This easy, homemade healthy tzatziki sauce is made of Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh herbs, zesty lemon juice, and minced garlic. Perfect to use as a dip or sauce for all of your Mediterranean-inspired meals!
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Why You'll Love This Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Tzatziki's fresh and bright flavors make it the perfect condiment to pair with grilled meat, fish, vegetables, and Mediterranean-inspired meals, like our spinach and feta Greek-style turkey burgers. Here are some reasons why you will love this healthy tzatziki recipe:
- This healthy dip is easy to make with simple ingredients.
- You can make this cucumber dip one to two days in advance.
- This easy homemade tzatziki sauce is versatile, the perfect dip to use as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, fresh veggies, pita bread, and pita chips.
Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Tzatziki Sauce:
Ingredient Notes
- Cucumber: You’ll need ½ of a large English cucumber, grated with the juice strained. English cucumbers have a thin skin that does not require peeling.
- Whole Milk Greek Yogurt: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is recommended, not low-fat yogurt. This is the base of the recipe and what makes the dip rich and creamy.
- Dill: Use freshly chopped dill to enhance the flavor.
- Olive Oil: Be sure to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor inside the sauce and to drizzle on top.
- Garlic: You can use 2 cloves of fresh garlic or 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce adding a tangy flavor. You could also use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Just a pinch of salt and black pepper ties everything together.
Find the printable recipe card with full instructions and measurements below.
How to Make Healthy Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber. Using a box grater, grate the cucumber into small shreds.
- Strain the cucumber juice. Add the shredded cucumber to a mesh strainer, nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a few layered paper towels, and gently squeeze out the excess water.
- Combine the ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Let it rest, then serve. You can serve this sauce right away, but I recommend letting the sauce rest for an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, additional salt, and a sprinkle of dill.
Tips For Success
- Don't forget to strain the excess moisture from the cucumber. The key to making thick and creamy tzatziki is to squeeze the excess water from the cucumber. One of the easiest methods to do this is by using a paper towel or two, a cheesecloth, a mesh strainer, or a nut milk bag to strain the cucumber.
- Let the sauce rest. This will allow the savory flavors to be enhanced.
- Use whole-milk Greek yogurt. To achieve that rich and creamy texture, you'll want to use a thick Greek yogurt. Fat-free Greek yogurt can be used but will have thinner results.
Storage Instructions
- Storage: You can store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. It might get a little more watery the longer it sits, so you'll want to give it a quick stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
FAQ
Tzatziki sauce is a thick and creamy Mediterranean yogurt-based sauce made with fresh cucumber, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, and fresh dill.
Tzatziki sauce will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it becomes watery, give the sauce a quick stir before serving.
Yes! Tzatziki tastes even better after it sits for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld together. Feel free to prep the Greek yogurt sauce in advance if needed.
You can use this Middle Eastern dip on crudité boards with vegetables and pita, or pair it with grilled meats such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or steak.
More Sauces & Dips You'll Love
I hope you love this healthy tzatziki sauce recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.
Recipe
Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (Greek Yogurt Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Greek yogurt
- ½ large English cucumber, grated (about 7 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber. Using a box grater, grate the cucumber into small shreds.
- Strain the cucumber juice. Add the shredded cucumber to a mesh strainer, nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a few layered paper towels, and gently squeeze out any excess water.
- Combine the ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Let it rest, then serve. You can serve this sauce right away, but I recommend letting the sauce rest for an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, additional salt, and a sprinkle of dill.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 2 cups of tzatziki.
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