Creamy, light, and flavourful homemade tzatziki is totally possible with this How to Make Tzatziki recipe. A couple of ingredients and less than 10 minutes is all it takes for this dreamy sauce, condiment, or even dip.
I use tzatziki sauce, or a similar version of it at least once per week for dinners. Why? This yogurt based sauce contains no sugar or additives and is well-loved by kids. I get a healthy condiment parked on the dinner table that everyone enjoys. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for ketchup, but it can’t be daily for us.
With tzatziki on the table, my kids are more willing to try new things (they still have the comfort of a familiar flavour from the tzatziki), cover up anything they don’t love, and for my picky eater, she gets break from the ketchup train.
The ingredient list is extremely low for this homemade tzatziki and full of easy to swap items.
If I’m running low or out of cucumbers I do occasionally skip them.
Mint is our favourite to enjoy, others will say dill is must. Use whichever (or both!) herb that your family will like.
I say garlic is non-negotiable but if you or anyone else isn’t into raw garlic, it’s okay to skip it.
Plain Greek yogurt is important. You can use regular plain yogurt, however the sauce will be runny and not thick. I like a thick tzatziki myself.
I recommend a mini or Persian cucumber for my version of tzatziki as they contain less water content overall and less seeds. This results in a thicker sauce and less work. If you only have a long English cucumber available, be sure to cut the cucumber lengthwise and scoop the seeds out with a spoon first.
This sauce will only last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge and it will require a good stir after being in the fridge as the water will start to separate.
That being said, I’ll be surprised if it isn’t all gobbled up the first day it’s made.
What goes with Tzatziki?
- Turkey Koftas are my family’s favourite way to use Tzatziki Sauce.
- Herby Lamb Meatballs … what’s a meatball with a sauce?!
- Tzatziki Crusted Salmon creamy and crispy!
- Lamb Chops are perfect to pair with this light and creamy sauce.
- Chicken Wings for an extra yummy dipping sauce.
- Lentil Falafels (recipe coming soon!) Will link back as soon as it’s live.
A couple of ingredients and less than 10 minutes is all it takes for these delicious creamy and satisfying tzatziki recipe.
- 3/4 cup thick plain Greek yogurt
- 1 mini or Persian Cucumber
- 1/2 clove garlic
- 3-5 leaves (fresh) mint
- 1/2 medium lemon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Place yogurt in a small bowl.
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Trim ends of cucumber and cut cucumber into small pieces (a couple of centimetres cubed each). Add to bowl.
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Finely grate garlic* and add to bowl.
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Finely chop mint (and/or dill if using).
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Add juice from 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper.
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Combine all ingredients with a spoon and serve.
* I use a microplane to do this.