A long overdue post: Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. Tzatziki is a creamy Greek yogurt sauce with English cucumbers and lots of garlic. It is the perfect accompaniment to many Mediterranean dishes. Or simply use it as a dip with warm pita bread and your favorite vegetables! Come together in 15 minutes.
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 as only she can do, through her eloquent, easy-to-follow voice, Cheryl covers everything from the history of cultured milk to topics like, Do we really need yogurt for men?
My tardiness in posting a recipe from Yogurt Culture is only the result of my recent move. I have finally unpacked my box of precious cookbooks, and today I get to share this authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce recipe adapted from Cheryl’s book!
Now, this Tzatziki sauce recipe comes all the way from the Greek island of Paros, where Stella Leonetti serves it regularly in her restaurant Rafeletti. It is an authentic, intenese and creamy tzatziki where the star ingredients are three: Greek yogurt (Stella uses whole milk yogurt); English cucumbers; and garlic (lots and lots of garlic). Cheryl describes Stella’s Tzatziki recipe this way, “This may be the best tzatziki you’ll ever have.” And I have to agree.
There are so many ways to use Tzatziki sauce. For an easy appetizer or snack, I love to serve Tzatziki with warm bread and sliced vegetables. And it makes a perfect topping for fish; lamb chops; grilled chicken kabobs; chicken shawarma and more!
Here is the tzatziki sauce recipe followed by the step-by-step photo tutorial as usual.
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Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
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Prep Time: 15 mins - Total Time: 15 mins
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Yield: 2-3 cups sauce -
Cuisine: Greek
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
- 3/4 English cucumber, partially peeled (striped) and sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 medium head garlic, about 5 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups whole milk or 2 % Greek yogurt
- 1/4 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 1/2 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.
- Make the garlic paste. Clean and dry the food processor. Place the garlic cloves in the food processor. Add the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and the vinegar. Turn the machine on and stream the olive oil in through the feed tube, and let the machine run until it pushes the garlic to one side. Stop the machine, and scrape down the sides then run the processor again. Do this for five times or so until the garlic turns into a wet, mushy paste.
- Combine and chill. Add the cucumber and garlic paste to a large bowl. Stir in the yogurt and white pepper. Combine thoroughly, sweeping the sides and the bottom of the bowl so the garlic paste gets evenly incorporated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to serving bowls and drizzle a a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil on top. Add a side of warm pita bread and your favorite sliced vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
This recipe was adapted from Yogurt Culture. I have cut the recipe in half as I only needed to serve my small family of four.
Small tip: this is very garlicy dip, if you prefer, make the garlic paste with 5 garlic cloves and start by incorporating only half of it, for example. You can always add the rest.
Here is the step-by-step tutorial for how to make tzatziki:
In a food processor, grate the cucumbers. Toss with 1/2 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.
Clean and dry the food processor. Place the garlic cloves in the food processor. Add the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and the vinegar. Turn the machine on and stream the olive oil in through the feed tube, and let the machine run until it pushes the garlic to one side. Stop the machine, and scrape down the sides then run the processor again. Do this for five times or so until the garlic turns into a wet, mushy paste.
Add the cucumber and garlic paste to a large bowl (See tip in the recipe notes if you prefer less garlic). Stir in the yogurt and white pepper. Combine thoroughly, sweeping the sides and the bottom of the bowl so the garlic paste gets evenly incorporated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to serving bowls and drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil on top. Add a side of warm pita bread and your favorite sliced vegetables. Enjoy!
More Recipes with Yogurt
Basbousa: Almond Coconut Semolina Cake
Roasted Peaches and Orange Whipped Greek Yogurt Crostini
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Kahlua and Nuts
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
And many more yogurt recipes over at Team Yogurt, Cheryl’s blog to which I occasionally contribute!
Disclaimer: I have only been given one complimentary copy of Yogurt Culture for review. My opinions are my own and I share them here for your benefit. If you would like to purchase a discounted copy of Yogurt Culture, please follow this Amazon link. As an Amazon affiliate, I receive a small credit when you make a purchase within 24 hours of clicking a link provided here. If you are looking for other books or products not mentioned here today, please use this link. Thank you!
Nicole says
Looks delicious! How long will this last in the fridge? Thanks!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Hi! I would say 3 to 4 days or so in a tightly closed container. Still, I’d be sure to smell and taste a super tiny bit of it before serving if you’ve kept it in the fridge a few days.
Kathleen Bell says
I make tzatziki sauce regularly but this is the first time I’ve tried it this way. I am used to adding dill but I made it as your recipe, except that I used lemon juice instead of vinegar. Delicious, the best I’ve made. And I went a little heavier on the garlic. Honestly I think it’s the garlic that makes it. Thank you for posting.
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Haha…garlic does make everything better, doesn’t it?! Thanks so much for sharing, Kathleen!
Suzanne says
I don’t usually leave reviews but this sauce is AMAZING!! It’s literally so good I could drink it! ? I made the recipe exactly as is with no changes and it was perfect on my chicken gyros! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Suzanne, how lucky are we to hear from you then?! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this recipe. So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Anita mckay says
I have a ginger grater that also grates garlic. I like using this because it turns them into a paste rather than pieces. Could I use this instead of the food processor for the garlic?
Suzy Karadsheh says
Sure, Anita! That would work.
David B says
Was a great recipe. Was a bit garlicy, , but I have a pregnant wife and she loved it. Thank you. I love to cook and look for new recipes all the time. Thank you for the adding of this one. I threw in some flank steak
Suzy Karadsheh says
Ya, the garlic can be a bit much if that’s not your thing, so definitely adjust it down as need it.
Lynn Noudewo says
Delicious! Substituted lemon juice for the vinegar, and a little less garlic…perfect for me! Just sent the recipe to my daughter. We both make Greek rice bowls for work lunches and this sauce takes it over the top!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Great, Lynn! Glad you adjusted the garlic to your taste 🙂 Love the idea of Greek bowls for lunch. I do Greek bowls with keftedes, Greek salad and pita. We love it.
stacy Har says
Lynn,
Curious for your recipe for Greek rice bowls 🙂
Karen says
I love your blog and appreciate you’re being here! I tried this tonight and POW! Hello Garlic! My bad as I didn’t read the recipe notes. This time I used 5 large garlic cloves. Next time will make the same amount of garlic paste and add more as needed. Either way – I loved it and it went really well with my gluten free Lamb meatballs. Again – thanks so much!
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Karen, thank you for your comment! Yes, it’ll take a bit of trial to adjust the garlic here to your taste 🙂
Mia says
Sounds amazing! I am running to the store for English cucumbers. Can I use plain yogurt or should I stick with Greek?
Suzy Karadsheh says
Hey, Mia…so sorry, I just saw this question. It works with either kind of yogurt, but Greek yogurt produces better results.
Leesa says
Hi Suzy,
How long will the Tzatziki sauce keep in the refridgerator?
Cheers,
Leesa.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Leesa, I would say 2-3 days or so refrigerated in a tight-lid container. It can be longer, just try a tiny taste and stir before serving.
Tanya says
Really good recipe Suzy, thank you for the submission!! I used dehydrated garlic (to act as a thickener), garlic-infused EVOO, a 1/2 T of lemon juice instead of vinegar, and added about 1 tsp of dried dill; as my husband loves it 🙂 Really good on gyros and as a lower-calorie option than sour cream for a veggie dip (raw or blanched is our preference).
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Wonderful, Tanya! Like the changes you made. Sounds delicious!
deborah kaempf says
oh Suzy, I so enjoy opening your emails arriving in my inbox!
I forgot where I placed your tzatziki recipe, so I’m back to re-write it
it’s my favorite
thanks for all the fabulous recipes!
deborah 🙂
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Hi Deborah! Thanks so much! I love this Tzatziki recipe as well…we make it often around here. Thanks for taking the time to write!
Alec says
I just whipped this up and it looks and smells amazing! Tried a nibble and I think its gonna need more garlic, but then again Im a confirmed garlic junkie. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Awesome, Alec! I have to say, you’re the first person to point out the need for more garlic in this sauce…but I’m a garlic lover too! 🙂 Enjoy!
christine says
This sounds so flavorful and nice and cool for a summer snack w/ veggies. The book sounds interesting. I’d love to check it out.
Peter Block says
Tzatiziki is one of my favorite recipes to make. Your recipe looks delicious. The book sounds great. I really like the history of things and it sounds like Cheryl has provided a lot of depth.
Debra C. says
Love all of that flavor!! Though I’ve never made it, I’ve enjoyed tzatziki many times – I definitely need to give this a try.
Steph says
I like yogurt with olive oil and pita!
Laurie says
My daughter is on a modified ketogenic diet – one of her favorite breakfasts is Greek yogurt with fresh berries, cream, mct oil and flax seed. I thought it would be terribly plain but with a good quality yogurt I was amazed at how good and how filling it was.
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Quality yogurt makes a big difference, doesn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping in Laurie.
Marilena says
I was so happy to see that you are using the right ingredients for tzatziki! As a Greek, I often come across recipes for tzatziki with ingredients that don’t belong there 🙂
Great photos too!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Hi Marilena…thanks so much for sharing. Tzatziki is one of those you don’t want to mess with. It is perfect the classic, old fashioned way, right?
Patti says
I’m have to admit I’m boring. I make my own Greek yogurt and generally add fruit and a handful of nuts or addit to a smoothie, but I will definitely be trying this recipe.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Patti, thanks for sharing! Sometimes, simple is best! Hope you give this one a try.
DJ says
I love yogurt with fresh fruit and some ground flax seeds sprinkled on top.
Catherine Wolf says
I serve taztziki sauce with grilled shrimp that I marinate in olive oil, smoky paprika, turmeric, and finely minced garlic.
This taztziki recipe will get a work out this summer!
Great blog, Suzi!
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Catherine, your grilled shrimp sounds like a recipe I was just working on that I shared on Facebook live! I love turmeric…and lots of garlic of course! Thanks for sharing!
Sandra Munroe Hernandez says
Looks delish!! One of my favorite things to dip into or slather on a sandwich or chicken slouvaki. I love yogurt but would love to learn more. Your website and recipes are fantastic!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Right on Sandara! Enjoy!!!
Christina Lengyel says
I love, love, love tzatziki sauce, it’s my favorite way to eat yogurt!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Well, then you’re in the right place today! Thanks for stopping in Christina! Enjoy!
Jesse says
My primary diet is Paleo, though I allow myself one day weekly to eat otherwise. I mainly cook Mediterranean dishes on those days because it is still very healthy food but allows yogurt and cheese! Today I used this recipe to make the Tzatziki for my homemade gyro salad. I have to say, it may very well be the best Tzatziki sauce I’ve ever made! Thank you for sharing this and your other recipes with the rest of us. 🙂
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Jesse, welcome to The Mediterranean Dish! So glad you found the Tzatziki recipe…it’s a favorite of mine as well. I put it on everything!!!