Tsaziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber – coarsely grated
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt – divided
- 2 cloves garlic – finely grated
- 2 cups Greek yogurt, full-fat, plain
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh dill – finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Coarsely grate the English cucumber on the large holes of a box grater into a colander set over the sink. Sprinkle with 0.5 tsp kosher salt and toss. Let stand until it releases liquid, 10–15 minutes.
2. Squeeze the cucumber by handfuls (or in a clean towel) until very dry; you should have about 1 cup packed drained cucumber.
3. In a medium bowl, mash the grated garlic with a pinch of the remaining salt using the flat of a knife or a spoon until a paste forms, 15–30 seconds.
4. Add the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil to the bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Fold in the drained cucumber, fresh dill, the remaining 0.75 tsp kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with a touch more vinegar or salt if needed. Cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes to chill and let the flavors meld.
7. Stir before serving. The sauce should be thick yet scoopable and glossy; serve cold with grilled meats, vegetables, or bread. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Tsaziki sauce is a cool, creamy Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce with a bright, garlicky edge and herbal lift from dill. Its texture is thick yet refreshing, making it ideal as both a dip and a sauce. The balance of tangy yogurt, crisp cucumber, and fruity olive oil creates a clean, appetizing flavor that cuts through rich grilled meats and complements vegetables and breads.
Rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean, tzatziki in Greece likely evolved from similar yogurt–cucumber preparations found across the region. Over time it became a staple of Greek meze, served alongside souvlaki, gyro, and fried vegetables. Today it’s a defining accompaniment in Greek cuisine, prized for its simplicity, versatility, and the way it showcases strained yogurt, high-quality olive oil, and fresh herbs.