Easy Homemade Jamie Oliver Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Tzatziki sauce, a Greek culinary gem, transforms ordinary meals into vibrant Mediterranean experiences.

Cool and tangy, this creamy condiment brings refreshing zest to countless dishes.

Traditional preparation involves simple, high-quality ingredients that blend harmoniously.

Mediterranean kitchens consider tzatziki sauce a staple with its bright, smooth texture and complex flavor profile.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables create its signature freshness and depth.

Simple techniques ensure this sauce becomes a game-changing addition to your cooking repertoire.

Each spoonful promises a delightful burst of authentic Mediterranean character: get ready to elevate your meal.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Tzatziki Sauce Recipe Is a Crowd Favorite

• Whip Up Quick Mediterranean Magic: This tzatziki sauce comes together in just 5 minutes, delivering authentic Greek flavors with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Embrace Fresh and Healthy Ingredients: Using simple, wholesome components like Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs creates a light, nutritious condiment packed with bright, clean tastes perfect for dipping or drizzling.
• Master Effortless Texture Perfection: By carefully squeezing excess water from the cucumber, you'll achieve a creamy, smooth sauce without any unwanted wateriness, ensuring a luxurious and consistent blend that clings perfectly to vegetables, meats, or pita.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: This tzatziki transforms ordinary meals into Mediterranean-inspired experiences, working brilliantly as a sauce, dip, salad dressing, or sandwich spread that elevates everything from grilled proteins to fresh vegetable platters.

Must-Have Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides thick and tangy foundation for the sauce, full-fat variety gives best texture and richness.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that adds crisp texture and light flavor, choose firm and seedless English cucumber for best results.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides sharp and aromatic flavor, fresh cloves are more potent than pre-minced.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that balances richness and adds fresh zesty taste, fresh squeezed is preferred over bottled.
• Dill, Mint: Delicate herbs that contribute complex herbal notes and refreshing undertones, use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.

• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Olive Oil: Smooth ingredient that adds richness and helps blend ingredients, extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.

Straightforward Steps for Jamie Oliver Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

Grab a fresh cucumber and grate it using a box grater. Spread a clean kitchen towel on your counter and transfer the grated cucumber onto it. Carefully squeeze out all the extra moisture by twisting the towel. This prevents your tzatziki from becoming watery.

• 1 cucumber
• Clean kitchen towel

Tip: Press firmly but gently to remove excess liquid without crushing the cucumber.

Step 2: Combine Flavors

In a medium mixing bowl, add the prepared cucumber. Pour in cool, creamy Greek yogurt. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil for richness. Mince 1-2 garlic cloves for a zesty kick. Sprinkle sea salt to enhance the flavors. Chop fresh dill and mint leaves for an aromatic touch.

• Prepared cucumber
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• Sea salt
• Fresh dill
• Fresh mint (optional)

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, give the tzatziki a quick stir. Enjoy as a dip, sauce, or condiment with grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread.

Tip: The tzatziki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pointers for a Refreshing Jamie Oliver Tzatziki

• Customize Your Dip: Mix in extra herbs like dill or mint for a personalized flavor twist.
• Serve Strategically: Pair with warm grilled proteins or chilled vegetable platters to enhance dining experience.
• Balance Texture: Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and maintain creamy sauce.
• Elevate Presentation: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.
• Temperature Matters: Let sauce sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance taste and aroma.

Proper Storage for Jamie Oliver’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Vacuum Seal Method: Press out all air before sealing tzatziki in a vacuum-sealed bag or container. This technique dramatically extends refrigeration life to 5-6 days while preventing oxidation and maintaining maximum freshness. Ideal for meal preppers and those wanting longer storage potential.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer tzatziki into clean glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor transfer and allows easy visual inspection of sauce quality. Unlike plastic, glass won't absorb odors or stain, keeping your tzatziki pristine and appetizing.
• Bottom Shelf Placement: Store tzatziki on the refrigerator's bottom shelf where temperature remains most consistent. Consistent cool temperatures between 35-40°F preserve yogurt's probiotics and cucumber's crisp texture. Avoid refrigerator door areas which experience temperature fluctuations that can compromise sauce quality.

Exciting Variations on Jamie Oliver’s Tzatziki Sauce

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Enhance the classic tzatziki by adding fresh chopped oregano and parsley for an extra layer of aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Greek Kick: Incorporate finely chopped red chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a warming heat that complements grilled meats and vegetables.
• Roasted Garlic Version: Replace raw garlic with slow-roasted garlic cloves, creating a deeper, mellower flavor profile that adds richness to the traditional tzatziki sauce.
• Vegan Coconut Alternative: Swap dairy yogurt with coconut yogurt and use fresh herbs for a plant-based tzatziki that maintains the creamy texture and bright, tangy characteristics of the original recipe.

Wrap-Up on Jamie Oliver’s Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Greek culinary traditions shine through this tzatziki sauce, blending fresh ingredients with Mediterranean charm.

Jamie Oliver’s recipe delivers authentic flavors that dance across palates with zesty complexity.

Cool cucumber mingles with creamy yogurt, creating refreshing harmony in each spoonful.

Garlic and herbs elevate simple ingredients into a spectacular condiment perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Greek kitchens celebrate such simple yet profound culinary artistry through this classic sauce.

Hungry souls craving Mediterranean magic – dive into this recipe, share your creations, spread delicious inspiration, and let passionate cooking connect global taste adventurers!

Jamie Oliver Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic meets creamy delight in this tzatziki sauce. Cool cucumber and tangy yogurt blend perfectly, bringing Greek island flavors right to your kitchen table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt
• ½ cup finely grated cucumber
• 1 garlic clove, grated

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chopped dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Grate fresh cucumber using a box grater, then transfer the shredded vegetable onto a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Firmly press and squeeze the cucumber to extract maximum moisture, preventing the sauce from becoming watery.
3. Select a medium-sized mixing bowl and combine the drained cucumber with creamy plain yogurt (full-fat varieties work best).
4. Add fresh minced garlic, measuring approximately 1 to 2 cloves (0.5 to 1 ounces), ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
5. Pour in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon or 15 milliliters) to enhance the sauce’s richness and smooth texture.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 tablespoon or 15 milliliters) to provide a bright, tangy undertone.
7. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning carefully.
8. Finely chop fresh dill and mint leaves, incorporating them into the mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean profile.
9. Gently fold all ingredients until thoroughly combined, ensuring an even distribution of herbs and seasonings.
10. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to chill.

Notes

• Keeps perfectly sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days without losing flavor or texture.
• Freezes wonderfully up to one month, maintaining its creamy consistency when thawed.
• Swap Greek yogurt with coconut or almond-based plant yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
• Easily adapts to dairy-free diets by using coconut or soy-based yogurt alternatives.
• Transforms into a versatile companion for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, crispy falafel, or as a zesty dip alongside warm pita bread.
• Naturally compliant with keto and gluten-free dietary requirements, making it a guilt-free and inclusive recipe option.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 156 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg