Best Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipes

TZATZIKI SAUCE-- GREEK CUCUMBER/YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Peel cucumbers and dice. Put them in a colander and sprinkle with the tablespoon of salt (draws water out). Cover with a plate and sit something heavy on top. Let sit for 30 minute Drain well and wipe dry with a paper towel.
• In food processor or blender, add cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, dill and/or mint, and a few grinds of black pepper. Process until well blended, then stir into yogurt. Taste before adding any extra salt, then salt if needed. Place in refrigerator for at least two hours before serving so flavors can blend.
• This will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but you will need to drain off any water and stir each time you use it.
• ** If you can't find the thicker Greek Yogurt Cheese, you can use regular, plain yogurt that is either full fat or low fat. To thicken, spoon yogurt into cheese cloth that has been quadrupled. Draw the corners of the cloth up and tie together. Suspend above a bowl for 2 hours so that water can drip out. The consistency of the yogurt should be like that of sour cream.
• You can skip this draining process, if you want, but you will have a moderately messier, runnier result.

TZATZIKI SAUCE (YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP)

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.

EASY GREEK YOGURT CUCUMBER SAUCE

Steps:

• Stir together the yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, cucumber, green onion, garlic, feta cheese, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl; cover and chill 8 hours or overnight before serving.

TZATZIKI SAUCE -YOGURT AND CUCUMBER DIP

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.

WARM GREEK PITA SANDWICHES WITH TURKEY AND CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to middle position. Heat oven to 300 degrees.
• In a small bowl, mix sour cream, yogurt, cucumber, vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
• Place pitas in oven; bake until warm and pliable, 7 minutes. Cut in half. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Carefully add onion; saute until spotty brown but still crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Add turkey, oregano and remaining minced garlic; continue to saute until heated through, another 2 minutes.
• Serve, letting guests fill their own pitas with lettuce first, followed by turkey, tomatoes and cucumber sauce.

EASY BAKED FALAFEL WITH CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Coat a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and 1 tablespoon olive oil and place inside the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). C
• Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and baking powder in a food processor. Pulse until minced but not yet pasty. Transfer to a bowl and stir in flour and egg until fully incorporated.
• Remove baking pan from the oven. Drop golfball-sized portions of chickpea mixture onto the hot pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and flip over. Continue baking until golden on both sides, 15 to 20 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Serve falafel with yogurt sauce.

SPICED BEEF KABOBS WITH CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• For the sauce: Grate the cucumber over a strainer and squeeze out the water. Transfer the grated cucumber to a medium bowl along with the mint, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Mix to combine, using a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For the kebobs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, cumin, garam masala and cayenne. Add the cubed sirloin and mix to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
• Beginning with the meat, thread one cube of sirloin onto a skewer, followed by a tomato, another piece of meat, a piece of onion, another piece of meat and finishing with a tomato and an onion. Continue like this until all the skewers are assembled. Sprinkle the kebobs on all sides with salt, then place on the preheated grill and cook for three minutes per side for medium doneness. Serve warm with the cucumber-yogurt sauce.

SPICY CALAMARI AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH SPICED YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• For the spicy calamari and cucumber salad: Add the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, chili paste, garlic and ginger to a bowl and whisk to combine. Season with salt if needed. Divide the marinade between 2 medium bowls. Add the calamari to one of the bowls and the cucumbers to the other. Stir so that the calamari and cucumbers are fully coated in the marinade. Let marinate at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the calamari from the marinade and pat dry. Grill the calamari in batches until charred and tender, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and slice the tubes into 1/2-inch rings. Add the rings and whole tentacles to the bowl with the cucumbers and toss to combine.
• For the spiced yogurt sauce: Whisk together the yogurt, chopped cilantro, coriander, garlic, caraway seeds, sumac, paprika and 1 teaspoon salt. The sauce can be made up to 1 day in advance and kept refrigerated.
• To serve: Spread some of the yogurt sauce onto a shallow dish. Use a spoon to create a well in the center of the sauce so that the sides of the sauce are about 1/2-inch high. Add the marinated cucumbers and grilled calamari into the well. Garnish with cilantro leaves and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

GREEK CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine and refrigerate overnight for flavors to mix. Cucumber will leak liquid, so if it appears dry at first, it is expected.
• Provides per serving: 63 calories, 0 g saturated fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat, 0 g polyunsaturated fat, 4 g of carbohydrate, 0 g of fiber, 8 g of protein, and 36 milligrams of sodium.

GROUND LAMB GYROS WITH CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 deg.
• FOR THE LAMB LOAF.
• Combine lamb, bread, egg, milk, onion, garlic, parsley and seasonings in mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly, kneading. Shape mixture into a 7" X 4"loaf.
• Place loaf on rack for drainage and bake.
• 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until temp of 180 deg. Allow the loaf to rest. Can be used at this time to make your gyros, or covered and stored in the frig until the next day.
• FOR THE SAUCE.
• Whisk together the cucumbers, sour cream, yogurt, green onions, lemon juice, salt, white pepper and mint. Store in frig until serving time.
• HEATING AND ASSEMBLING GYROS.
• Put slices of the lamb loaf on a flat grill pan and heat on low to medium heat. Meanwhile, put pita rounds between two sheets of aluminum foil, crimp the edges, and put in oven to warm.
• Put portions of the hot meat on the warmed pita round, and pile the sweet onion slices and tomatoes on top. Serve the gyro with a generous side dish of the cucumber / yogurt sauce. Serve immediately.

SPANAKOPITA CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH SPICY CUCUMBER AND YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a bowl combine onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Squeeze the water out of the spinach until completely dry. Separate the spinach as you add it to garlic and onion. Add feta, chicken and grill seasoning to the bowl and a liberal drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Mix the meat with veggies and feta and form 18 (1 1/2-inch) meatballs. Place the meatballs on a nonstick cookie sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes until they are golden and juices run clear.
• Place yogurt, garlic, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, cumin, coriander and a little salt in food processor and process until smooth. Adjust seasonings and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve meatballs alongside sauce with toothpicks.

CHICKPEA CAKES WITH CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Pulse bread in food processor to coarse crumbs. Spread crumbs on rimmed baking sheet and bake until golden brown and dry, 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Toss cucumber and 1/2 teaspoon salt in colander and drain for 15 minutes.
• Combine cucumber, 3/4 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons scallions and 1 tablespoon cilantro in bowl and set aside.
• Whisk eggs, 2 tablespoons oil, garam masala and 1/4 teaspoon salt in bowl.
• Place chickpeas in a large bowl and mash them with a potato masher until mostly smooth. Stir in breadcrumbs, egg mixture, and remaining yogurt, scallions, and cilantro. Form into six 1-inch-thick patties.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add three patties and cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and tent loosely with foil. Repeat with remaining oil and patties.
• Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Drain the yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl for 1 hour.
• In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve as a salad dressing or as an accompaniment with spicy foods, such as vegetable curry.

YOGURT CUCUMBER DILL SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix cucumbers with yogurt, garlic, dill, salt and pepper.
• Store, covered, in the refrigerator for several hours before using.

INDIAN EGGPLANT AND POTATO CURRY WITH CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• To make yogurt sauce, peel and seed 2 cucumbers. Finely shred using a food processor, or finely dice by hand. Toss with salt and place in a colander. Allow to drain for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Combine drained cucumbers, yogurt, scallions, garlic, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Refrigerate until needed.
• While you prepare the cucumbers and sauce, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place potatoes on a baking sheet.
• Roast potatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut eggplants in half lengthwise and place cut-sides down on a medium baking sheet. Add eggplant tray to the oven.
• Continue to roast eggplants and potatoes until tender and eggplants begin to brown, about 30 minutes more.
• Remove from heat and allow eggplant and potatoes to cool, 10 to 15 minutes. Peel eggplant (skin should pull off rather easily). Potatoes do not need to be peeled, but may be if you prefer. Chop eggplant and potatoes into large bite-sized cubes.
• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and salt and cook until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add garam masala, ginger, and garlic and cook until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with their liquid, vegetable broth, cubed potatoes, cubed eggplant, and jalapeno peppers. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add peas and allow to simmer until peas are hot but still bright green, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in yogurt.
• Serve with cucumber yogurt sauce.

MINI LAMB BURGERS WITH CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat a double-burner grill pan over medium-high heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, garlic, capers, parsley, zest, mustard, salt and pepper. Form mixture into 2 similar sized mounds in the bowl. Divide mixture in half, then half again. Form gently into 8 small patties.
• Oil the grill pan with oiled paper towel held in tongs. Brown the burgers on the hot side of the grill for about 2 minutes on each side.
• Turn heat down to medium and cook another 2 minutes for medium-rare, 3 to 4 minutes for medium.
• Slice 8 mini buns in half and toast on grill or in broiler for about 30 to 60 seconds. Place on serving platter.
• Top the bottom each bun with burger, slice of Roma tomato, and a spoonful of sauce. Cover with the bun top and serve.
• Peel the cucumber and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from both halves. Grate the cucumber on the wide holes of a grater, put it in a colander in a large bowl or sink and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon of kosher salt. Let drain for about 20 minutes. Press the cucumber with your hands to get rid of some of the moisture and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add The yogurt, dill, mint, cumin and pepper. Stir together and spoon into a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.

GRILLED TILAPIA WITH CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• For the cucumber yogurt sauce: Add the dill, olive oil, cayenne pepper, garlic, yogurt, cucumber and lemon juice to a medium bowl and combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For the grilled tilapia: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Sprinkle the fish evenly with the salt and pepper. Oil the grill grates with a clean tea towel. Grill the tilapia 4 minutes, then flip and cook the second side, 4 to 5 minutes longer. Transfer to a platter. Top each fillet tableside with the cucumber yogurt sauce.

GRILLED SALMON WITH TZATZIKI (CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE) AND WARM FINGERLING POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Several hours before serving, make the potato salad: Rinse the potatoes, leaving their skins on. Put them in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover well and add a sprinkling of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, and then adjust the heat to maintain a steady boil and cook until the potatoes are just tender enough to be pierced easily with a long metal skewer, about 15 minutes. Drain well, transfer to a large mixing bowl filled with ice and water, and leave until thoroughly cooled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in another mixing bowl, stir together the vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Peel the potatoes, using your fingertips and, if necessary, a small, sharp knife to slip off their skins. Cut each potato crosswise into discs about 1/4 inch thick and add them to the vinegar mixture. Add the red onion, toss gently, cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours. Make tzatziki For the salmon: Preheat an outdoor or indoor charcoal or gas grill. Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill to the desired degree of doneness, about 4 minutes per side per 1 inch of thickness for medium, 5 minutes per side for cooked through but still moist. Meanwhile, put the potato salad in a sauté pan with the chicken broth and butter and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper, if necessary. To serve, spoon the potato salad onto 4 serving plates to form even beds. Place a salmon fillet on top of each. Spoon some of the cool cucumber sauce over each fillet and around the plate, transferring the rest to a serving bowl to pass at table. Garnish each serving with a dill sprig. Serve immediately.

LENTIL CAKES WITH FETA-YOGURT SAUCE AND CUCUMBER-CRESS SALAD

Steps:

• Cover lentils with 2 inches cold water. Soak 4 hours at room temperature or up to 1 day in refrigerator. Drain well. Pulse pale-green and white parts of scallions in a food processor until minced. Add harissa, turmeric, baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and egg and egg white; pulse to combine. Add lentils; puree until almost smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and stir in a little more than half the feta.
• Whisk remaining feta, the yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl. Combine cucumber, cress, and mint in another bowl.
• Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place a scant tablespoon of scallion greens in pan, and spoon about an eighth of the batter on top, spreading to make a 3-inch cake. Repeat, making 4 cakes at a time. Cook until golden brown, flipping once, about 6 minutes. Add remaining teaspoon oil, and repeat.
• Divide sauce among 4 plates; top with salad. Place cakes next to greens, and serve.

CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE FOR GYROS

Steps:

• Combine and serve with gyros.