Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Tzatziki sauce in a blue bowl with decorative utensil and lemon wedge.

5 from 2 votes

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a classic Greek yogurt dip recipe made with cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill for a cool and creamy Mediterranean condiment. It offers refreshing flavor, quick no-cook preparation, and versatile serving options.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Greek

Servings:

Calories: 71kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel
Grater
Mixing Bowl
Knife
Spoon

Ingredients

2 cups 5% full-fat Greek yogurt
1 English cucumber grated and well-drained cucumber: 1 to 1 ¼ cups
1 teaspoon kosher salt for cucumber
1-2 cloves garlic minced, depending on taste
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped plus more to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Grate the English cucumber and place it in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt over the grated cucumber, mix well, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cucumber.
In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, 5% full-fat Greek yogurt, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, fresh dill, and extra virgin olive oil.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats.

Notes

Cooking Notes

Draining the cucumber well keeps the sauce thick and creamy. Refrigerating the dip helps the garlic, lemon, and dill blend together.

Tips for Best Results

Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber.
Use thick full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture.
Chill the sauce before serving so the flavors develop.
Stir before serving to redistribute the olive oil and herbs.

How to Know It’s Ready

The sauce should be thick, creamy, and evenly mixed. After chilling, the flavors will taste more balanced and slightly tangy.

Nutrition