Tangy Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, savory garlic, and fresh herbs make this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce absolutely delicious. The best part is it can be ready in less than 10 minutes!
As I mentioned in my post, The Best Homemade Greek Burgers, I studied Greek during my final years of undergrad school. My professor would sometimes bring in the most delicious Greek food and we'd enjoy a meal while I learned the language. Inspired by this, I decided to make my own homemade version.
This sauce is so easy to make and requires just a few budget-friendly ingredients. Traditional Tzatziki is often made with yogurt from sheep or goat milk, however, the use of store-bought Greek yogurt makes this available to just about anyone. Greek yogurt offers the same thick and creamy consistency found in traditional Tzatziki sauce at a fraction of the cost.
We love this sauce as a dip for garden fresh veggies, pita bread, and my Homemade Fried Potato Chips. It's perfect for potlucks and special occasions because it can be prepared ahead of time and the extra waiting helps to enhance the flavors. It’s a cool and refreshing treat during the hot summer evenings when cooking inside is the last thing I want to do!
To make this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce you will need:
Greek Yogurt
You want to use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. If you use a regular yogurt, it will be too runny and won’t hold up to the cucumber that you add to it. We really like the Fage brand.
Cucumber
I like to use an English cucumber because the peel is thin and easy to digest. It's also seedless and tends to have less water content than regular cucumbers. Once you shred the cucumber you'll need to drain it to remove any water. Simply add the shredded cucumber to a cheesecloth or a clean, lint-free dish towel and twist to apply pressure to the cucumber. You may need to twist a couple of times to really ensure that the water has been removed.
Garlic
If you're a huge garlic fan, you could use up to four cloves of garlic for this recipe without it being over the top. I opted to stay in the middle of the road and use two large cloves.
Lemon
The fresh zing of lemon zest can help brighten any dish as well as enhance the overall flavor. If your sauce is a little too thick, add a little fresh lemon juice until it is the consistency you prefer.
Fresh Dill
Nothing says summertime like fresh herbs straight from the garden. With its slightly tangy, citrus-like flavor and subtle notes of anise, a little goes a long way. Store-bought dill will also work just fine here. Dried herbs can sometimes have a slightly stronger flavor, so I recommend starting with half a teaspoon at a time and tasting continuously until you reach your desired preference. I love using fresh herbs that I have dehydrated in my favorite dehydrator.
Spices
We love the savoriness of fresh ground pepper. I find it balances the freshness of the cucumber and pairs perfectly with the garlic. Onion powder adds a subtle flavor of umami and works well with ground pepper. Salt will help to draw out any additional moisture from the cucumber as well as adding flavor.
Ingredients
1½ cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
¾ cup English cucumber, shredded
2 large cloves garlic, grated
1 ½ teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Lemon zest
Directions
Carefully grate cucumber into shreds.
Drain the cucumber by wrapping shreds into a dish towel or cheesecloth. Twist tightly until all liquid has been drained.
In a medium bowl, combine shredded cucumber with yogurt. Add remaining ingredients and mix well to combine.
Serve immediately or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you enjoyed this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce let us know in the comments below.
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