🥣 Greek Tzatziki Sauce: Refreshing, Light, and Ready in Minutes
📖 Description
Tzatziki is a cool, creamy Greek sauce made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect as a dip, a spread, or a refreshing side to grilled meats and vegetables. This light, tangy, and garlicky condiment is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine—and it’s surprisingly easy to make in just a few minutes!
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the Cucumber:
Peel the cucumber, remove seeds if it’s watery, and grate it. Squeeze out excess water using a cheesecloth, clean dish towel, or paper towels. This keeps the sauce from getting runny. - Combine Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. Stir well. - Season:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust garlic, lemon, or dill to your preference. - Chill (Optional but Recommended):
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Serve:
Enjoy chilled as a dip, sauce, or spread. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprig of dill if you like.
📝 Notes
- Texture Tip: For a super smooth tzatziki, use a food processor to blend the ingredients.
- Strained Yogurt is Key: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier—perfect for tzatziki. Avoid regular yogurt unless strained.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen over time, so making it a few hours ahead is ideal.
💡 Tips
- Add a touch of mint or parsley for variation.
- Serve with pita bread, gyros, grilled chicken, or falafel.
- For vegan tzatziki, use coconut or almond milk yogurt and skip the dairy.
🍽️ Servings
Makes about 1¼ to 1½ cups, which serves 4–6 people as a dip or condiment.
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per 2 tbsp serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 35
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbs: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0.1g
May vary slightly depending on yogurt type and oil used.
✅ Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Thanks to Greek yogurt.
- Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Great for low-carb lifestyles.
- Probiotics: Greek yogurt supports gut health.
- Hydrating: Cucumber adds a refreshing, hydrating element.
- Healthy Fats: From olive oil and yogurt.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes, but strain it through a cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid.
Q: How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze tzatziki?
A: It’s not ideal—freezing can change the texture and make it watery when thawed.
Q: What’s the best cucumber for tzatziki?
A: English or Persian cucumbers work great because they have fewer seeds and less water.
Let me know if you want this turned into a printable recipe card or visual guide! 😍