Name: Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups grated cucumber (preferably hothouse or seedless cucumbers); 2 cups plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 to 2 medium cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste); 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint and/or dill; 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch for seasoning); Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Description

This easy tzatziki sauce recipe combines grated cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean dip. The key to the perfect tzatziki is salting and wringing out the cucumbers to remove excess water, resulting in a thick, creamy sauce perfect for serving with grilled meats, vegetables, or as a spread.

Ingredients

2 cups grated cucumber (preferably hothouse or seedless cucumbers)
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 to 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste)
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint and/or dill
1/4 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Salt the cucumber: Grate the cucumber and spread it evenly over a clean dishcloth or cheesecloth. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt over the grated cucumber and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumber.
Squeeze out the liquid: Gather the corners of the cloth and firmly squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible from the cucumber. Discard the liquid or save for another use. Removing moisture prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the drained cucumber with the Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh mint and/or dill. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Rest and serve: Allow the tzatziki sauce to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld and develop fully. Serve chilled as a dip, sauce for grilled dishes, or a salad dressing.

Notes

Use thick Greek or Icelandic yogurt for the best creamy texture.
Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for pungency.
Fresh herbs like dill and mint can be mixed or used individually based on flavor preference.
The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For a smoother texture, you can finely chop the cucumber instead of grating, but avoid excess moisture.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Category: Sauce
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek