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Fresh Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

fresh homemade tzatziki sauce - featured image

A light, creamy, and flavorful homemade tzatziki sauce made with strained Greek yogurt, fresh grated cucumber, garlic, and herbs. Perfect as a dip or condiment for various dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1 medium English cucumber (about 8 oz / 225 g), peeled and grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced finely
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place 2 cups (480 ml) of Greek yogurt in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined bowl. Let it drain for at least 30 minutes to remove excess whey.
  2. Peel and grate 1 medium English cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strained Greek yogurt and grated cucumber.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (optional). Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust garlic, lemon juice, or salt as desired.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and develop. For best results, chill overnight.

Notes

Straining the yogurt and squeezing the cucumber well are key to avoid watery sauce. Chilling the sauce for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) enhances flavor. Garlic can be adjusted to taste as it intensifies over time. Fresh dill is traditional, but mint or parsley can be used as alternatives. Avoid dried herbs for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: tzatziki, homemade tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt dip, cucumber dip, fresh dip, easy tzatziki, creamy sauce, healthy dip