Posted Apr 22, 2020, Updated Apr 16, 2024 This Greek Tzatziki Sauce recipe is one of my all-time favorites! I have a serious love for Mediterranean food (like baked falafel, Greek chicken, Greek meatballs, and chicken kebabs – YUM)! Since we don’t go out to eat very often, I have worked hard over the years to create homemade versions of my favorite restaurant fare. Tzatziki Sauce is one of my favorite “condiments” and our recipe is better than any tzatziki I’ve ever had in a restaurant. It is made with Greek yogurt, sour cream and fresh dill! It’s thick and creamy (not watery) and so delicious! It perfectly compliments Mediterranean dishes, and makes a great party dip! Plus it’s so easy to make that my 10 year old daughter makes it every week for our entire family.
Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe: IngredientsSubstitutions
This is a recipe that I have made so many times and it is absolute perfection as-is. However here are a few possible substitutions:
Greek yogurt/sour cream. I have made this recipe with all these ingredients from fat free to full fat, and it always turns out amazing. Obviously, the higher the fat content the richer and creamier the taste will be! White Balsamic Vinegar. Any other light colored vinegar works well in this recipe, but white balsamic is my favorite! Garlic powder. Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder. If you love loads of garlic feel free to add more until your heart’s content. Dill. My favorite is using fresh dill straight from the garden, but dried dill works great as well!
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
This Tzatziki sauce recipe takes a little bit of planning. However, it is easy and so so worth it! The first thing you I recommend is removing as much water possible from the water from the cucumbers and yogurt. I always start the water removal process first thing in the morning, because less water results in a creamier, thicker, more delicious tzatziki.
Strain the water from the Greek yogurt & Sour Cream
Both Greek yogurt and sour cream have a natural liquid content that could lead to watery tzatziki. That’s why (when you have time) I suggest straining the water from the Greek yogurt & sour cream. To do this, put a coffee filter inside of a strainer, put the strainer over a bowl (make sure it’s not touching the bottom of the bowl and that you have space for the water to collect), then put the yogurt/sour cream mixture on top. Put it in the refrigerator to drain as long as you can.
Remove Water from Cucumber
The biggest contributor to watery tzatziki is the cucumber, which is why it’s important to try to remove as much water out of the cucumber as possible. To release the water from the cucumber, de-seed the cucumber then grate it. I suggest using a metal spoon to scoop the seeds out of the cucumber. Put the grated cucumber it in a colander over a bowl. Then sprinkle it with sea salt (to draw out the water). Leave the cucumber on the counter at room temperature to drain. While it’s draining, press on it from time to time to help push out the water. After most of the water has been pressed out of the shredded cucumber, transfer it to a tea towel and squeeze the remaining water out. You can also use thick paper towels for this step instead of a tea towel.
Assemble the Tzatziki Sauce
Once the water has been drained from the ingredients, it’s time to assemble the tzatziki sauce. Begin by combining all the ingredients except for the cucumber in a medium bowl. Then, stir the prepared cucumber into the mixture.
Chill
Chill the Greek tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Store
Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve
Serve with your favorite mediterranean recipes. Here are some suggestions: Tzatziki sauce is a delicious topping for baked falafel, grilled Greek chicken, chicken kebabs and Greek meatballs. With a side of greek salad, chickpea salad, and tabbouleh of course. It’s also a great, healthy dip for vegetables and pita bread or naan bread! If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
