I love trying new flavors with a Homemade Tzatziki Recipe. This refreshing sauce blends thick Greek yogurt, crunchy cucumber, zesty garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil with a pinch of salt and a handful of fresh dill. It proves how simple ingredients can spark delightful simplicity on your table.

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I recently experimented with an easy Tzatziki sauce recipe and I have to say, it totally blew me away. It’s super simple and takes barely 15 minutes to whip up.

I love using 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with a medium grated cucumber (make sure to remove the seeds) to get that fresh crunch. Adding 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves really gives it some zing, while a couple of tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil blend in to create a tangy, smooth finish.

I also throw in about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and voila, it’s ready to serve as a healthy dip or a side for dinner. This homemade recipe is not only a great addition to your Greek yogurt collection, but it also makes a tasty companion for plenty of meal ideas.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super easy to whip up and doesn’t take long at all. I love that I can mix all the fresh ingredients in under 15 minutes and still get such a delicious flavor. The creamy texture of the full-fat Greek yogurt paired with the crunchy cucumber really makes it stand out for me. I also like how I can adjust the tang by adding extra lemon juice or garlic if I’m feelin like it, making it perfectly suited to my taste every time.

Ingredients

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Greek yogurt: It’s rich in protein and adds a creamy, tangy base to the dip.
Cucumber: Super fresh and crisp, plus it’s packed with fiber for a light feel.
Garlic: Gives a punch of flavor and a nice kick, perfect for boosting taste.
Lemon juice: Offers a zesty sour kick that really brightens up all the flavors.
Olive oil: Brings healthy fats and a smooth texture that makes everything extra tasty.
Fresh dill: Its herbal note ties everything together, making the sauce truly refreshing.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat if possible)

1 medium cucumber, grated or finely chopped (seeds removed)

2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced

1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

How to Make this

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1. Grab your Greek yogurt in a bowl. If you can, use full-fat for a creamier texture.

2. Grate or finely chop the cucumber and make sure you remove the seeds. If it feels too watery, squeeze a little extra liquid out.

3. Add the minced garlic to the bowl with the cucumber and yogurt.

4. Drizzle in the olive oil and stir in the lemon juice. Use one tablespoon if you want it milder or two if you like more tang.

5. Sprinkle the salt over the mixture and add the chopped fresh dill.

6. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.

7. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so the flavors get to know each other.

8. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice if you need more zing then serve with your fav veggies or pita bread.

Equipment Needed

1. A mixing bowl that’s big enough for all your Greek yogurt and veggies
2. A grater to shred the cucumber (or you can use a knife if youre careful)
3. A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping the dill
4. A cutting board so you dont cut directly on your counter
5. A set of measuring spoons for the lemon juice, olive oil and salt
6. A spatula or whisk to stir all the ingredients together well
7. A strainer or even just a clean cloth to squeeze out extra cucumber water
8. Your fridge to chill the mixture for about 15 minutes before serving

FAQ

How do I prep the cucumber for this recipe?

You gotta grate or finely chop the cucumber and remove the seeds, which helps avoid too much water in the dip.

Can I adjust the garlic to suit my taste?

Yep, if you're not a fan of strong garlic flavor you can use just 2 cloves. It's all about getting the balance you like.

How long should I chill the tzatziki for best flavor?

It’s best to let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours so the flavors get a chance to meld.

Is this recipe good for making ahead?

Totally, making it ahead is a good idea. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until youre ready to serve.

What are some fun ways to serve tzatziki?

Its awesome as a dip with veggies or pita chips or even as a spread on sandwiches its real versatile.

Tzatziki Sauce (Easy Dip Idea) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of plain Greek yogurt you can use strained regular yogurt or even sour cream if you dont mind a slight tang.
If you cant find a good cucumber, try using a peeled zucchini – just be sure to squeeze out any extra water.
Not a fan of garlic? You can use a pinch of garlic powder but use less than the recipe suggests since it’s more concentrated.
If youre out of lemon juice, a splash of lime juice works pretty well to give that citrus kick.

Pro Tips

1. For a creamier dip, it really helps to use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of the low-fat one, it makes the texture so much richer.
2. After grating or chopping the cucumber, squeeze out all the extra water since a watery dip can mess up the flavor.
3. Let the dip chill for a good 15 minutes or even longer if possible because letting it rest really brings all the flavors together.
4. Taste it before serving and adjust the garlic or lemon juice if needed since everyone has different ideas on how tangy or garlicky they like their dip.