What Can You Eat Alongwith Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki sauce, a delightful blend of Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, is known for its tangy and refreshing flavour. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this versatile sauce can complement a variety of dishes, enhancing flavours with its creamy and tangy twist.

This article aims to explore and provide a comprehensive guide to the various foods you can enjoy with tzatziki sauce.

Appetizers

To start your meal, tzatziki sauce can be used to add an extra layer of flavour to a range of appetizers:

• Pita Bread or Chips: The simplicity of these carbs acts as a canvas for the tzatziki sauce, letting it shine as the star of the show. This combination is not only delicious but also quite satisfying.
• Vegetable Sticks: Raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers dipped in tzatziki sauce can be a nutritious and tasty snack. The freshness of the vegetables pairs well with the cool and creamy sauce, making this combo perfect for a quick snack or an appetizer platter.
• Falafel: Falafel, deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, is another dish that pairs beautifully with tzatziki sauce. The sauce’s coolness contrasts well with the warm, crispy falafel.
• Greek-style Meatballs (Keftedes): Ground meat (often a mix of beef and lamb), mixed with herbs, bread crumbs, and spices, then formed into balls or patties and fried, these meatballs become divine when dipped into tzatziki sauce.

Main Courses

The main course is where tzatziki truly shines, offering a creamy and refreshing counterpart to a variety of hearty dishes.

Grilled Meats

The smoky flavours of grilled meats blend perfectly with the cool and creamy tzatziki sauce. Popular dishes include:

• Chicken Souvlaki: This Greek speciality, featuring skewered, grilled chicken, pairs wonderfully with tzatziki, offering a delightful play of flavours.
• Lamb Kabobs: The bold, robust flavours of lamb are beautifully cut by the refreshing tzatziki sauce, making these two a match made in culinary heaven.
• Beef Gyros: Thin slices of marinated, grilled beef served with a hearty dollop of tzatziki can make your gyros experience unforgettable.

Seafood

The light and delicate flavours of seafood can also be enhanced by tzatziki sauce:

• Grilled Shrimp: Whether on a skewer or served atop a salad, grilled shrimp with a side of tzatziki sauce is a combination that will leave you wanting more.
• Fish Fillets: Drizzle a bit of tzatziki over your grilled or baked fish fillets for an added zest that enhances the fish’s natural flavour.

Mediterranean Dishes

The authentic Mediterranean dishes that traditionally incorporate tzatziki are plenty:

• Greek Salad: This salad, bursting with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta, becomes even more delightful with a great addition of tzatziki.
• Spanakopita: This spinach and feta pie becomes even more delicious when served with cool tzatziki sauce.
• Moussaka: A layered dish of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, moussaka pairs perfectly with the refreshing tzatziki, balancing its rich flavours.

Side Dishes

Side dishes offer an opportunity to incorporate tzatziki sauce into your meal in a variety of ways:

• Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers all taste amazing with a side of tzatziki. The sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that goes well with the earthy flavours of the veggies.
• Greek-Style Rice or Quinoa: Both grains can be elevated by adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top or mixing it in.
• Greek Roasted Potatoes: These lemony, garlic-flavoured potatoes are delicious on their own, but adding tzatziki sauce takes them to a whole new level.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Tzatziki sauce can make a great addition to various sandwiches and wraps:

• Gyro Sandwiches: Traditional Greek gyro sandwiches often come with a generous helping of tzatziki sauce. The sauce adds a creamy, tangy element to the hearty, savoury flavours of the gyro.
• Grilled Chicken or Turkey Wraps: Adding tzatziki to these wraps can enhance their flavour and add a creamy texture.
• Falafel Wraps: A dollop of tzatziki sauce can contrast the warm, crispy falafel in these wraps.
• Mediterranean-Style Burgers: Whether it’s a lamb burger, a chicken burger, or even a veggie burger, they can all be elevated with tzatziki sauce.

Snacks and Extras

Tzatziki can also be used to enhance the flavours of various snacks and extras:

• Dolmas: These stuffed grape leaves can be dipped in tzatziki sauce for flavour.
• Olives: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olives can be paired with tzatziki for a flavourful snack.
• Feta Cheese: Try dipping chunks of feta cheese into tzatziki for a tasty and satisfying snack.
• Cucumber Slices: Keep it simple and healthy by enjoying cucumber slices with tzatziki sauce.

Desserts

While tzatziki is not typically used in desserts, there are a few sweet dishes where it could fit in nicely:

• Honey Yoghurt Parfait: Add a twist to your honey yoghurt parfait by mixing in a bit of tzatziki. The cucumber and garlic flavours would be subtle but could add an interesting depth to the dessert.
• Greek-Style Yoghurt Cake: A dollop of tzatziki on the side could balance the sweetness of the cake and add a unique, savoury touch.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s an abundance of dishes that pair beautifully with tzatziki sauce. From appetizers to main courses and even the occasional dessert, the versatility of this sauce is impressive. We hope this article has inspired you and encouraged you to experiment and explore this delicious sauce’s many possibilities.