The Mediterranean is a land of delicious flavors. In this area, different types of gastronomy can be identified, depending on the region, which have some ingredients in common, such as meat and vegetables. In fact, you can find the same dish based on a specific ingredient, with some variations. Such is the case with the Greek tzatziki cucumber salad. It could be said that it is a variation of the tarator of Bulgaria and Albania or the cacik of Turkey. All of them similar variations made with yogurt, cucumbers and herbs available in each region. The tzatziki cucumber salad can be consumed either as a cold soup if water is added, a fresh and creamy salad or a dip to accompany the toasted pita bread. Its versatility makes it an ideal recipe to incorporate into the daily menu, especially in the summer, due to the freshness of its ingredients. The Greek yogurt used in this preparation has twice as much protein as the traditional one. This characteristic makes it an option to consider for vegans or those who seek to reduce the consumption of animal proteins in their diets. It is low in sodium, so it helps prevent long-term cardiovascular disease and helps keep blood pressure at the proper levels. It contains less lactose, which makes it easier to digest, yet it contains less calcium than traditional yogurt. Cucumber, meanwhile, is an ideal source of B complex vitamins which contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system. Ingredients: 2 cucumbers 1 jar of Greek yogurt 2 cloves of garlic 1 teaspoon of ground basil 1 teaspoon of ground oregano 1 teaspoon of chopped coriander 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley2 teaspoons olive oil 1 pinch of salt Black pepper to taste How to make cucumber tzatziki salad: Peel and grate the cucumbers. Put in a colander with a pinch of salt to drain all the water. Reserve. In a mortar, mash the garlic cloves with salt, pepper, olive oil, and combined herbs to create a uniform paste. Macerate for ½ hour. Reserve. In a bowl, add the grated cucumber, yogurt and herbs, mixing evenly, refrigerate until serving time. Tzatziki cucumber salad is easy to prepare and inexpensive. In a short time you will be able to obtain an ideal companion for meats, perfect for those people who are on a weight loss regimen. Enjoy its fresh taste and nutritional benefits.
