Tzatziki

Tzatziki sauce can either be boring and bland or it can be flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible!

This is the best tzatziki recipe I've ever enjoyed. Nothing I've ever bought at the store even compares. This tasty dip can be used in so many ways.

This is one of those super simple recipes that I don't often think to make. But when I do, I can't get enough of it.

Only five wholesome ingredients (well, six if you count salt) come together to create this creamy, satisfying, flavor packed sauce.

Every time I make it, I find different recipes that are only complimented by the addition of tzatziki. Although this is an authentic recipe which people typically think should only go with Greek food, I use it with tons of my favorite recipes.

Ingredients needed:

The tzatziki ingredients in this recipe are simple:

• Cucumber - I prefer to use a large English cucumber
• Greek yogurt - I always buy full fat yogurt
• Lemon juice - one good sized lemon will due
• Garlic - minced super fine
• Fresh dill - there's simply nothing better
• Salt - because just about everything needs salt

How to make this recipe:

This recipe is so quick and easy to make.

1. First step is to prepare the cucumber. Cut the ends off, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop the seeds out. Grate the entire cucumber (I find the food processor is easy) and then toss it with the salt.
2. You'll set this mixture in a strainer for about 15 minutes to allow some of the moisture to escape. Before adding the cucumber to the remaining ingredients, you'll squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
3. Then, all you have to do is mix all of the ingredients together and you're done! Of course, give it a taste and add more of anything that it needs.

What to serve it with:

The recipe people generally think of when they see tzatziki is falafel or a gyro. I mean, when you dine at a Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, you're pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this sauce.

But this sauce is incredibly versatile. The consistency is more similar to a dip, in my opinion. I've used tzatziki sauce with:

• All kinds of meat including beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood. It is seriously fantastic when served with any of these.
• Chips, vegetable sticks, and warm pita bread. It makes a great dip that is much healthier than so many other options out there.
• Baked potato topping. Skip the sour cream and replace it with tzatiki for extra protein.
• On top of burgers and sandwiches. This is where that garlic punch really stands out.

Storage recommendations:

Because there is so much cucumber in this recipe, it shortens the shelf life when compared to plain Greek yogurt. Any kind of vegetable will naturally release moisture over time, so I think this dip is best when consumed immediately or within the first few days.

Tzatziki will last longer than that, but you'll have to give it a good stir before enjoying and the consistency will likely change.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki sauce can either be boring and bland or it can be flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible!

5 from 10 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Time to drain cucumber: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Hover to scale: 6 servings

Author: Krissy Allori

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cups Greek yogurt (whole milk recommended)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (minced)

Instructions

• Cut the ends off the cucumber. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Grate remaining cucumber and toss with salt in bowl. Set salted grated cucumber in strainer over bowl or in sink and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Squeeze to remove as much liquid as you can and discard liquid. Ideally you want about 1 cup of grated cucumber for the Tzatziki.
• Combine cucumber with remaining ingredients in large bowl. Mix to combine, taste, and add additional salt, lemon juice, or dill, if desired.

Notes

Too sour? Add more salt.

Too salty? Add more lemon juice.

Too bland? Add more garlic and/or dill.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 7g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 157mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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