The ultimate Tzatziki Sauce recipe brings together a refreshing blend of cucumber, creamy yogurt, tangy lemon, and aromatic herbs. With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep, you have a refreshing sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to your grilled veggies, pita bread, or gyros.
There's something truly magical about creating your own Tzatziki Sauce from scratch.
I remember the first time I attempted it; I was a bit apprehensive, wondering if I could capture that authentic Greek flavor I so loved at my favorite family-run Greek diner downtown.
But as I began to mix together the cool, finely chopped cucumber with the rich, creamy yogurt, I could already tell I was on to something special.
The real game-changer for me was when I added in the fresh dill plucked straight from my herb garden. The fragrance was intoxicating, and when combined with a generous squeeze of zesty lemon and a hint of robust garlic, I knew I had the perfect balance of flavors.
Give it a try, and I think you will love it as much as I do.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: The fresh crunch of a finely chopped cucumber is an essential part of our Tzatziki sauce. It brings a refreshing crispness that counteracts the creaminess of the yogurt.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is where we get our creamy base from. Greek yogurt is thicker and richer than other yogurts, which makes our sauce so velvety and indulgent. In a pinch, you could use regular plain yogurt, but the sauce might be a bit thinner.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy burst of flavor that brightens up the whole sauce. If you're out of lemons, a dash of white wine vinegar could work as a substitute.
- Fresh Dill: Dill brings a unique herbal note to our Tzatziki sauce. If fresh dill isn't available, you can certainly use dried dill, but there's nothing quite like the flavor of fresh herbs.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic gives our sauce a punch of robust flavor that really takes it to the next level. If you're not a fan of raw garlic, you could try using roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances all the other flavors in our Tzatziki sauce. You could substitute with table salt or kosher salt.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
First, we're going to take our chopped cucumber and place it in a strainer.
Give it a generous sprinkle of salt, which will help draw out the excess moisture. Now, let it sit over a bowl for about 30 minutes.
Once the cucumber has had its time to sit, take a clean dish cloth and gently squeeze out any remaining moisture. This step is crucial to ensure our Tzatziki sauce doesn't end up too watery.
Grab a medium-sized bowl and combine the cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic and salt.
Finally, pop your Tzatziki sauce into the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Chilling it allows all those flavors to meld together, creating a sauce that's truly out of this world. Enjoy every spoonful!
Tips and Tricks
- Salt the Cucumber: Don't skip the step of salting and draining your cucumber. It might seem like an extra hassle, but trust me, it's worth it. This process removes excess water and ensures your Tzatziki doesn't end up too thin or watery.
- Chill Out: Allow your Tzatziki sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and intensify. If you're really patient, letting it sit overnight makes it even better!
- Experiment with Herbs: While dill is traditional in Tzatziki sauce, don't be afraid to play around with other herbs. Mint can add an exciting twist, and a bit of fresh parsley can bring a lovely brightness to the mix.
Storing Your Tzatziki Sauce: 🥒🍶
Having a tasty dip ready in the fridge is like finding a hidden treasure! 🎉
To store tzatziki, transfer it to an air-tight container and cover. Store it sealed in the fridge for up to one week.
Make sure you give it a good stir before serving.
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- Avocado Cream: Smooth, rich, and utterly divine, this Avocado Cream is the versatile friend your tacos, bowls, and salads have been waiting for. Say hello to your new fridge staple!
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber seeded and finely chopped
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill chopped
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place chopped cucumber in a strainer and sprinkle well with salt. Allow to sit over a bowl for 30 minutes. With a clean dish cloth gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill garlic and salt. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Shannon Graham
My friend was saying something about this sauce the other day. Sounds delish!