Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce
A creamy, refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip bursting with fresh dill, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic. This classic Greek sauce is incredibly versatile, perfect for gyros, grilled meats, or as a dip for fresh veggies and pita bread.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cucumber (10-15 minutes)
- b.Grate the unpeeled English cucumber using the large holes of a box grater.
- c.Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel/cheesecloth. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of salt and toss to combine.
- d.Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess water.
- e.Squeeze the cucumber firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery sauce. Discard the liquid.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients (3 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the strained Greek yogurt, the squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and extra virgin olive oil.
- c.Add the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt and the freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Stir everything together until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Chill and Meld Flavors (30 minutes)
- b.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- c.Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious and cohesive taste.
- d.For best results, let it chill for 1-2 hours.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Give the tzatziki a final stir before serving.
- c.Garnish with an extra sprig of dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- d.Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread and vegetables, or as a sauce for gyros, souvlaki, and grilled meats.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most critical step is squeezing the water from the cucumber. Do not skip this, or your tzatziki will be runny.
- 2Use full-fat, plain Greek yogurt for the creamiest and most authentic texture. Avoid flavored or regular yogurt.
- 3For a milder garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the yogurt.
- 4The flavor deepens over time. Making tzatziki a few hours or even a day ahead will result in a more flavorful sauce.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may separate slightly; just give it a stir before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Variation
Substitute fresh mint for dill, or use a combination of both for a different, equally refreshing flavor profile.
Spicy TzatzikiSpicy Tzatziki
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced red chili to the mixture.
Extra TangExtra Tang
Add 1 teaspoon of red or white wine vinegar along with the lemon juice for an extra layer of acidity.
Vegan TzatzikiVegan Tzatziki
Use a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or cashew yogurt, as a substitute for Greek yogurt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Gut Health
Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive system and improve gut flora balance.
Rich in Protein
With Greek yogurt as its base, tzatziki is high in protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Hydrating Properties
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this sauce a refreshing and hydrating option, especially during warmer months.
Contains Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this tzatziki (approximately 1/4 cup or 85g) contains about 70-90 calories, depending on the fat content of the Greek yogurt used.