Easy Tzatziki Sauce
An authentic Greek tzatziki recipe made with creamy yogurt, cooling cucumber, and fresh herbs makes a wonderful chilled sauce, spread, dip or dressing ready in 10 minutes.
$5–$7 depending on yogurt and herbs
Equipment
- Box Grater – For finely grating cucumber and garlic
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels – For draining cucumber
- Mixing Bowl – For combining ingredients
- Spoon or Spatula: – For stirring
Ingredients
- 4 Persian cucumbers finely grated (or ½ English cucumber)
- 3 cups plain Greek yogurt or thick yogurt (full-fat is best)
- 1 – 2 clove garlic finely grated (adjust to taste)
- 4 tsps lemon juice fresh
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ tsp ground black pepper
- 4 tbsps chopped fresh mint or dill (or both)
- 2 tbsps extra virgin live oil (optional)
Instructions
- Finely grate cucumbers over paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, wrap tightly, and squeeze out the excess juice with your hands over a bowl or the sink. Discard the liquid. If you have the time, you can drain it in a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve overnight in the fridge.4 Persian cucumbers
- Add yogurt into a mixing bowl; add the drained grated cucumber. Grate a whole garlic or a half of it in, depending on how garlicky you like your sauce.3 cups plain Greek yogurt
- Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Stir till everything is well-combined. Check the seasoning and adjust to taste.4 tsps lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, ⅓ tsp ground black pepper, 4 tbsps chopped fresh mint or dill, 1 – 2 clove garlic
- Refrigerate till ready to serve.
- Just before serving, stir in extra virgin olive oil (optional). Enjoy as a dip with pita bread or veggies or as a sauce with your Mediterranean meal.2 tbsps extra virgin live oil
Notes
- Yogurt: whole milk Greek yogurt works best, but you can also use whole milk, low-fat or non-fat regular yogurt
- Make ahead: the astringency of the garlic will mellow after sitting in the yogurt mix for a few hours
Flavor Variations
- Add grated lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Swap mint for dill for a more traditional profile—or use both.
Serving Ideas
- Dip for pita bread or fresh vegetables
- Sauce for grilled chicken, lamb, or fish
- Spread for gyros, wraps, and sandwiches
- Cooling accompaniment to spicy dishes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
