You’re going to love this easy and healthy Tzatziki sauce recipe! It’s super fresh and tastes great with pita or naan bread as well as crackers and veggies.

What is Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek yogurt-based dip that combines the tangy flavors of yogurt, fresh cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, often served with pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a complement to dishes like gyros and Greek salads. Known for its refreshing taste and creamy texture, tzatziki is super delicious!

The Seasonality of Tzatziki Sauce

We love to eat Tzatziki sauce in the summer months when cucumbers and fresh dairy are at their peak. The cool, creamy nature of this sauce makes it an ideal companion for warm-weather meals and outdoor gatherings.

Why You’ll Love My Recipe

My healthy tzatziki sauce recipe is packed with fresh herbs like dill and mint. You can use chopped or grated English cucumbers for a smoother texture. This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We even use it as a chip dip!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients:

Plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, low-fat, or full-fat depending on your preference)
English cucumbers or firm regular cucumbers, grated
Fresh garlic, minced or pressed
Fresh dill, chopped
Fresh mint (optional), chopped
Fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt or sea salt
Black pepper
Red Wine Vinegar

Substitutions:

Non-fat yogurt can be substituted with whole-milk Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
Fresh dill can be swapped with fresh parsley for a different flavor.
Red wine vinegar can be replaced with white wine vinegar for a slightly different tang.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by grating the cucumbers using a box grater (or you can chop them). Place the grated cucumber in a kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh mint (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Mix Well: Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Chill: For the best flavor, refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

Garlic Press: I like to use a garlic press to ensure the garlic is finely minced and evenly distributed.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill and mint make a huge difference in flavor. Don’t skip them!
Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker tzatziki, use full-fat Greek yogurt and drain the cucumbers thoroughly.
Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving for a richer taste.

Storage

Store your homemade tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to stir well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Serving Suggestions

As a Dip: Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers, or spread on pita bread.
With Main Dishes: Use as a sauce for homemade gyros, grilled meats, or fish.
Salad Dressing: Thin the tzatziki with water or extra lemon juice to make a delicious salad dressing.
Healthy Snack: Pair with whole-grain crackers or use as a healthy dip for a nutritious snack.

FAQ

Can you freeze tzatziki sauce?

Since cucumbers and yogurt don’t retain their original texture well after being frozen, freezing is not recommended. The texture can become watery and grainy once thawed.

How long does tzatziki sauce last?

Tzatziki sauce can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. However, make sure to stir it well before each use, as some separation may occur.

What to do with leftover tzatziki sauce?

Your leftover tzatziki sauce can be used in various ways:

As a spread: Use it on sandwiches or wraps.
As a dip: Serve with fresh veggies, pita chips, or crackers.
As a sauce: Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables.
As a dressing: Thin it out with a bit of water or lemon juice and use it as a salad dressing.

How to thicken tzatziki sauce?

To thicken the tzatziki sauce, make sure to drain the grated cucumber thoroughly to remove excess moisture. If you like a thicker consistency, try using full-fat Greek yogurt. Further, If the sauce is still too thin, let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow it to firm up.

More Homemade Sauces

If you love this healthy tzatziki sauce recipe, you might also enjoy making other homemade sauces and dips. Check out these recipes!

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious homemade recipes with your loved ones!

Healthy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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Ingredients

1 cup Plain Greek yogurt non-fat, low-fat, or full-fat depending on your preference
1/2 English cucumbers or firm regular cucumbers grated
1 clove Fresh garlic minced or pressed
1 tbsp Fresh dill chopped
1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Fresh mint optional, chopped
1 tsp Kosher salt or sea salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

Start by grating the cucumbers using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid excess water in the sauce.
In a medium bowl, mix the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh mint (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
For the best flavor, refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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