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Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce mixed with visible green herbs.

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Follow these steps to make a creamy, authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce using strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh dill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large cucumbers
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, full-fat recommended
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel the cucumbers, slice them in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
  2. Grate the cucumber flesh using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. After 30 minutes, gather the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for a thick sauce.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and olive oil.
  5. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
  6. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed for balance.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Tzatziki for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture; avoid regular yogurt as it is too watery.
  • If you do not have fresh dill, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but fresh is preferred.
  • Tzatziki tastes best when made several hours ahead of time.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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