How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Stop serving the same old dips and sauces at your home gatherings. It’s time to switch things up and wow your guests with homemade tzatziki sauce! This classic Greek sauce is a creamy treat that works nicely with meats, veggies, and pita bread. Plus, it’s a healthier option than many other creamy yogurt-based sauces. This blog will show you how to make your own tzatziki sauce at home with fresh, basic ingredients.

The Magic of Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a staple in Greek cuisine and has become more famous worldwide because of its unique flavor. It is made with  Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, this sauce is creamy, tangy, and refreshing all at once. Its cool, refreshing taste makes it the perfect addition to grilled meats, roasted veggies, and crispy pita bread.

The Ingredients

Before we dig into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:

 

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, which makes it great for tzatziki sauce.
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated: The cucumber adds a delightful crunch and mild sweetness to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives a delicious kick to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and depth of taste.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a bright, acidic touch to the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt improves the flavors and helps balance the tanginess of the yogurt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper offers a slight note of spiciness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Dill is a classic herb in tzatziki sauce, but you may also use mint or parsley if you want.

The Recipe

Now that we have our supplies, let’s get started!

 

1. Start by shredding the cucumber and squeezing out any extra juice using a clean kitchen towel. This step is vital to prevent your tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery.
2. Mince your garlic and slice your fresh dill.
3. Mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped dill in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This phase is necessary to allow the flavors to come together.
5. Once cold, give your tzatziki sauce a quick whisk and serve. It’s that easy!

 

Tips for the Best Tzatziki Sauce

• Use ingredients for the finest flavor and texture.
• Squeeze off as much moisture as possible from your shredded cucumber to prevent your tzatziki from being too watery.
• Add more fresh herbs, like dill or mint, to boost the flavor.
• Tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Visit Yoleni’s for Fresh Tzatziki

Creating homemade tzatziki sauce is simple, delicious, and a terrific way to add some Mediterranean flair to your meals. If you are looking to make the perfect tzatziki, shop at Yoleni’s authentic Greek marketplace in downtown Providence to get the freshest, most delicious ingredients for your tzatziki. Or, if you’d rather just enjoy tzatziki without making it yourself, come visit the restaurant side of Yoleni’s for traditional tzatziki as well as dozens more Greek delicacies!