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 which I'll explain below, but my favorite way is actually on top of air fried salmon or salmon patties!
TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE
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 tzatziki recipe which people typically think should only go with Greek food, I use it with tons of my favorite recipes.
What is Tzatziki made of?
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
What do you eat tzatziki 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.
How long does homemade Tzatziki last?
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.
How to make tzatziki:
This recipe is so quick and easy to make.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Tzatziki
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.
Aimee Shugarman
I could eat this with a spoon. So good!
Ashley F
This is a staple in our house! So easy to make and so delicious!
Jessica
I could drink this stuff I love it so much!
Kata
I loved the recipe however I would suggest putting less salt.
Trang
Love! Tzatziki sauce is seriously great with everything.
Eden
I always order this when we eat Greek food and decided to try and make it myself. It turned out SO good and taste fresh. Love how easy it was to make too.
Laila
Way too much salt. Adding lemon did not help with the too saltiness of this sauce. I added twice the amount of greek yogurt and a tablespoon of sugar and it was still far too salty. I would recommend adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Krissy
Salt is definitely a matter of preference, for sure. This is definitely the kind of recipe where you can start by adding less salt than the recipe calls for if your taste buds are sensitive to salt and then gradually add more until it tastes perfect. Sorry you thought it was too salty!