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Homemade Tzatziki
5 from 22 votes

Homemade Tzatziki

Homemade Tzatziki sauce combines peeled and seeded cucumber with plain Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. After blending into a creamy sauce, it’s strained to remove excess liquid, resulting in a thick, cool dip. This classic Mediterranean sauce pairs well with grilled meats, veggies, or as a refreshing condiment.

Prep Time
5 mins
Resting Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 32 people
Calories: 9 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber medium-size
  • 2 cups yogurt plain, Greek
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
  • 2 dill sprigs, fresh, roughly chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel the cucumber, and scoop the seeds out with a spoon.Tip: The seeds and skin can add a bitter flavor to the sauce.  Make sure not to skip this step!
  2. Add the cucumber, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to a blender or food processor.  Blend until creamy.  (The sauce will be very runny at this point.)No Blender / Food Processor Alternative: Finely dice or grate the cucumber and garlic, and stir the ingredients together with a spoon.
  3. Strain the sauce for at least 2 hours by pouring it into an ultra fine mesh sieve or a mesh sieve lined with 2 layers of cheesecloth.  Place the sauce in the fridge while it strains.
  4. Just before serving, drizzle the sauce with olive oil (optional), and garnish with fresh dill.
  5. Leftovers / Make Ahead: This sauce is best the first day, but can be refrigerated and used for 2-3 days.

Notes

  • Straining the sauce for at least two hours ensures a thick, creamy texture by removing excess liquid.
  • Peel and seed the cucumber to prevent bitterness in the sauce.
  • If not using a blender, grate or finely dice cucumber and garlic and mix well.
  • Drizzle olive oil just before serving to add richness.
  • Best consumed within 2-3 days when refrigerated.
  • Works well as a dip, chip accompaniment, or in gyros.

Nutrition Information

Calories 9kcal (0%) Protein 1g (2%) Sodium 41mg (2%) Potassium 32mg (1%) Vitamin A 5IU (0%) Vitamin C 1.2mg (1%) Calcium 16mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 32 people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 9

% Daily Value*

Calories 9kcal 0%
Protein 1g 2%
Sodium 41mg 2%
Potassium 32mg 1%
Vitamin A 5IU 0%
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1%
Calcium 16mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.