Description
Homemade Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek cucumber yogurt sauce that’s creamy, garlicky, and infused with fresh herbs. Perfect as a dip, condiment, or accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes, this easy-to-make recipe uses full-fat Greek yogurt combined with grated cucumbers, garlic, dill, mint, and lemon juice for an authentic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup coarsely grated seedless cucumber (about 1 large cucumber)
Dairy
- 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
Herbs & Aromatics
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
Other
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more to serve)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt: If using regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, drain it to thicken. Line a colander or fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Pour the yogurt in, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or up to a day. Discard the liquid collected before using.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Cut 1 large cucumber into quarters lengthwise. Remove the seeds by cutting downward from the center with a knife. Then, grate the seedless cucumber coarsely.
- Drain the Cucumber: Mix grated cucumber with ½ teaspoon salt and place into a medium mesh colander over a bowl to catch moisture. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, squeeze out excess liquid thoroughly using clean hands, a kitchen towel, or blot with paper towels to ensure the sauce isn’t watery.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups Greek yogurt, the drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill and mint, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning and Chill: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more olive oil if the lemon flavor is too strong. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve your tzatziki cold with extra cucumber slices, pita chips, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs as garnish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a refreshing dip.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, ensure to remove as much liquid as possible from the cucumber and yogurt.
- Fresh herbs like dill and mint can be adjusted based on preference or substituted with parsley.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve the best creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- Tzatziki keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust garlic intensity to taste; some prefer milder flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keywords: Tzatziki, cucumber yogurt sauce, Greek sauce, Mediterranean dip, garlic yogurt sauce, homemade tzatziki
