Inspired by my many trips to Greece, this tzatziki is the real deal! With just a few simple ingredients, it’s ready in about 5 minutes. With over one hundred 5-star reviews, you can be sure everyone will devour it the second you put it on the table!
Tzatziki is my go-to sauce, especially in the summer. It’s versatile and pairs well with almost everything. You’ll love how easy and adaptable this Greek sauce is. Serve it with pita chips, fresh veggies, over gyros, kebabs, with fish, or as a dip for fries. It even works great to jazz up dinner bowls. So many possibilities!
If you haven’t tried this creamy Greek yogurt sauce before, you’re in for a treat! Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip made from simple ingredients: strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs like dill or mint. Traditionally, it’s made from strained sheep or goat’s milk yogurt, but full-fat Greek yogurt works just fine.
This recipe takes about 10 minutes or less to make. It starts with grated cucumbers, which you need to drain very well. Then, mix the cucumbers with yogurt, garlic, and herbs if you’re using them. Some people might think of this dip as similar to sour cream, but tzatziki is slightly tangy, garlicky, and cool due to the cucumber and fresh herbs.
Once you learn how to make it, you’ll use it in all sorts of ways to elevate your meals or as part of a mezze spread. It’s best to store it in the fridge in a tightly-covered glass container. Use it within 2 to 4 days.
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ English cucumber partially peeled (striped)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt divided
- 4 to 5 Garlic cloves peeled and finely grated or minced (start with 1 to 2 cloves if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 1 tsp White vinegar
- 1 tbsp Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- Handful of chopped fresh dill or mint optional
- ¼ tsp Ground white pepper
- Warm pita bread for serving
- Sliced vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Grate the cucumber using a box grater or finely chop it with a small food processor. Toss the grated cucumber with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Place the cucumber in a cheese cloth or a double thickness napkin and squeeze out the excess liquid. There will be a lot of liquid, so make sure to get as much out as possible.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated or minced garlic with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, white vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything together.
- Combine Everything: Add the grated cucumber to the bowl with the garlic mixture. Stir in the Greek yogurt, a pinch of white or black pepper, and the fresh herbs if you're using them. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Chill the Sauce: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for 30 minutes to a couple of hours. This helps thicken the sauce and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: When ready to serve, give the tzatziki sauce a good stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil on top if you like. Serve with warm pita bread, sliced vegetables, or any of your favorite dippable items.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 48 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 2.6g |
| Cholesterol | 9mg |
| Sodium | 52mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Calcium | 52mg |
How Do I Make Sure My Tzatziki Sauce Isn’t Too Watery?
To avoid a watery tzatziki sauce, make sure to drain the cucumbers properly. After grating or finely chopping them, toss the cucumbers with salt and let them sit for a few minutes. Then, use a cheesecloth or a double-thickness napkin to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a thick and creamy sauce.
Can I Adjust the Garlic Intensity in the Tzatziki Sauce?
Yes, you can easily adjust the garlic intensity in the tzatziki sauce. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, start with 1 or 2 cloves of finely grated or minced garlic. You can always add more to taste if you want a stronger garlic presence. This flexibility allows you to customize the sauce to your preference.