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Classic Tzatziki Sauce is a refreshing, delicious dip that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pita bread, and vegetables. It's easy to make and can always be prepared in advance.
Classic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
The classic tzatziki sauce is a popular condiment and dip in Greek cuisine. It’s made from a base of Greek yogurt, that is combined with grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint.
The ingredients are mixed together to create a creamy and refreshing sauce that pairs well with various dishes, such as grilled meats, gyros, falafel, pita bread, and vegetables.
Looking for more dip recipes? Check out my Zucchini Dip recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade classic tzatziki sauce recipe is authentic and made from only a few basic ingredients that satisfy the palate and senses.
The cool and refreshing nature of tzatziki makes it an ideal choice, especially during warmer months. Its lightness and tanginess can balance out heavier dishes. Making it a great appetizer or a light side with grilled meats, pita bread, and vegetables which will be perfect for sharing at group gatherings or family dinners.
You may always prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated whenever you are ready to serve.
Recipe Ingredients
This delicious classic tzatziki sauce calls for only a few simple ingredients:
- Cucumber
- Salt
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Greek Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill or mint
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Classic Tzatziki Sauce
First, prepare the cucumber. Grate the cucumber and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes to release excess moisture. Afterward, squeeze the grated cucumber firmly to remove as much water as possible.
Mix garlic and olive oil in a separate small bowl. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Combine yogurt and cucumber in a larger bowl, then add the flavorful elements of garlic and olive oil mix. Follow this with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, which adds a zesty tang that perfectly balances the creaminess.
Chill to enhance the flavors by refrigerating the tzatziki sauce for a few hours. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, resulting in a harmonious taste everyone loves.
Finally, serve the cold classic tzatziki sauce with freshly chopped dill. The aromatic herb provides a burst of freshness and depth to the sauce.
Cooking Tips
To make the most authentic classic tzatziki sauce, please follow my tips below.
- Use thick and strained Greek Yogurt for the creamiest texture. Regular yogurt might be too thin and watery.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly after salting for 20 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. Don’t rinse the cucumber so that the remaining salt will add more taste to the final dish.
- Tzatziki is best served cold, so refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tzatziki sauce can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal. It offers several health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients, but it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and the overall context of your diet.
Tzatziki sauce has a unique and distinctive flavor from its combination of ingredients. The base of Greek yogurt provides a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. The minced garlic brings a bold and savory kick to the sauce. Fresh herbs like dill or mint infuse the sauce with an herbaceous aroma and a touch of earthiness. And the olive oil adds a rich and slightly fruity undertone, enhancing the overall flavor profile and smoothing out the texture. The combination of these flavors creates a harmonious and complex profile that’s simultaneously creamy, tangy, fresh, and savory.
This recipe has 135 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Tzatziki Sauce
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
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Classic Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 medium size cucumber , peeled, halved, and seeded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 small bunch fresh dill or mint , stemmed and chopped
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber into a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let the grated cucumber sit for 20 minutes to allow the water to drain.
- Combine the garlic and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
- Add the Greek yogurt to a large bowl. Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly to remove as much water as possible, then stir it into the yogurt. Add the garlic and olive oil mixture, followed by the lemon juice. Mix all ingredients together, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, gradually stir in the fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Use thick and strained Greek Yogurt for the creamiest texture. Regular yogurt might be too thin and watery.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly after salting for 20 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. Don’t rinse the cucumber so that the remaining salt will add more taste to the final dish.
- Tzatziki is best served cold, so refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
