Back to: Tzatziki salad
Tzatziki salad (tzatziki spread) is one of the most famous and favorite refreshing appetizers, indisputably associated with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Due to its natural acidity and refreshing note, tzatziki perfectly balances fattier dishes from the grill, gyros, souvlaki and roast meat, but it is also often served as an independent spread with warm pita bread or crunchy vegetables.
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The main secret of a great tzatziki salad lies in removing excess water from the cucumbers and choosing the right yogurt.
After grating, the cucumbers must be well salted and left to stand, and then squeezed forcefully through a clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel. If this step is skipped, the cucumbers will release water and thin the salad, turning the creamy spread into a thin liquid. Another key ingredient is the original full-fat Greek yogurt made from strained milk, which gives the salad thickness and a recognizable silky texture. The addition of finely chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice or a little white wine vinegar gives a specific spiciness, while extra virgin olive oil connects all flavors in harmony.
Tzatziki salad is an extremely versatile addition to the table that easily fits into a wide variety of dishes and eating styles.
Besides being an indispensable ingredient in gyros and souvlaki, tzatziki goes well with baked potatoes, zucchini fried in flour, roasted eggplant and all kinds of red and white meat. It is also an excellent choice for anyone who adheres to a low-carb or keto diet, as it is rich in proteins and healthy fats with a minimal proportion of carbohydrates.