Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing and creamy Greek dip that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pita bread, or vegetables. Made from tangy Greek yogurt and crisp cucumber, it’s a quick and flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Persian cucumber, small diced
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus more if needed
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, and chopped dill. Stir well to fully mix the ingredients.
- Step 2: Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your preference.
- Step 3: Serve the tzatziki immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days for the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For a thicker sauce, strain the diced cucumber to remove excess water before mixing.
- Add a splash of olive oil for extra richness.
- Substitute fresh mint for dill for a different but equally fresh flavor.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage
Store tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as some separation may occur. It tastes best chilled and fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Regular yogurt can be used, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier texture. If using regular yogurt, consider straining it through cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
How long does homemade tzatziki last in the fridge?
Homemade tzatziki will keep well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beyond that, its freshness and texture may decline.
PrintHomemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
This homemade Tzatziki sauce is a creamy, refreshing Greek condiment made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Perfect as a dip or accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread, it’s easy to prepare and offers a bright, tangy flavor with a cool, crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ¾ cups (serves 6–8 as a condiment) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Persian cucumber, small diced
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus more if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, diced Persian cucumber, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Season and Adjust: Add kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
- Serve or Store: Serve the tzatziki immediately as a dip or sauce, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 3 days while maintaining its freshness.
Notes
- For the best texture, peel the cucumber before dicing if desired and optionally remove seeds to reduce excess moisture.
- To prevent the sauce from becoming watery, you can strain the diced cucumber before mixing it in.
- This sauce pairs well with grilled meats, pita bread, roasted vegetables, or as a salad dressing.
- Use fresh garlic and dill for bright, authentic flavors.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, thin with additional lemon juice or a small amount of olive oil.
Keywords: Tzatziki, Greek yogurt sauce, cucumber sauce, Mediterranean dip, homemade tzatziki, easy Greek sauce, garlic dill sauce
