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    Home » Recipes » Snacks & Drinks

    Published: Jul 27, 2020 · Modified: Oct 22, 2020 by Danielle · This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.

    Quick & Easy Tzatziki Sauce

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cucumber dipping in tzatziki sauce with graphic overlay
    Tzatziki sauce on tray with pita and veggies

    With less than 10 minutes of hands-on time, this Quick & Easy Tzatziki Sauce is a high-protein, yogurt-based dip perfect for making ahead and enjoying all week. Pair with vegetables, soft pitas, or chips for a snack. Plus it makes the perfect topping for a gyro or Greek salad.

    Tzatziki with veggies and pita on board this recipe
    Don't forget to drizzle a little olive oil on the top!
    Skip to:
    • 🍎 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a Crowd
    • 🙋 Questions and Answers
    • 📖 Snacks galore
    • 👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks
    • 👋 Connect with us!
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Let’s get to the important stuff first. What is tzatziki? It’s pronounced “tsah-see-key” and is a light and refreshing mix of yogurt, cucumber, and herbs. You can listen to the pronunciation here. However you say it, it’s delicious. 

    I am obsessed with this dip. It definitely helps me get more fresh veggies in. Also, it takes a standard gyro and elevates it to something craveable. Plus it makes a great party food. Just add fresh pita, chips, and veggies. 

    One of the best parts of this dip is that it is high in protein and the fat content is adjustable. During the terrible heat in the desert it’s so cool & refreshing which makes it perfect for warm weather days. Although, I will eat this year round. By the scoop!

    Ingredients in tzatziki lined up on the counter.
    Simple ingredients and 10 minutes is all you need for this cool and refreshing recipe.

    🍎 Ingredients

    English cucumber: This variety has a thinner skin and less water than a traditional cucumber.
    Greek Yogurt: This tangy, strained yogurt is high in protein and the perfect base for tzatziki. Fat-free, 2%, or whole will work.
    Sour Cream: Use for an extra bit of tang. Full fat is best.
    Garlic: Feel free to use fresh or pre-minced.
    Dill: Fresh dill is the traditional herb in tzatziki. Substituting dried dill will change the flavor.
    Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon. Always.
    Olive oil: Extra virgin has the most flavor.
    Red wine vinegar: A subtle vinegar made from red wine. White wine vinegar can be substituted.
    Oregano: Dried herbs have more intense flavor than fresh. Rub between your fingers to release the flavor.
    Kosher salt: Always kosher salt.

    🔪 Instructions

    This is a very simple condiment to make as long as you follow this crucial step. Using the medium side of a cheese grater, shred the cucumber. Then, place the grated cucumber and place it in a metal sieve. Sprinkle with kosher salt. The salt will draw out water from the cucumber. Press as much out as possible. Excess water will change the texture of the dip. 

    Training cucumber in sieve for tzatziki sauce
    Straining the excess water from the cucumber keeps the sauce from becoming too watery.

    Once the cucumber has finished draining it’s as simple as gathering the rest of the ingredients and stirring them all together. Viola! Cool, refreshing tzatziki with the flavors of garlic and dill ready to eat all week.

    Tzatziki sauce in bowl before mixing
    I prefer to shred the cucumber for ease, but the cucumber can be chopped instead.
    Tzatziki ingredients mixed together in bowl
    Tzatziki is delicious right away, but the flavors meld and get even better if left for several hours before serving.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a Crowd

    This is a fantastic option for a crowd. Not only is it quick & easy, it's also inexpensive and is best prepared ahead. Plus if served with pita, crackers, or vegetables will allow many different diet preferences to enjoy. No ho hum veggie tray around here.

    🙋 Questions and Answers

    Can I freeze tzatziki?

    Freezing yogurt changes its texture. This is best made and served fresh.

    Can tzatziki be prepped ahead?

    This is one of those recipes that is even better when made a day ahead. The flavors get a chance to hang out and meld together.

    What should I eat with tzatziki?

    There are so many great ways to use this sauce! Check out our post for 20 ways to eat tzatziki sauce for more ideas.

    Pita dipped in tzatziki sauce
    Tzatziki sauce makes for a great snack with vegetables and pita.

    📖 Snacks galore

    • Roasted Pineapple Habanero Salsa is so good you might try drinking it.
    • Add this Cheesy Refried Bean Bake to your must have snack eat list. You won’t be sorry.
    • Need a little sweet treat? Try this 4-Ingredient White Churro Popcorn. White chocolate covered popcorn sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Enough said!

    👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

    • Strain the cucumber for at least 10 minutes and squeeze or press the extra water out of it.
    • Use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and dill.

    👋 Connect with us!

    If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below to let us know how it is! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food! To get our new recipes straight to your email, subscribe to our newsletter.

    📋 Recipe

    Overhead view of tzatziki sauce and dippers on board

    Quick & Easy Tzatziki Sauce

    With less than 10 minutes of hands-on time, this Easy Tzatziki Sauce is a high-protein, yogurt-based dip perfect for making ahead and enjoying all week. Pair with vegetables, soft pitas, or chips for a snack. Plus it makes the perfect topping for a gyro or Greek salad.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Condiment, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Greek
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2 cups
    Calories: 73kcal
    Author: Borrowed Bites

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium English cucumber
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
    • 1½ teaspoon garlic minced
    • 2 tablespoon dill chopped
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
    • 1½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling
    • 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
    • salt & pepper to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Using the small size holes on a cheese grater, shred the cucumber. Place grated cucumber in a metal sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and stir. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze or press out as much liquid as you can, then allow to sit for 5 more minutes. Press or squeeze out any remaining liquid. Discard the juice.
      1 medium English cucumber, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Place the shredded cucumber and all remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir together. Serve with vegetables and pita or as a condiment on a gyro.
      2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 1½ teaspoon garlic, 2 tablespoon dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, salt & pepper
    • Refrigerate until ready to serve (the flavor will meld and deepen as it refrigerates). Serve with vegetables and pita or as a condiment on a gyro.

    Notes

    • Strain the cucumber for at least 10 minutes and squeeze or press the extra water out of it.
    • Use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
    • Keep in mind that the flavor will deepen significantly after it has been in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3tablespoon | Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg

    All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating or pin it for later!
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    Comments

    1. Janessa says

      July 29, 2020 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so easy and so delicious!

      Reply

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