Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce is a creamy and refreshing condiment made with thick Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1 large cucumber, grated or finely diced (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 small lemon)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the cucumber: Grate or finely dice the cucumber. Place it in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, prepared cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and white vinegar if using.
Season the sauce: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Serve: Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread or vegetables, or as a sauce alongside grilled meats and Mediterranean dishes.
Notes
Removing excess water from the cucumber is essential for a thick sauce; use a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to squeeze out moisture.
For a smoother texture, you can peel the cucumber before grating.
Adjust the garlic quantity according to your preference for pungency.
If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice or vinegar incrementally.
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
