Cucumber Dill Yogurt Sauce
A cool, creamy yogurt sauce loaded with crisp cucumber and fragrant fresh dill. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's the perfect partner for grilled meats, falafel, or as a refreshing veggie dip.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Drain the grated cucumber.
Place the grated cucumber in a clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much water as possible. This keeps the sauce thick and prevents it from becoming watery.
TIPDo not skip this step — cucumber holds a lot of water that will thin out the sauce. - mix · ~1 min
Combine all ingredients.
1.In a medium mixing bowl, add the yogurt, squeezed cucumber, fresh dill, garlic paste, lemon juice, and olive oil.2.Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until everything is evenly combined and the sauce is smooth. - rest · ~30 min
Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the garlic and dill to infuse the yogurt, deepening the flavor.
- serve
Give a final stir and serve chilled.
Drizzle with a tiny bit of extra olive oil on top if desired, and serve as a dip, spread, or sauce alongside grilled meat, pita, or fresh vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, most luscious texture that won't separate.
- 2Squeeze the grated cucumber until no more water drips out—this is the key to a thick, non-watery sauce.
- 3Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1 hour, for the flavors to meld.
- 4For a stronger garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 5 minutes before mixing.
- 5Make this sauce up to 2 days ahead; store it in an airtight container and stir before serving.
- 6If using dried dill instead of fresh, reduce to 2 teaspoons and let the sauce rest longer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-fat
Substitute full-fat Greek yogurt with low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce that still provides protein and tanginess.
veganVegan
Replace Greek yogurt with a thick, plain vegan yogurt (such as coconut or soy-based) to make this sauce entirely plant-based while keeping it creamy.
mint corianderMint-coriander
Replace half the fresh dill with equal parts fresh mint and fresh coriander (cilantro) for a brighter, more complex herb profile that pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or spicy dishes.
spicySpicy
Add a minced small jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the garlic for a gentle heat that cuts through the richness of grilled meats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Probiotic-Rich
Greek yogurt provides live active cultures that support gut health and digestion.
High in Protein
A cup of Greek yogurt offers about 15-20 grams of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance.
Low in Added Sugar
This sauce relies on plain yogurt and fresh ingredients, avoiding the added sugars found in many store-bought dips.
Good Source of Hydration
Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, contributing to hydration while adding freshness and crunch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but regular yogurt is thinner, so the sauce will be runnier. To thicken, drain regular yogurt through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before using.
