Description
Tzatziki sauce is a cool, creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs, originating from Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for appetizers, main dishes, or as a healthy homemade condiment. Easily paired with pita bread, grilled meats, falafel, or sliced vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
– ¾ English cucumber, partially peeled and grated (substitute regular cucumbers if needed)
– 1 tsp kosher salt, divided (substitute salt-free seasoning blend for low-sodium diets)
– 4–5 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
– 1 tsp white vinegar
– 1 tbsp Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil (substitute any high-quality olive oil)
– 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (substitute plant-based yogurt for vegan diets)
– ¼ tsp ground white pepper
– Chopped fresh dill or mint (optional, substitute parsley or cilantro for variety)
For Serving:
– Warm pita bread or sliced vegetables
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater or small food processor. Toss the grated cucumber with ½ tsp kosher salt and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess liquid using a cheesecloth or double-thickness napkin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic, remaining ½ tsp salt, white vinegar, and olive oil. Mix well to combine.
- Add the grated cucumber to the garlic mixture. Stir in Greek yogurt, white pepper, and fresh herbs (if using). Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir the sauce to refresh and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Notes
– Use high-quality Greek yogurt for maximum creaminess and tang. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Tzatziki does not freeze well due to the high water content in cucumbers and yogurt. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment / Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: ~50
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg