Creamy and Tangy Greek Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is a staple of Greek cuisine, and it's easy to see why: it's creamy, tangy, and refreshing, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread. Our version is made with plain Greek yogurt, finely diced cucumber, fresh dill and mint, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The result is a sauce that is both flavorful and versatile—use it as a dip, spread, or marinade.

Tzatziki's origins are shrouded in the mists of culinary history, but it's thought to have originated in the Middle East. The first written record of the sauce dates back to the 9th century, when it was mentioned in a cookbook written by the Persian physician and philosopher Rhazes. Tzatziki quickly became popular throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and it eventually made its way to Greece, where it became a staple of the country's cuisine. Today, tzatziki is enjoyed all over the world as a delicious and refreshing condiment.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, mint, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Stir until combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled with grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread.

Why It Works

• The combination of Greek yogurt, cucumber, and herbs gives tzatziki its characteristic creamy, tangy, and refreshing flavor.
• The addition of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the sauce and helps to preserve the cucumber.
• Refrigerating the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and develop.