Description
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing Mediterranean dip made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, garlic, herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. Perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, pita bread, and more, this easy-to-make sauce delivers a bright, fresh flavor that enhances any dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated
Flavorings & Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Peel and finely grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery sauce.
- Combine Yogurt and Cucumber: In a mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt and the well-drained grated cucumber. Stir gently to blend while maintaining some texture.
- Add Garlic, Herbs, and Seasoning: Mix in the freshly minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Finish with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine the richness of the olive oil with the brightness of the lemon for a balanced flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the tzatziki and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Drain Thoroughly: Ensure all cucumber moisture is squeezed out to avoid a watery tzatziki.
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: For the creamiest, most authentic texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and herbs for best flavor.
- Let it Rest: Refrigerate before serving to deepen the flavors.
- Adjust Acidity: Taste and modify lemon juice and salt gradually for your preferred zing.
- Variations: Swap dill with mint, use plant-based yogurt for vegan option, add red pepper flakes for spice, strain yogurt for thicker consistency, adjust garlic intensity to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg