International Cuisine > Greek Cuisine > Salads & Appetizers (Greek) > Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Classic Greek Tzatziki Sauce

A refreshing and creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect as a dip, spread, or accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables. This traditional Greek recipe uses simple ingredients for a flavorful and authentic taste.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Greek Yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1/2 medium Cucumber
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper

Prepare the Cucumber

Begin by grating the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Sprinkle lightly with salt (about 1/4 teaspoon). Let it sit for about 10 minutes to drain excess water. This step is crucial to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.

Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Mix Well and Chill

Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also helps the sauce thicken slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tzatziki sauce chilled. It's delicious as a dip with pita bread, crudités (vegetable sticks), or as a topping for grilled meats (like gyros or souvlaki), fish, or vegetables. It can also be used as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per 100g)

Calories: Approximately 80-100 kcal
Protein: 5-7g
Fat: 6-8g (mostly from yogurt and olive oil)
Carbohydrates: 3-5g
Fiber: Less than 1g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

This tzatziki sauce is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice. The Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium, while the olive oil offers healthy fats. Be mindful of sodium content, especially if using pre-salted yogurt. Consider using a low-sodium or no-salt-added yogurt and adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly. Using full-fat Greek yogurt will result in a richer and creamier sauce, but you can use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

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FAQ

  • Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

    While you can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is recommended because it's thicker and has a tangier flavor, resulting in a more authentic and less watery tzatziki. If using regular yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid.
  • How long does tzatziki sauce last in the refrigerator?

    Tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor may intensify slightly over time.
  • Can I freeze tzatziki sauce?

    Freezing tzatziki is not recommended as the yogurt can separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the texture and flavor. It's best to make it fresh.