Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce From Scratch

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I know Tzatziki Sauce sounds exotic and maybe even intimidating to make from scratch. But I would bet you have most of the ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry right now. With a handful of simple ingredients, it’s EASY to whip up this cool, creamy, refreshing Authentic Greek topping.

What is Authentic Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki is a classic Greek condiment. It is a rich and creamy cucumber, yogurt sauce. It has a delightful tang from the yogurt and super bright & FRESH taste from cucumber, lemon, garlic and herbs.

Tzatziki is derived from a Persian word that means “herb mixture”.

A mediterranean topping, Tzatziki can be enjoyed as a dip for fresh vegetables or grilled meats. It can be scooped up with toasted pita or flatbreads.

OR

Enjoy it spooned over warm grain bowls, salads, grilled kabobs or generously dolloped over Homemade Gyros.

What you will need to make this easy Tzatziki Sauce from scratch!

• 1 cup PLAIN Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• 1 clove peeled, finely grated or minced garlic
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 tsp dried or 1 Tablespoons freshly chopped dill or mint

Greek Yogurt is more authentic ingredient and tastes the best but in my tiny small town grocery store, they don’t always have it. Sour cream will work in a pinch.

I personally prefer using dill instead of mint but believe mint may be a more traditional flavor. Maybe try doing half an half!

How to make authentic Tzatziki Sauce from scratch

Place yogurt or sour cream, garlic, lemon juice and grated cucumber in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. 

Try grating your cucumber into a small bowl first or onto a cutting board, or even let drain on a paper towel. Just remove some of the moisture before adding it to the mix.

Add salt and a pinch of white or black pepper. (I used pink Himalayan sea salt in the photo below)

Add herbs (dried or fresh) and stir to combine. 

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help thicken sauce and allow flavors to combine. 

When ready to serve drizzle with a bit more olive oil and serve with veggies, flatbread, pita chips or wedges or uses as a veggie dip.

You can even make your own Gyro Meat out of ground meat and dollop a generous serving of this delicious Tzatziki sauce.

Hey there my friends!

Because we live in “middle of nowhere” Montana – if we crave a lil’ something different and ethnic – we make it from scratch. This Tzatziki sauce accompanies many Mediterranean, Greek dishes perfectly. One of our favorite recipes is Panera Copy Cat Warm Grain Bowls. If you are like us and like to try something different now and then – we sure hope you try this sauce. Eat it on homemade Vension Greek Gyros. YUM!

Let me know if you make this recipe and I’d love for you to share it and tag me on Instagram!

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Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

With a handful of simple ingredients, it's easy to whip up this cool, creamy, refreshing authentic Greek topping.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup PLAIN Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• 1 clove peeled, finely grated or minced garlic
• 1/3 cup grated cucumber (drained of most liquid)
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1 tsp dried or 1 Tablespoons freshly chopped dill or mint
• Olive Oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Grate cucumber with box grater. Drain or use a paper towel to squeeze out most of the liquid.
2. Place yogurt or sour cream, garlic, lemon juice and grated cucumber in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
3. Add salt and a pinch of white or black pepper.
4. Add herbs and stir to combine.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help thicken sauce and allow flavors to combine.
6. When ready to serve drizzle with olive oil if you like and serve with veggies, flatbread, pita chips or wedges or uses as a veggie dip.

Notes

I prefer to use nice thick good quality Greek Yogurt but sometimes my small grocery store doesn't have it. Sour cream will work in a pinch.

Whether you use fresh or dried herbs will depend on what you have or can find. Dried herbs work just fine.

I really like my Tzatziki with dill instead of mint but mint is a classic combo with lamb. Use what YOU like or perhaps a little of each.

Did you make this recipe?

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