Tzatziki is a cool and refreshing dip made with shredded cucumber, Greek yogurt, and other handfuls of ingredients. This homemade yogurt cucumber dip is quick and easy to make and delicious. Serve it as a dip with pita chips, a veggie platter, or as condiments with grilled beef or lamb (gyros).
What is tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki pronounced “tsah-see-key, is a simple, light Greek side dish primarily made with grated or finely chopped cucumber and yogurt. It is a versatile sauce and can be served with anything. It is often served as an appetizer (dips or sauces) or a side dish with meat and fish.
What makes this sauce so good
- It is easy to quick to make
- The sauce is made primarily with cucumber and Greek yogurt which makes this a healthy sauce or dip
- It is light, creamy yet flavourful and delicious.
- This creamy yogurt-cucumber dip is definitely better than store-bought. You have control of what goes into it
- Perfect for summer parties, picnics or mezee spread, Greek or Turkish themed party.
What are the ingredients in tzatziki sauce
My homemade tzatziki is made with the following simple ingredients.
English cucumber
Greek yogurt: substitute with low or full-fat plain yogurt
Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cloves
Lemon juice: fresh lemon juice only.
Fresh dillweed substitute with fresh mint leaves
Salt and black pepper
How to make yogurt-cucumber dip
Start by grating the cucumber with a box grater(you can choose to peel the skin of the cucumber or leave it on if using English cucumber) Transfer the grated cucumber to a bowl, add a pinch of salt, mix to combine, and leave to sit for about 5 minutes. drain the cucumber through a tiny hole sieve and cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you could. Then set aside
To a bowl combine Greek yogurt, finely chopped garlic, chopped dillweed, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, and shredded cucumber. Mix to combine
Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly, cover with a cling film (plastic wrap)and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse or until needed.
When you are ready to serve, drizzle some more olive oil on top of the sauce and enjoy.
What to serve it with tzatziki
Cucumber sauce is a versatile sauce and can be served with the following
Baked pita chips or fresh pita bread
Gyro or Souvlaki (beef, chicken, or fish) both are Greek fast foods.
Crudites (crisp raw vegetables)
Falafels
Storage instructions
To store yogurt-cucumber dip, store it in the airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 7 days (1week).
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients, if using dried herbs, remember less is more.
- Make sure to drain the cucumber properly to avoid wet sauce
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream
- Use your hand to squeeze out the liquid from the cucumber if you do not have cheesecloth or you are not in the mood to clean up.
- Add the mint or dillweed to taste, start with the amount you are comfortable with then adjust if need be.
More easy dip recipes
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Easy Tzatziki Sauce (Yogurt Cucumber Dip)
Ingredients
- 1 long English cucumber enough to make a cup of drained cucumber
- 1 ½ cup Greek yogurt substitute with low or full fat plain yogurt
- ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil and more to drizzle on the sauce when serving
- 1 large garlic clove finely minced or grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh dillweed finely chopped substitute with fresh mint leaves
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Start by grating the cucumber with a box grater(you can choose to peel the skin of the cucumber or leave it on if using English cucumber) Transfer the grated cucumber to a bowl, add a pinch of salt, mix to combine and leave to sit for about 5 minutes. drain the cucumber through a tiny hole sieve and cheesecloth and squeezing out as much excess liquid as you could. Then set aside
- To a bowl combine Greek yogurt, finely chopped garlic, chopped dillweed, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper and shredded cucumber. Mix to combine
- Taste and adjust seasoning, accordingly, cover with a clingfilm (plastic wrap) and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavours to infuse or until needed.
- When you are ready to serve, drizzle some more olive oil on top of the sauce and enjoy.
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