Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- PREP 15min
- TOTAL 15min
Tzatziki is a creamy, delicious sauce made with cucumber, yogurt, and fresh herbs. Salting and wringing out your cucumbers is the secret to making the best tzatziki sauce. This seasoning makes them taste more cucumbery and removes excess water that would water the sauce down. Use a thick plain yogurt for this (Greek or Icelandic yogurt is perfect).
You Will Need
2 cups grated cucumber (we love hothouse or seedless cucumbers)
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 to 2 medium cloves garlic, minced, depending on how much you love garlic
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice or more to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint and/or dill
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Directions
Grate the cucumber and scatter it over a clean dishcloth (or cheesecloth). Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Gather up the corners of the dishcloth and squeeze as much liquid from the grated cucumber as possible. Discard the liquid or save it for another use.
In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber with yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, fresh herbs, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Set aside for at least 10 minutes, then serve.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing: Homemade tzatziki lasts in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It might get runnier as it sits since the cucumbers will continue to release some of their water. Give a good stir before serving.
- Cucumber water: Save the cucumber water and use in salad dressings, soups, or grains.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.