How to Make a Greek Cucumber Salad (Tzatziki Sauce)

Tzatziki is a Greek meze or appetizer that is made from strained yogurt, cucumber and garlic. Optional ingredients include herbs such as dill, mint and/or parsley and lemon juice is also common. If you are feeling daring you can even hit it up with a splash of ouzo. In addition to being served as an appetizer it makes a great dip or condiment especially when served in gyros or with souvlaki. 

Total Time: 10 minutes, but chill for an hour before serving. You also need to drain the whey from the yogurt, which should take about an hour. 

Place fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, making sure there is space between the bottom of the strainer and the bottom of the bowl to catch drips. Pour yogurt into strainer. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator until liquid has dripped out to desired consistency. --drain for about an 1 hour to remove 20% of the liquid.

If you don’t have a fine mesh strainer like this one:

Then line your strainer with a cheese cloth or try a coffee filter. And don’t stir, you’ll just loose more of the yogurt.

Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup English cucumber (about 1/2 of the cucumber), grated
1 1/2 cups plain whole milk Greek yogurt
Fresh lemon juice from 1/2 of a lemon
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped or dried dill weed 
1/2-1 clove garlic, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and chill for an hour. Garnish with fresh dill, optional.