Tzatziki Sauce is one of my absolute favorite sauces to use when making gyros. I also like to serve it with pita bread or a vegetable platter. This sauce is so quick & easy to make.
If you are not familiar with Tzatziki Sauce, it's a Middle Eastern sauce usually made with Greek Yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and other spices.
There are many different variations out there on the internet but I think this one is closest to the authentic Tzatziki Sauce.
🥒 English Cucumber
It is preferred that you use English Cucumbers when making this sauce. English Cucumbers are sweeter than regular cucumbers and have very small seeds. English Cucumbers are sometimes called "seedless cucumbers". If you decide to use regular cucumbers, make sure you remove all the seeds.
I also highly recommend that you use fresh lemon juice as much as possible to ensure the best flavor possible. While you can use the bottled stuff if that's all you have on hand it may not be as potent as squeezing a fresh lemon.
💭 Ingredient Substitution
As I mentioned above, authentic Tzatziki sauce is made with fresh dill or fresh mint. I had some fresh dill on hand so decided to make the sauce with it.
You can use either one depending on what you have on hand or what flavor you prefer. Either way, you won't regret making this delicious sauce.
For more great recipes with Cucumbers, I suggest you check these recipes out:
📋 Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Tzatziki Sauce recipe (see recipe card for quantities): English Cucumber, Plain Greek Yogurt, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Dill, Lemon Juice, Salt and Ground Black Pepper.
🥣 How to make Tzatziki Sauce
Strain the diced cucumber of its juices using paper towels or cheesecloth. This will ensure that the Tzatziki sauce doesn't get watery as it sits.
In a mixing bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, fresh dill, salt and pepper. Whisk everything together and add more salt to taste if needed.
Let the sauce sit for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This will allow all the flavors to meld. You can use it immediately, but the longer you let it sit in the refrigerator, the more flavorful it will be.
📖 Recipe
Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ English Cucumber, peeled & finely diced
- 2 Cups Plain Greek Yogurt
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ⅓ Cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For Serving (Optional)
- Whole Wheat Pita
- Gyros
- Assorted Fresh Vegetables
Instructions
- Strain the diced cucumber of its juices using paper towels or cheesecloth. This will ensure that the Tzatziki sauce doesn't get watery as it sits.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, fresh dill, salt and pepper. Whisk everything together and add more salt to taste if needed.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This will allow all the flavors to meld. You can use it immediately, but the longer you let it sit in the refrigerator, the more flavorful it will be.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
Nathalie
This Tzatziki Sauce is great. My family love greek yogurt, so this was a perfect recipe to try. Very tasty