Day 26: On a Mediterranean Diet

Photo courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish

Welcome to 30 Days on a Mediterranean Diet, our new blog series! It’s no secret that eating the Mediterranean way helps with heart health and weight loss. But fast-paced modern living makes it hard to stick to any diet, which is why each 30 Days on a Mediterranean Diet post will feature a healthy Mediterranean recipe.

Tzatziki’s not only fun to say; it’s also a treat to eat. As a staple side dish and snack in the Mediterranean, it goes with pretty much anything savory. From lamb kabobs and pita triangles to veggie sticks and rice, tzatziki always has a place at the Mediterranean table.

This recipe calls for white vinegar and lots of garlic, creating a divinely zesty flavor that quickly becomes addictive without crossing the calorie line like other gut-busting dips. Enjoy!

Prep & Cook

1. Prep the cucumber. In a food processor, grate the cucumbers. Toss with ½ tsp kosher salt. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer over a deep bowl to drain. Spoon the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth or a double thickness napkin and squeeze dry. Set aside briefly.
2. Make the garlic paste. Clean and dry the food processor. Place the garlic cloves in the food processor. Add the remaining ½ tsp salt and the vinegar. Turn the machine on and stream the olive oil in through the feed tube, and let the machine run until it pushes the garlic to one side. Stop the machine, and scrape down the sides then run the processor again. Do this for five times or so until the garlic turns into a wet, mushy paste.
3. Combine and chill. Add the cucumber and garlic paste to a large bowl. Stir in the yogurt and white pepper. Combine thoroughly, sweeping the sides and the bottom of the bowl so the garlic paste gets evenly incorporated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to serving bowls and drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil on top. Add a side of warm pita bread and your favorite sliced vegetables. Enjoy!