Definition of 'Tzatziki'
Greek sauce made with yogurt and cucumber
By Maxime Boudrias
Updated: July 16, 2024
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek sauce made from yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like dill or mint. This creamy sauce is often served with Mediterranean dishes such as gyros, souvlakis, or simply with pita bread.
Not only delicious, but tzatziki is also good for you. Yogurt provides proteins and probiotics that aid digestion. Traditionally made with Greek yogurt, known for its thick and creamy texture, it's perfect for this sauce.
A tip for perfect tzatziki: be sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. With its simple and fresh ingredients, tzatziki is a light and tasty option, ideal for complementing your meals without adding too many calories. It's a healthy alternative to heavier, creamy sauces.
Example of Tzatziki Use in a Sentence
« For the appetizer, we served tzatziki with vegetable sticks and pita bread. »
Word Origin
The word "tzatziki" comes from the Turkish "cacık," which refers to a similar sauce made from yogurt and cucumber. While tzatziki is most famous in Greek cuisine, variations exist in several Middle Eastern and Balkan cultures. Today, it has gained popularity worldwide and is considered the classic sauce to accompany your souvlaki skewers!
