Description
This easy homemade tzatziki sauce recipe is a fresh and creamy Greek condiment made with grated cucumber, thick Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Perfect to serve as a dip with veggies and pita, a sauce for sandwiches or grilled dishes, or as a refreshing addition to Mediterranean meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely grated cucumber
- 1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber: Use the largest holes on a box grater to grate the cucumber finely, giving your tzatziki a nice texture with green flecks.
- Squeeze out excess water: Place the grated cucumber on a kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeeze to remove as much water as possible to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, grated garlic, sea salt, chopped dill, and mint if using. Stir until well combined.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Notes
- Squeezing out the cucumber juice is essential to prevent the sauce from separating and becoming watery.
- The sauce can be prepared several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and salt to your preference for best results.
- Fresh herbs like dill and mint add a bright flavor, but the mint is optional.
- Tzatziki is best served chilled and fresh within 2-3 days.
