Description
This creamy, easy-to-make Tzatziki Sauce with Greek Yogurt is bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavor. Perfect for healthy eating, it’s a high-protein dip for any meal.
Ingredients
- Thick Greek Yogurt: 1.5 cups (360g) – plain, full-fat
- Fresh Cucumber: 1 large (about 1.5 cups grated) – English or regular, deseeded.
- Fresh Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Red Wine Vinegar or Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Fresh Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber, sprinkle it with a generous pinch of salt, and let it sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This vital step draws out excess water. Then, firmly squeeze out all liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This is absolutely crucial for achieving that wonderfully thick, Creamy Tzatziki Sauce you crave and prevents it from becoming watery.
- Mince Garlic: Finely mince the fresh garlic cloves. The finer, the better for distributing its flavor evenly.
- Chop Dill: Finely chop fresh dill. If you’re using dried dill as a substitution, remember to use about 1/3 the amount of fresh.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the thoroughly drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, and red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Season: Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as needed.
- Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally a few hours) to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. This step transforms good tzatziki into great tzatziki!
Notes
Always opt for high-quality, plain Greek yogurt for the best results. For the cucumber, ensuring it’s thoroughly drained is absolutely crucial for a thick, creamy sauce that won’t become watery later.
If fresh dill isn’t available, you can use dried dill, but remember it’s more potent; use about 1/3 the amount of fresh (approx. 2 teaspoons). Homemade tzatziki lasts well for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep recipes.
If your Tzatziki turns out too watery, it’s almost always because the cucumber wasn’t drained enough. Try gently pressing more liquid out, or stir in another spoonful of thick Greek yogurt. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon of cold water or a little more olive oil. Not enough tang? Add a squeeze more fresh lemon juice or a dash more red wine vinegar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8.3g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.3g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 9mg