A Cheater’s Guide to Saucing: Greek Yogurt

In culinary innovation, simplicity is the key to expanding our gastronomic horizons. Picture this: a yearning for a luxurious, flavor-packed sauce to elevate your meal but a desire to explore a healthier alternative to traditional high-calorie, high-fat condiments like mayonnaise or sugar-laden chili sauces. Here are steps into Greek yogurt, an unpretentious yet formidable ingredient with the potential to transform our favorite sauces.

 

Versatile Yogurt: An Ideal Food Extender

Greek yogurt isn’t your run-of-the-mill dairy product; it’s a versatile ally that creates new dimensions for your favorite sauces. The undercover hero allows you to savor the creaminess and flavor you crave without the burden of excessive calories or unhealthy components. Give this a try to extend your favorite shop-bought sauces, including:

 

1. Mayonnaise: Mixing yogurt with mayonnaise creates a creamy, tangy dressing perfect for salads, sandwiches, and coleslaw.
2. Peri-Peri Sauce: Blend yogurt with peri-peri sauce for a milder yet flavorful dip or marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables.
3. Sriracha: Combining yogurt and Sriracha results in a spicy yet cooling sauce, ideal for drizzling over burgers, skewered kebabs, or as a dip for chicken tenders.
4. Sweet Chili Sauce: Mixing yogurt with sweet chili sauce creates a sweet and tangy dip for rice paper rolls, shrimp, or a glaze for grilled salmon.
5. BBQ Sauce: Yogurt and BBQ sauce make a creamy and smoky dip for veggies, a topping for baked sweet potatoes, or a dressing for BBQ chicken salad.
6. Ranch Dressing: Extend ranch dressing with yogurt to make it lighter while maintaining its creamy, herby flavor. Perfect for salads or veggie dips.
7. Honey Mustard: Combine yogurt with honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy dressing that pairs well with chicken tenders, salads, or grilled seafood.
8. Tahini: Mixing yogurt with tahini creates a creamy and nutty sauce, perfect for drizzling over falafel, kebabs or as a dressing for Mediterranean salads.
9. Pesto: Extend pesto with yogurt for a milder, creamier version that’s excellent for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a pizza sauce.
10. Hot Sauce: Blend yogurt with hot sauce for a cooling and spicy dip or a topping for grilled veggies or lean meats.

 

These yogurt-based extensions make your favorite sauces go further, adding a delightful creamy texture and a hint of tanginess to enhance their flavors. They are versatile and can be used in various dishes to make them healthier and more satisfying. 

 

Homemade Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

In this culinary endeavor, we aim to master a straightforward Greek Tzatziki sauce—a healthier alternative you can rely on for foods like kebabs and burgers or just as a simple dip with your favorite crackers and fresh veggies. This homemade gem reduces the high calories and sugar often found in store-bought packaged sauces and offers refreshing Mediterranean flavors.

This recipe is close to our hearts. Our editor’s Greek heritage instilled a deep appreciation for this authentic condiment. Join us to discover the secrets of making a wholesome Greek Tzatziki sauce that will redefine your saucing experience.

 

Ingredients

Instructions

1 cup Greek yogurt (low-fat or fat-free for a heart-healthy option) 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained One clove of fresh garlic, minced (adjust to taste) One tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (heart-healthy oil) Sea salt or low sodium salt (adjust to taste) One tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, but adds a delightful flavor) Lemon juice from 1/2 lemon (optional, for a tangy kick)

Start by grating the cucumber. Once grated, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze any excess moisture. This step prevents the tzatziki from becoming too watery. Combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt in a mixing bowl. If you enjoy the flavor of fresh dill, add it to the mixture for an authentic tzatziki taste. For a bit of extra zing, squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the bowl and stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Taste the tzatziki and adjust the garlic, salt, and lemon juice to your liking. Remember that flavors may intensify after chilling, so you can start with a milder taste and adjust later. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste. When ready to serve, drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill, if desired.

This heart-healthy Greek yogurt-based tzatziki is a delightful and versatile condiment. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables, spreading on whole-grain pita bread, or using a sauce for grilled meats and fish. Enjoy its creamy, tangy, and refreshing flavors while reaping the health benefits of Greek yogurt, heart-healthy olive oil, and fresh ingredients. Why not enjoy it with our homemade salmon burgers?