cucumber dressing. This is a delicious topping for grilled chicken or meat. It's also a great dip for veggies and pita chips.
Provided by Lobbylady
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Tzatziki
Time 10h25m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 7
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 21.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.8 g, Cholesterol 1.7 mg, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 44.6 mg, Sugar 2.3 g
TURKISH YOGURT WITH CUCUMBERS AND HERBS (CACıK)
Steps:
- First, whisk the yogurt and olive oil together to make a smooth mixture. Gradually whisk in the water until you get the consistency you want. Some prefer their 'cacık' watery while some like it thick. It's completely up to you.
- Next add the cucumbers, garlic, and spices and mix thoroughly until smooth. Adjust the spices to your taste.
- It is best to refrigerate your 'cacık' for a few hours before serving. Serve your ice-cold 'cacık' in small, decorative bowls. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil in the center of each one. Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh mint or dill weed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 133 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 675 mg, Sugar 11 g, Fat 6 g, ServingSize 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
YOGURT AND CUCUMBER SALAD (TZATZIKI OR CACIK)
Provided by David Kamen
Categories Condiment/Spread Salad Side No-Cook Yogurt Mint Cucumber Fat Free Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Place the shredded cucumbers in a medium bowl and toss with a few pinches of salt. Set aside for 15 minutes to draw some of the liquid out of the cucumbers.
- 2. Drain the excess liquid from the bowl of cucumbers. Add in the yogurt, vinegar, garlic, dried mint, and fresh mint. Mix well to combine. Adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
KITTENCAL'S TZATZIKI (GREEK CUCUMBER AND YOGURT SALAD)
This is worth making it is so delicious! Greek yogurt is richer and thicker then regular yogurt and is the best used for this recipe, if you cannot find Greek yogurt just use 4 cups regular full-fat plain yogurt and drain it in the fridge through a triple thickness of cheesecloth for 8 hours or overnight, if you are using Greek yogurt you will not have to strain it, once you try Greek yogurt you will never go back to regular yogurt again! Plan ahead this needs to chill for a minimum of 2 hours, you won't be able to keep your spoon out of the bowl LOL! Make certain to drain the cucumber very well for this. Serve this anyway or with anything you want to, it is great on pita. Prep time is only if you are using the Greek yogurt if you are straining the yogurt prep time will be more.
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Vegetable
Time 2h
Yield 5 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Put the finely chopped cucumbers in a sieve and press out as much excess liquid as possible.
- In a large bowl mix the minced garlic with the salt into a paste.
- Add in the Greek yogurt (or strained yogurt) with garlic/salt paste, add to the drained cucumbers, mint, olive oil, more salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and chill for a minimum of 2 hours before serving (you won't be able to keep you spoon out of the bowl lol!).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 31.9, Fat 0.2, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 237.8, Carbohydrate 7.6, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 3, Protein 1.4
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm cucumbers for the best flavor and texture. English or Persian cucumbers are ideal, as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- If you don't have time to chill the salad for 30 minutes, you can serve it immediately. However, chilling the salad will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- You can add other vegetables to the salad, such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- If you want a thicker salad, you can add more yogurt or Greek yogurt.
- Serve the salad with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It can also be used as a dip for pita bread or chips.
Conclusion:
Yogurt and cucumber salad is a refreshing, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a salad, dip, or side dish. It is a great way to use up fresh cucumbers and yogurt, and it is also a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this salad is a great option for busy weeknight meals or potlucks. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
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