Tzatziki sauce is a creamy, refreshing, and super versatile dip that brightens up any meal. This simple recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, perfect for dipping, spreading, or dolloping. It’s truly a must-have!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Greek Yogurt: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is best for creaminess. You can use low-fat, but the texture might be slightly thinner.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds and less water. Regular cucumbers work too, just make sure to deseed them well.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that authentic tzatziki flavor.
- Dill: Fresh dill adds a lovely herby note. Fresh mint or even parsley can be used in a pinch, but dill is traditional.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up. White vinegar can be substituted if you don’t have lemons.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber (or 2 regular cucumbers)
- 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes (recommended)
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Tools needed: Grater, fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, mixing bowl, whisk or spoon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumber
Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or a few layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess water as you possibly can; this step is crucial for thick, non-watery tzatziki sauce.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Add Cucumber and Season
Fold in the squeezed grated cucumber into the yogurt mixture. Add the salt and black pepper, stirring well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; you might want a little more salt or lemon juice.
4. Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. A longer chill time (even a few hours) is even better!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Give the tzatziki a final stir before serving. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill for garnish if desired. Enjoy this delicious sauce with pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Because it contains fresh cucumber, it might become slightly more watery over time; simply stir well before serving. Freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture of the yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: While Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness, you can use regular plain yogurt. You’ll need to strain it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter for several hours to remove excess whey and achieve a similar thick consistency.
Q: Why do I need to squeeze the water out of the cucumber?
A: Cucumbers contain a lot of water. If you don’t squeeze it out, your tzatziki sauce will become watery and thin, losing its creamy texture.
Q: What can I serve with tzatziki sauce?
A: Tzatziki is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic with grilled chicken, lamb, falafel, pita bread, fresh vegetables (like carrots, celery, bell peppers), or even as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
Q: Can I make tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to fully develop, making it even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Q: My tzatziki tastes bitter, what went wrong?
A: This can happen if you used too much of the white, pithy part of the cucumber or if your garlic is very strong. Next time, try peeling the cucumber more thoroughly or using slightly less garlic.
Q: Is tzatziki sauce healthy?
A: Yes, it’s generally considered a very healthy dip! It’s packed with protein from the Greek yogurt and nutrients from the cucumber and herbs. It’s a great low-calorie, flavorful option compared to many other dips.