Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Tzatziki sauce is a well-known Mediterranean condiment, made mainly from fresh cucumbers, yogurt and herbs (dill, mint, or both). When most people think of this sauce they think of gyros. However, that’s just one of many ways to use it. This easy tzatziki sauce recipe is delicious. Plus it’s super healthy.

9 ways to use easy tzatziki sauce recipe

• SAUCE FOR MEAT– Goes good with meat- chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. Especially delicious with grilled meat! And a great addition to Baked Meatballs (Greek Style).
• SAUCE FOR FISH– Think white fish like cod or tilapia.
• ON BURGERS– Both meat and veggie burgers (super delicious on veggie burgers!).
• CRACKER OR BREAD DIP– Whole-wheat crackers or pita bread go great with Tzatziki sauce!
• VEGGIE DIP– Any veggies really. Carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.
• CHIP DIP– Try it with pita chips or dehydrated veggies like kale.
• ON SANDWICHES– Skip the mayo and put it on your next deli sandwich.
• IN A PITA WRAP– Mix with the pita filling such as chicken or falafels.
• BAKED POTATOES– Replace sour cream with tzatziki sauce.

How to make great tzatziki sauce

This easy tzatziki sauce recipe is a straightforward, simple dish to create. However, the key to making great tzatziki sauce is its thick, creamy texture.

How do you accomplish this? By using Greek yogurt (or well-strained yogurt) and straining excess water from the cucumber. This makes all the difference in the world.

Type of yogurt to use

Greek yogurt is hands-down the way to go. In terms of brand, some of the best brands are Siggi’s, Fage’s, Chobani’s, Stonyfield, or Icelandic.

Like with any food purchase, reading ingredients is essential. You want to purchase yogurt that contains live cultures as this is beneficial for your gut bacteria. Also, be sure it does not contain added sugars or artificial flavors.

I do recommend purchasing full-fat, plain Greek yogurt to make tzatziki sauce, for two reasons. Number one full-fat yogurt has a much more thick, creamier texture which is exactly what you need to accomplish great tzatziki sauce. Number two, full-fat yogurt helps you stay fuller longer.

Strain cucumber as dry as possible

Cucumber is one of the main stars of this dish. You’ll need a medium English cucumber that is peeled and grated. Continuing with the theme of creating great tzatziki sauce (thick and creamy), you’ll need to drain the cucumber of as much excess water as possible. You can accomplish this in two ways:

• Clean dish towel
• Cheesecloth

For both methods, you’ll need a colander. Line the colander with either the dish towel or cheesecloth and place the grated cucumber inside. Add a pinch of salt and toss the cucumber. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Next, you’ll want to twist and squeeze as much excess water from the cucumber using the dish towel or cheesecloth. (Note: You can also use paper towels. The day I made this, I ended up using paper towels after the fact).

Whichever method you use, be sure to dry the cucumber as much as you can.

Pick and choose which ingredients to combine

The final step is to combine the three main ingredients: yogurt, cucumber, and herbs (dill, mint, or both). You can use either fresh or dry herbs. I’ve used both. It usually depends on what I have on hand at the time.

You’ll also add three minced garlic cloves. As well as, olive oil and lemon juice or white wine vinegar.

That’s the thing I love about this recipe is the versatility. Below I’ll give you some combinations for you to try (usually I base it on what I have on hand):

DILL-ICIOUS COMBO OPTIONS

• Yogurt + Cucumber + (Dried or Fresh) Dill + Lemon Juice
• Yogurt + Cucumber + (Dried or Fresh) Dill + White Wine Vinegar

(Note: You’ll need 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or 1 teaspoon of dried dill)

MIXED HERBS (DRIED OR FRESH) COMBO OPTIONS

• Yogurt + Cucumber + Half Dill + Half Mint + Lemon Juice   (My favorite)
• Yogurt + Cucumber + Half Dill + Half  Mint + White Wine Vinegar

(Note: For fresh herbs you’d use ½ tablespoon of dill and ½ tablespoon of mint. For dried herbs you’d use ½ teaspoon of dill and ½ teaspoon of mint)  

MINT-Y FRESH COMBO OPTIONS

• Yogurt + Cucumber + (Dried or Fresh) Mint + Lemon Juice
• Yogurt + Cucumber + (Dried or Fresh) Mint + White Wine Vinegar

(Note: You’ll need 1 tablespoon of fresh mint or 1 teaspoon of dried mint)

Keep in mind you’d also add olive oil and garlic to all of the combinations listed above. Enjoy trying out these different variations! I personally like to have options with recipes because I never know what I may be missing in my pantry or fridge.

Storage tips

You can refrigerate tzatziki sauce for up to 5 days. Store in an airtight container.

Tzatziki sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If you choose to do so, just know the consistency won’t be the same once thawed. However, freezing won’t affect the taste.

It’s best to freeze in a silicone bag like these Stasher bags. You’ll want to squeeze out as much air as you can before zipping up and storing away.

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know what you think. Leave a comment and star rating below. Also, be sure to share a picture of your creation on Instagram and tag #megansophiewellness.