Tzatziki

Enjoy the fresh appeal of Tzatziki Sauce, a creamy Greek yogurt blended with cucumber and herbs. This homemade treat is easy to make and can elevate any meal. Use it as a versatile dip or a flavorful spread to enhance everything from crisp salads to juicy grilled meats.

Course Dips

Cuisine Greek

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 89

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

½ Cucumber medium size, grated and strained
2 cups Greek Yogurt full fat
2 tbsp Dill finely chopped
2 tbsp Olive Oil
¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
5 cloves Garlic minced
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Salt to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making Tzatziki Sauce

Start by grating half a cucumber using the larger holes of a vegetable grater to achieve the perfect texture for the sauce.
Place the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer, squeezing or pressing to remove as much liquid as possible. Consider saving this cucumber water for adding a refreshing twist to drinks or smoothies.
Finely chop the garlic cloves and dill leaves to fully release their flavors. Then, mix them into a bowl with the strained cucumber.
Add thick Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ground black pepper, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Your Tzatziki Sauce is now ready to enjoy. Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving!

Serving

Enjoy this Tzatziki Sauce as a delicious accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs wonderfully with gyros, pita bread, and falafel, adding a Mediterranean flair. Try it with roasted or raw vegetables for a healthy snack. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions section below.

Notes

Here are my top tips to help you perfect your Tzatziki Sauce:

Strain the Cucumber: To keep your Tzatziki Sauce creamy, strain the cucumber using a strainer or cheesecloth. This step removes excess water and helps prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Salt the Cucumber: Before straining, sprinkle some salt over the grated cucumber and let it sit for a few minutes. Salt helps draw out more water from the cucumber, ensuring your sauce stays even thicker and creamier. Remember to taste and adjust the salt in the sauce afterward.
Choose Thick Yogurt: For authentic Tzatziki, thick goat yogurt is ideal, but full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It offers a similar thickness and creamy texture. If using regular whole-milk yogurt, be sure to strain it for at least 15 minutes to achieve a thick, rich consistency.
Garlic Proportion: Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference. For a milder garlic flavor, use less or consider roasting the garlic beforehand to soften its bite.
Enhance with Herbs: Fresh dill is essential for the classic flavor of Tzatziki. Adding fresh mint leaves can give the sauce an extra aromatic and fresh taste.
Chill Before Serving: Allow your Tzatziki to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If your Tzatziki is too thick after chilling, you can adjust its consistency by adding a little olive oil or a few teaspoons of water until you reach your desired thickness.
Repurpose Cucumber Water: Instead of throwing away the water from strained cucumber, use it to add a refreshing twist to your drinks. It's perfect in pitchers of water with lemon and mint or as a unique addition to mocktails.

Nutrition

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