Tzatziki, this yogurt, cucumber Greek sauce is having a moment and I want you in on it!
What is tzatziki, and why is it so awesome?
Pronouncing tzatziki can be a stumbling block. Just ignore the first t and you’ve got it. Zahd-zee-kee. Even if you can’t pronounce it, this quick and easy recipe may be your new favorite Greek sauce.
But besides spelling it, the hardest thing about tzatziki is finding foods it’s not good with. Used in Greek and Middle Eastern cooking, this creamy yogurt, cucumber sauce is a bowlful of deliciousness. Even though it is sooo good, I doubt anyone would say tzatziki screams healthy. People like it when I serve it, but doubt they realize it’s good for them, too! Shhh…let’s keep that just between us. We ❤️ that at LiveBest. Delish and nutrish.
How to make tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt
Yep, folks like this sauce. I means, tzatziki is having a moment. You can find tzatziki sauce premade in the deli or refrigerated section of most grocery stores, but it’s super simple to make, you gotta give it a go.
Shredded cucumber and strained yogurt stirred together with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs takes less than 10 minutes.
- Shred cucumbers
- Squeeze them
- Mix with yogurt and seasonings
yogurt, shredded cucumber, mint, parsley, oil and lemon is ready to be stirred
How to strain yogurt
If you’re not using thick Greek-style yogurt, strain yogurt to remove the watery whey. Line a colander with paper towels and spoon yogurt in colander. This Tupperware colander is my go to.Set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Did you know yogurt is super easy to make? Here are step-by-step instruction to make homemade yogurt.
How to strain cucumber
squeezing shredded cucumber
Shred unpeeled cucumber with large holes of grater (I use this Microplane box grater) or food processor. Using a clean towel or paper towels, scoop a handful of shredded cucumber into towel and squeeze over sink. Allow the cucumber juice to drain out. Cucumbers are about 98 percent water, so if you don’t squeeze, you’ll have a watery sauce.
After the yogurt and cucumber prep, stir everything together. Drizzle olive oil over top.
You can serve it immediately, but flavors develop if you can give it a 30-minute rest.
Cook’s note: Mint and parsley are optional add-ins. Think about tzatziki when you have some of these herbs available for another recipe or growing in the garden.
What to eat with tzatziki sauce:
- spoon over beets or green beans
- dip carrots and snap peas
- slather on warm, soft pita
- scoop with chips
- plop on grilled chicken or fish
- dollop on meatballs ⬇️
Dollop tzatziki on meatballs, slather on pita, dip carrots
More LiveBest Mediterranean foods recipes:
Tag me on Instagram @JudyBarbe if you make this recipe or leave a comment below, please and thankyew!
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Tzatziki Sauce with Greek yogurt
You can serve it immediately, but flavors develop if you can give it a 30-minute rest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: appetizer, dip, spread
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 shredded cucumber, about a cup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, (reserve 1 teaspoon to drizzle over finished dip)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried dill (or sub parsley or mint)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Yogurt If you’re not using thick Greek-style yogurt, strain yogurt to remove whey. Line a colander with paper towels and spoon yogurt in colander. Set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
You can serve it immediately, but flavors develop if you can give it a 30-minute rest.
Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over top.
Cucumber Shred unpeeled cucumber with large holes of grater or food processor. Using a clean towel or paper towels, scoop a handful of shredded cucumber into towel and squeeze over sink. Allow the cucumber juice to drain out. Cucumbers are about 98 percent water, so if you don’t squeeze, you’ll have a watery sauce.
The rest Stir ingredients together.
Notes
Flavors develop over time, so is you can make this ahead, that’s great.
