You're in for a treat today; this authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce recipe comes to us from the Greek island of Paros! Tzatziki is a creamy Greek yogurt sauce with cucumbers and fresh garlic. This is a versatile sauce that is the perfect accompaniment to many Mediterranean dishes. You can also slather it on your sandwiches; or simply use it as a dip with warm pita and your favorite vegetables!
This simple recipe comes together in 15 minutes. Be sure to watch the video below for how to make it!
A few months back, my friend Cheryl Sternman Rule sent me a copy of her gorgeous book Yogurt Culture. And as the subtitle of the book states, Cheryl takes a detailed global look at how to make, bake, sip, and chill the world's creamiest healthiest food! 300 pages worth of wonderful recipes utilizing yogurt with original stories weaved in between.
And of course, one recipe that immediately jumped at me is the Greek Tzatziki sauce recipe!
Greek Tzatziki Sauce
So the short story of this Tzatziki sauce recipe--it came from the Greek island of Paros, where Stella Leonetti serves it regularly in her restaurant called Rafeletti. As authentic as they come, but I've pared it down a bit to fit my small family's needs.
This is an intense and creamy tzatziki with three star ingredients: Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.
A few important tips for best results
1- To make tzatziki, start by grating the cucumber in your food processor with a pinch of kosher salt. I like to use English seedless cucumbers that have been at least partially peeled. Make sure that you drain the cucumbers very well over a mesh sieve. You can do this step ahead of time, or if you're in a rush, it's helpful to place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen cloth or a heavy napkin and squeeze all the liquid out.
2- I like to mix my actual tztaziki sauce by hand in a large bowl. First, combine the garlic with white vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch more salt. Add the drained cucumber. Finally, stir in the strained yogurt (I use fat-free Greek yogurt, but the original recipe calls for full fat Greek yogurt.) Make sure to stir until everything is well combined.
3- For best taste and texture, cover tztaziki sauce tightly and refrigerate for a couple of hours before use.
4- If you're not sure you can handle this much garlic, start with half the amount of garlic the first time you try it.
5- To change things up, feel free to stir in a little bit of fresh dill or mint (about 1 tablespoon or so should be sufficient.)
Ways to Use Tzatziki
Tzatziki sauce is versatile; there are so many ways to enjoy it. For an easy appetizer or snack, I love to serve Tzatziki with warm bread and sliced vegetables. But it makes a perfect topping for Mediterranean-style baked potato; or next to stuffed snapper or pan-seared trout; lamb chops; chicken souvlaki; shawarma and more! I also use it simply as a sandwich spread.
Make ahead and Storage Instructions
You can make tzatziki sauce ahead of time. It's best to store it in the fridge in a tightly-covered glass container. Use it within 2 to 4 days.
Watch Video for How to Make Tzatziki:
More Recipes to Try:
Koftedes: Greek-Style Meatballs
One Pot Greek Chicken and Orzo
Blackened Salmon with Pomegranate Salsa
Mediterranean Baked Lamb Chops with Root Vegetables
Loaded Smoky Eggplant Dip: Baba Ganoush
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Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 3 cups sauce 1x
Description
Creamy Greek Tztaziki Sauce. A versitle Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce to serve along with veggies and pita, spread on sandwiches, or add it next to grilled fish, meat or poultry!
Ingredients
- ¾ English cucumber, partially peeled (striped) and sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled, finely grated or minced (you can use less if you prefer)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (I used organic fat free Greek yogurt, but you can use 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt, if you like)
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- Warm pita bread for serving
- Sliced vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prep the cucumber. In a food processor, grate the cucumbers. Toss with ½ tsp kosher salt. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer over a deep bowl to drain. Spoon the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth or a double thickness napkin and squeeze dry. Set aside briefly.
- In one large mixing bowl, place the garlic with remaining ½ tsp salt, white vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix to combine.
- Add the grated cucumber to the large bowl with the garlic mixture. Stir in the yogurt and white pepper. Combine thoroughly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to serving bowl, drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil, if you like. Add a side of warm pita bread and your favorite vegetables. (also see notes for more ideas) Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is adapted from Yogurt Culture. It is my quick version, and it's been cut down to suit a smaller family.
- Cook's Tips: This is very garlicy dip, if you prefer, start with a smaller amount of garlic and incorporate more as needed. And to change things up, feel free to stir in a tablespoon or so of chopped fresh dill or fresh mint.
- To Store: It's best to store tzatziki in the fridge in a tightly-covered glass container, and use within 2 to 4 days.
- Suggestions for Use: Tzatziki makes the perfect topping for Mediterranean-style baked potato; or next to stuffed snapper or pan-seared trout; lamb chops; chicken souvlaki; shawarma and more! I also use it simply as a sandwich spread.
- Recommended for this Recipe: Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil. SAVE! Try our Greek Olive Oil Bundle.
- Category: Dips and Appetizers
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek Tztaziki Sauce, Tztaxiki Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
FYI, make this with nonfat Greek yogurt and it's ZERO WW POINTS! The perfect replacement for mayo. Just thought I'd share a bit of divinely delicious news. (Yes, there is a tbsp of olive oil, but not sure how to even track so little.)
Thank you for sharing, Donna!
My first time making tzatiki and it came out amazing. I used red wine vinegar instead as its all I had. Will definitely be making again, thank you for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
My pleasure, Jacquelyn! So glad you enjoyed it!
this is a good sauce.
Jane Muhonen
This is now a stable to serve with chicken, or with veges. Make it at least 2 a month.
★★★★★
So tasty with the dill. Don’t through away the cucumber juice. Strain into a glass with ice and gin or vodka for a crisp cucumber martini!
★★★★★
Wow! I wouldn't have thought of using the leftover cucumber juice in that way. Thanks for sharing, Nick!
Excellent love it
So glad!
Went great with grilled Greek chicken and eggplant stuffed pitas with Greek salad and a saganaki appetizer! Made plenty for leftovers tomorrow. Remarkably easy and quick!!! Absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Awesome, Dan! Thank you
Absolutely delicious! Thanks so much!
Thank you, Jeremy!
Followed the instructions exactly. This was better than in the restaurant. This makes a ton of sauce,!so it’s good to have a few Mediterranean dishes close together.
★★★★★
Thank you, Joe!
Made this to go along with Greek Chicken and Potatoes and it was amazing. Thanks for the recipe.
★★★★★
Great combo! 🙂