Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is incredibly delicious and versatile. Taking just a few minutes to prepare, this cucumber yogurt dip is staple in Greek cuisine and the mediterranean diet. This healthy Tzatziki sauce is perfect for meats, pitas, veggies, and more!
Our girls can’t get enough of this amazing dip. Our family loves to eat it with our homemade gyros, or as a snack with pita bread or fresh veggies. It’s full of protein from the the Greek yogurt, so it is hearty and filling enough to satisfy our kids hunger cravings. Once you make this for yourself, you will see it is even better than what you get from Greek restaurants.
Why This Recipe Works?
- Creamy and Delicious.
- Simple recipe that takes minutes to prepare.
- Extremely versatile, perfect dip for so many foods.
- Gluten-free.
- Uses just a few fresh ingredients.
- Kid Friendly.
- Great for leftovers, just store in an airtight container.
- Makes for an easy appetizer or hearty snack.
- The Best Tzatziki Recipe ever!!!
Main Ingredients
This recipe uses super easy ingredients that can be purchased from a local grocery store if they are not already in your kitchen. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.
- Fresh Cucumber – We use an English Cucumber, which is one of the most common types found in local supermarkets. They are long and slender, with a sweet and firm flesh, encased is a smooth dark green skin.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – The main ingredient of tzatziki, you can use full-fat greek yogurt or low-fat. Full-fat will give this tasty dip more flavor and a creamier taste. We use Kirkland Greek Yogurt, which is gluten-free. Most greek yogurts are gluten-free, however some brands to include additives which may contain gluten, so please check the labels of the greek yogurt you use if this is important to you.
- Lemon Juice – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a subtle brightness.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a bright and herby flavor to this amazing cucumber sauce.
- Fresh Garlic – Provides a pungent and savory flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Loaded with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, we like the extra depth of flavor this adds over regular olive oil.
How to make Easy Tzatziki Sauce:
Step 1: Grate It
- Wash, peel and deseed the cucumber.
- Using a box grater, grate the cucumber using the medium sized hole.
- Empty the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheese cloth. Gather the towel and squeeze until all of the liquid is removed. (Some recipes call for squeezing the excess moisture out using paper towels, but we find a sturdier fabric is better)
Step 2: Squeeze, Chop and Mince It
- Squeeze the lemon, chop the parsley and finely mince the garlic cloves. (Tip: using a microplane grater to mince the garlic makes the job easier).
Step 3: Mix It
- In a medium or large bowl, add the greek yogurt, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, squeezed cucumber, fresh lemon juice, parsley (or mint), and minced garlic. With a spatula or spoon, stir well to combine.
Step 4: Taste It
- Taste and adjust for salt and acid (lemon juice).
- Cover and refrigerate in an air-tight container for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
When ready to serve, give a good stir and drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired.
Serve as a dip with toasted pita chips, potato medallions, sweet potato fries or fresh vegetables. Can also be used as a sauce for gyros or turkey meatballs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or mint)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups plain greek yogurt (fat free or full fat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Wash, peel and deseed the cucumber. Using a box grater, grate the cucumber using the medium sized hole.
- Empty the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheese cloth. Gather the towel and squeeze until all of the liquid is removed.
- Squeeze the lemon, chop the parsley and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- In a medium or large bowl, add the greek yogurt, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, squeezed cucumber, fresh lemon juice, parsley (or mint), and minced garlic. With a spatula or spoon, stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust for salt and acid (lemon juice).
- Cover and refrigerate in an air-tight container for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.