Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe – Greek Special
Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce is a cool and tangy meze made from creamy strained yogurt mixed with finely grated, well-drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice. Often enhanced with fresh dill or mint, it’s traditionally served cold as a dip or sauce alongside grilled meats, pita, or vegetables—offering refreshing balance and vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time10 min
- Total Time10 min
Authentic Tzatziki sauce Recipe Ingredients :
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 of a cup extra virgin olive oil
- 500g strained Greek yogurt (18 ounces)
- 1–2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper
How to Make Authentic Tzatziki sauce Recipe:
Begin preparing the authentic Greek tzatziki sauce by grating the cucumber into a large bowl after removing its skin and seeds. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside for 10 minutes.
Next, wrap the grated cucumber in a towel and squeeze out excess water.
Combine the tzatziki sauce ingredients. In a bowl, mix together the squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, Greek yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt until well blended. Store the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator and serve chilled. Alternatively, for a smoother texture, blend the olive oil and garlic first in a blender before mixing with the other ingredients using a spoon.
Enjoy this traditional tzatziki sauce as a delicious dip with warm pita bread or as a sauce for Greek-style souvlaki when serving your friends and family.
Recipe Notes:
Grate cucumber finely and then squeeze out all excess moisture using a towel or cheesecloth to keep the sauce creamy.
Use full-fat strained yogurt (traditionally from sheep or goat milk) for rich texture and authentic taste.
Mince garlic thoroughly—or press it—to infuse its flavor evenly without large pungent bits.
Stir in extra virgin olive oil and a little vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for brightness and proper balance.
Add freshly chopped herbs like dill or mint for aroma and freshness, but keep them minimal to allow the yogurt’s flavor to shine.
Chill the sauce for at least an hour before serving to let flavors meld and intensify.
