Craving a zesty dip to elevate your snacks? Dive into this effortless tzatziki sauce recipe with sour cream, where creamy sour cream meets fresh cucumbers and dill for a burst of Mediterranean flavor!
Looking for more dip recipes? Try my Cottage Cheese Dip, Basil Feta Dip, and White Bean Dip.
Why You'll Love This Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
- It's a Refreshing Twist: Say goodbye to boring dips! This tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing and tangy kick to your usual snacking routine, making every bite a delightful surprise.
- Easy-Breezy Preparation: No need to stress in the kitchen! With just a few simple steps, you'll whip up this creamy concoction in no time, leaving more room for enjoyment and less for cleanup.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you're dunking veggies, spreading it on pita bread, or dolloping it on grilled meats, this tzatziki sauce is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that effortlessly elevates any dish to gourmet status!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in tzatziki sauce with sour cream recipe card.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the sauce. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan twist!
- Fresh Dill: Infuses the sauce with a refreshing and herby flavor. If fresh dill isn't available, dried dill can work in a pinch, just adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps to blend the flavors together. Feel free to swap it with avocado oil or another neutral oil for a different taste profile.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a bright and citrusy zing to balance the richness of the sour cream. Lime juice can be a tasty substitute if lemons are scarce.
- Shredded Cucumber: Brings a crisp texture and freshness to the sauce. If English cucumbers are hard to find, regular cucumbers will do just fine, just remember to remove the seeds!
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and brings out the natural taste of the ingredients. You can experiment with different types of salt like sea salt or pink Himalayan salt for a unique twist.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the sauce. Feel free to get creative with other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra flavor boost!
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Grate cucumber using a box grater until you have ¾ cup; squeeze excess moisture.
Add shredded cucumber, sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
Pulse until ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Transfer the creamy mixture to a serving bowl.
Voila! Your homemade tzatziki sauce is ready to be enjoyed with your favorite snacks or meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Gyros or Souvlaki: Tzatziki sauce is a classic condiment for Greek-style sandwiches or skewers made with meat, such as lamb, chicken, or pork.
- Pita Bread or Chips: Serve tzatziki sauce as a dip with warm pita bread or pita chips for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Vegetable Platter: Use tzatziki sauce as a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a healthy and refreshing snack.
- Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle tzatziki sauce over grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers to add flavor and creaminess.
- Falafel: Tzatziki sauce is a delicious accompaniment to crispy falafel balls, either served in a pita or as part of a mezze platter.
- Fish or Seafood: Use tzatziki sauce as a topping or dipping sauce for grilled or baked fish, shrimp, or other seafood dishes.
- Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves): Tzatziki sauce pairs well with dolmas, which are stuffed grape leaves often filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, providing a cool and tangy contrast.
- Burgers or Sandwiches: Spread tzatziki sauce on burgers or sandwiches for a Mediterranean-inspired twist, adding a burst of flavor and creaminess.
Variations
- Minty Fresh Twist: Swap out the dill for fresh mint leaves to add a cool and refreshing flavor to your tzatziki sauce.
- Garlic Lover's Dream: Amp up the flavor by adding minced garlic cloves to give your sauce an irresistible garlicky kick.
- Spicy Fiesta: Stir in a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist that'll tantalize your taste buds.
- Creamy Avocado Delight: For a creamy and nutritious alternative, blend in mashed avocado to replace some of the sour cream.
- Herbaceous Medley: Mix and match your favorite herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil to create a unique herb-infused tzatziki sauce bursting with fresh flavors!
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Stir Before Use: Before serving leftover tzatziki sauce, give it a good stir to remix the ingredients and ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Avoid Freezing: Tzatziki sauce containing dairy products like sour cream or yogurt doesn't freeze well. Freezing can cause changes in texture and separation when thawed.
- Moisture Control: If you notice excess moisture on the surface of the sauce after refrigeration, simply drain it off or blot it gently with a paper towel before serving.
- Keep Odors in Check: Store tzatziki sauce away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing unwanted flavors.
Wine Pairing
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce. Its citrusy notes and lively acidity complement the tanginess of the sauce, creating a delightful harmony that's perfect for any occasion! Cheers to delicious combinations!
FAQ's
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of sour cream?
- Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute for sour cream, offering a lighter and tangier twist to your tzatziki sauce.
- How long can I store tzatziki sauce in the fridge?
- Tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to remix the flavors!
- Can I skip the dill in the recipe?
- Of course! While dill adds a lovely herby flavor, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even mint to personalize your tzatziki sauce.
- My sauce turned out too watery, what should I do?
- No worries! If your sauce is too watery, simply strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture and achieve the desired consistency.
- Can I freeze tzatziki sauce for later use?
- While it's not recommended to freeze tzatziki sauce due to its dairy content, you can freeze the individual ingredients separately and mix them together when you're ready to enjoy a fresh batch!
Tips
- Squeeze it Good: Be sure to squeeze out as much water as you can from the shredded cucumber to prevent your tzatziki sauce from turning into a watery mess!
- Taste as You Go: Don't be shy to taste-test along the way! Adjust the amount of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to suit your taste buds perfectly.
- Chill Out: For the best flavor, let your tzatziki sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together deliciously.
- Get Creative: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Experiment with different herbs, spices, and even veggies to give your tzatziki sauce a unique twist.
- Double Up: Making a big batch? Double the recipe and store the extra sauce in the fridge for a quick and tasty dip whenever hunger strikes!
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more dip recipes? Try my Cottage Cheese Dip, Basil Feta Dip, and White Bean Dip.
Did You Make this Recipe?
Please leave a comment and rating below, also let me know what you thought of this recipe. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @Meghanitup or share it on Pinterest so that I can follow along.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Meghan It Up.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2-3 tablespoons Fresh Dill
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ¾ cup Shredded Cucumber
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Using a box grater, shred an English cucumber until you have ¾ cup of cucumber. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze all of the water from the cucumber. You may need to do this a couple of times to get rid of any excess moisture.
- Add everything to a food processor: To the bowl of a food processor, add sour cream, shredded cucumber, fresh dill, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Mix: Pulse until everything is mixed.
- Serve: Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl.
Notes
- Prep Tip: Ensure to thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from shredded cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Flavor Enhancement: For a tangier taste, adjust lemon juice quantity according to personal preference.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days; stir before serving to remix ingredients.
Comments
No Comments