Easy Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki (pronounced tsah-see-key) is a traditional Greek sauce or dip that is made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, or parsley. It is typically served as a condiment or dip with grilled meats, vegetables, or bread. Its refreshing and tangy flavor comes from the combination of yogurt and lemon juice. It is also a healthy, high protein and low-fat alternative to many other dips and sauces. For more of my favorite dips, try my Greek 7 Layer Dip, Whipped Feta Dip, and Greek Yogurt Caesar Dip.
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt: you can use fat-free, reduced fat or full-fat, depending on your goals. Cucumber: Peel and seed one small cucumber. If you use an English cucumber, you don’t need to seed it. Garlic: Crush one garlic clove. Lemon: Stir in one teaspoon of lemon juice. Fresh Herbs: I like to use fresh chives and dill. Chives aren’t traditional, but I love their flavor in tzatziki. It’s also great with fresh mint leaves. Salt and Pepper to taste
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
Straining the yogurt and cucumbers is a must to make the tzatziki thick, so don’t skip these steps! Once done, the dip comes together very quickly.
What do you eat tzatziki with?
There are so many ways to eat tzatziki. Here are some of my favorites:
Serve this Greek yogurt sauce as a dip with veggies, pita bread, crackers, or pita chips Drizzle it over Greek Salad, Chicken Shawarma Kebab Salad, or Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Salad Dip souvlaki, gyro meat, fish, or my Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts in it In addition to being a popular dip or sauce, tzatziki is also used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, spread it on Greek Turkey Burgers or Greek Turkey Meatballs. Or try it as a sauce on Tzatziki Fish Tacos and Chicken Tzatziki Bowls, which are delicious with it.
Variations:
Make it Vegan: You can use dairy-free yogurt Add sour cream: You can make it creamier by adding half sour cream, half yogurt. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
How to Store
Tzatziki dip will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to make it for a party or meal prep, you could do so a day or two in advance.
Is tzatziki high in carbs?
Greek tzatziki sauce does contain carbohydrates, primarily from the yogurt and any added ingredients like cucumbers. However, the amount of carbohydrates in tzatziki is low. This recipe contains less than 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving (1/4 cup).
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title: “Tzatziki Sauce Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-04” author: “Meghan Manson”
Homemade dips and sauces that are loaded with fresh ingredients you love are a must in any great kitchen. So, also try my recipes for The Best Hummus I Have Ever Had and Basil Pesto.
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Tzatziki Sauce is an amazing Mediterranean recipe that is super versatile and delicious! It is pronounced “tsah-see-key.” Although it may be hard to say, it is not hard at all to make or to devour! It is a perfect creamy sauce that livens up a sandwich or veggie tray and adds a cool, fresh, and tangy zing to any grilled meat or fish. When trying to eat healthy, adding an intense and inspired sauce like this Tzatziki sauce to the healthy fresh foods your body needs makes every meal so much more satisfying! Dip your raw veggies in this sauce for a perfect afternoon snack, or smother your grilled chicken in it. This sauce will take any healthy meal and liven it up to one you look forward to eating. It is a must memorize recipe, especially for those who are looking for clean and healthy eating options, so bookmark this page because you will be coming back to it many times!
What’s in Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki sauce is made of perfectly balanced mild and bold flavors that compliment any dish. Made from a tangy Greek yogurt base, this creamy sauce has acidic vinegar and bitter oregano, but also has bright flavors from fresh cucumber and lemon juice. The garlic and dill add in earthy spice to round out the ingredients. Tzatziki sauce is one you will find yourself craving often!
Greek yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt to add creamy texture. Cucumber: Finely grated and dried. Garlic: 2-3 cloves minced is what I recommend, but it is a pretty strong amount, so start with a little less if you aren’t a garlic lover. White wine vinegar: This acidic ingredient is slightly more mild than other vinegar varieties. Dried dill weed: Mild fresh herb taste. Dried oregano leaves: Earthy, slightly bitter flavor. Salt and pepper: To taste. Lemon Juice: Squeeze on top of the mixed dip. Extra-virgin olive oil: Drizzle on top.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce:
This dip comes together so quickly and easily. Once you have made it a couple of times, you will have it mostly memorized! It is a must make recipe that you will find yourself making more and more because it is so versatile and complements anything you pair it with.
Tips for the Best Sauce:
Preparing great homemade sauces is the secret to making family favorite meals again and again. Here are a few pro tips to make this one of the best sauces you have served.
Properly drain the cucumber: To best remove excess moisture from the cucumber, shred it first, then squeeze out the water in a paper towel. Mint: Add a bit of mint for an even more fresh and dynamic flavor. Chill: Allow this dip to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the blend of flavors.
What to Serve with Tzatziki Sauce:
This sauce is so delicious by itself and when added to any appetizer, snack or meal, it is even more perfect! These are some tried and true ways to serve this super easy sauce.
Raw vegetables: Carrots, celery, broccoli, and grape tomatoes are fantastic, but really this sauce will brighten up any veggie you have. Pita or Naan Bread: If you are using Tzatziki as a dip try dunking pita bread in it for a chewy and satisfying snack. Grilled Meat: The cool, dill flavors really cool down a spicy meat or liven up a more mildly flavored meat. Either way it is the perfect balancing sauce to bring harmony to your meal. Try my Grilled Steak recipe for a great meal! Gyros or any sandwich or wrap: The creamy texture of this sauce is perfect to add moisture and tangy flavor to any sandwich or wrap.
How Long does Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Last?
Store your made from scratch favorite sauce in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. If tightly sealed and kept cool consistently, this amazing sauce will last for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it, but the texture may change a bit due to the yogurt base, making it less creamy.
More Made from Scratch Dip Recipes:
Guacamole Chicken Alfredo Dip Easy Hollandaise Sauce The Famous Fry Sauce Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce