Tzatziki Sauce Recipe & Sundried Tomato Feta Dip

Cucumber Mint Greek Yogurt Dip and Recipe for Feta Cheese Spread

Jan 12, 2009 Stephanie Jolly

These Greek inspired dip recipes for tzatziki sauce and sun-dried tomato feta spread bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to party platters.

A selection of small savory dishes, called meze, is often served to guests prior to a meal to stimulate the appetite or with drinks as part of a social gathering. Each of these spreads can be served separately with pita bread, crackers or vegetables for dipping, while tzatziki sauce can also used as an accompaniment to main courses such as souvlaki or baked fish.

Tzatziki Recipe with Greek Yogurt, Cucumber and Mint

Cool and refreshing, tzatziki is one of the most popular and easily recognized Greek sauces. This dip can be made using fresh, seasonal ingredients in the late spring and early summer. English cucumbers have a thin, edible skin and undeveloped seeds making them ideal for tzatziki as less moisture will seep into the final product. If using standard cucumbers, peel and remove seeds prior to dicing.

Greek yogurt can be found in many specialty stores and retail supermarkets, however full-fat plain yogurt can be strained over cheese-cloth to remove excess whey and substituted if needed. Low-fat and fat-free yogurts do not provide the desired richness or consistency.

Ingredients:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup English cucumber, cut into 1/4" dice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green onion, sliced thinly
1 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

Combine ingredients together in a serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to develop. Makes 2 cups.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spread

Ingredients:

1 cup (approximately 1/2 lb) feta cheese
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained (reserve oil)
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup reserved olive oil (or extra-virgin olive oil as needed)
1 tsp lemon juice
salt (optional)

Directions:

In a food-processor, process feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
Add sugar and slowly drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until feta dip is smooth. If mixing by hand, finely mince garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add to crumbled feta cheese.
Beat together with sugar, olive oil and lemon juice until spreadable. Makes 1 1/3 cup.

Salt content of feta and sun-dried tomatoes varies depending on origin and packaging. Sun-dried tomatoes jarred with little or no salt are ideal as additional salt can always be added to taste after processing. Flavors will continue to develop as spread ages although this sun-dried tomato and feta dip does not need to rest for any length of time prior to serving. Sun-dried tomato feta spread can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Individuals who enjoyed these recipes or who are looking for more party dip suggestions may also appreciate Quick and Easy Party Dips.

The copyright of the article Tzatziki Sauce Recipe & Sundried Tomato Feta Dip in Mediterranean Cuisine is owned by Stephanie Jolly. Permission to republish Tzatziki Sauce Recipe & Sundried Tomato Feta Dip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Greek Dips - Sundried Tomato Feta Spread with Pita