Kittencal's Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber and Yogurt Salad)

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This is worth making it is so delicious! Greek yogurt is richer and thicker then regular yogurt and is the best used for this recipe, if you cannot find Greek yogurt just use 4 cups regular full-fat plain yogurt and drain it in the fridge through a triple thickness of cheesecloth for 8 hours or overnight, if you are using Greek yogurt you will not have to strain it, once you try Greek yogurt you will never go back to regular yogurt again! Plan ahead this needs to chill for a minimum of 2 hours, you won't be able to keep your spoon out of the bowl LOL! Make certain to drain the cucumber very well for this. Serve this anyway or with anything you want to, it is great on pita. Prep time is only if you are using the Greek yogurt if you are straining the yogurt prep time will be more.

• Total Time: 2 hrs
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 5 cups

• 3 cups Greek yogurt (yiaourti sakoulas)
• 2 lbs cucumbers (about 3 medium, peeled and chopped finely)
• 3 teaspoons minced fresh garlic (if you like a strong garlic taste add in more!)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
• fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Put the finely chopped cucumbers in a sieve and press out as much excess liquid as possible.
2. In a large bowl mix the minced garlic with the salt into a paste.
3. Add in the Greek yogurt (or strained yogurt) with garlic/salt paste, add to the drained cucumbers, mint, olive oil, more salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and chill for a minimum of 2 hours before serving (you won't be able to keep you spoon out of the bowl lol!).

Reviews

[HopeJohnJP]

Another terrific recipe, Kittencal! I modified, based on what I had on hand. I used 2 c. of yogurt and 1 good sized seedless cucumber, julienned, which works fine unless you serve it with cole slaw, which made for a monotonous plate! I used a salad spinner on the cucumber. Used barely 1 t. garlic, and combined yogurt, garlic, salt, and maybe 1/2 t. dried mint all at once. Folded in spun cucumber shreds. Added a swirl of EVOO and a bit more salt. Only chilled for 30-40 minutes because the burgers were coming off the grill. Wonderful.

[ShortieNJ]

this was so yummy. i chopped the de-seeded cucumbers in the blender, then drained the liquid through a strainer. I love tzatziki...and now i can control what's in it much more to my liking. i will definitely make this again

[Kelly's Kravings]

Super Awesome! This was very fresh & delicious! Served on chicken pita sandwiches with tomatoes, kalamata olives & feta. SO GOOD!! Thanks!!