You will need only 5-minutes to make this delicious easy tzatziki sauce! And then you will want to use it everywhere. For gyros, healthy bowls, on the side with some grilled meat and vegetables, in sandwiches…just everywhere. This is a great meal prep sauce or dip recipe that is perfect to use in healthy Mediterranean-inspired meals.
What Is Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a dip or sauce that is very popular in the Balkans and the Middle East. It is traditionally made with yogurt, salt, garlic, olive oil, cucumbers and herbs like mint, dill or parsley. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish or a sauce with bread, fried or grilled vegetables, meat or seafood. It really goes with everything.
Each country in the Balkans and the Middle East has a different name for this delicious dip. For example in Bulgaria, where I am from, we call it Snow White Salad (Snezhanka salata). We usually serve it as an appetizer with bread and our typical tomato cucumber salad (Shopska salad).
Tzatziki Ingredients
Yogurt. Depending on what you want to do with the tzatziki you can use different types of yogurt. For example here, I used 3-4% fat plain probiotic yogurt. This variation is perfect as a sauce to use in gyros and bowls. For an appetizer or side dish, you can go for the creamier version (about 10%). However, remember to not overcomplicate things and just use what you have at home. The only thing the yogurt needs to be is plain, no flavors!
Garlic. I’d say that’s the star of this simple appetizer. It’s such a beautiful contrast to the freshness of the cucumbers and the coolness of dill. And it works perfectly with the yogurt too.
Cucumbers. Or one cucumber. I’ve seen people grate them and squeeze out the liquid, but I personally never do it. Just chop a cucumber very thinly, it works perfectly!
Olive oil. I love extra virgin olive oil, but you can use any type of oil you enjoy in this side dish. Also, if you don’t want to add oil, you don’t need to. I have made this recipe more times without oil than I can remember.
Salt. You need to add enough salt to make the flavor really pop! So add a few pinches, do a taste test and adjust.
Dill. Thinly chopped dill provides freshness and flavor to this delicious appetizer.
How To Make Tzatziki
A child can make tzatziki! If a child doesn’t mind garlic and dill, of course. But it’s so easy! Here’s what you have to do:
- peel and chop the cucumber thinly
- chop thinly the dill
- peel and mince the garlic
- add yogurt, dill, cucumber, garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper to a bowl, then mix everything together.
- do a taste test and add some salt if you need to
How To Store Tzatziki
We almost never have leftovers, but whenever there are like two tablespoons left, I never throw them out. Instead, I put them in a jar, close with a lid and store refrigerated. You can use any type of airtight container you like.
Note that on the next day the tzatziki will probably have some water on top. This is very natural and all you need to do is stir the ingredients a few times together and they’re ready.
The Perfect Meal Prep Sauce
Tzatziki also happens to be the perfect sauce or dip to meal prep for the week! All you need to do is prepare as it is and store in an airtight container. Then enjoy with your favorite bread, protein and salad.
Tzatziki For When You’re Lazy
If you’re super lazy and don’t feel like doing microscopic work like cutting cucumbers and dill in the perfect size for ants, you can make a basic yogurt garlic sauce.
I know, it’s not the same, but that’s what I do when I’m feeling lazy or don’t have the ingredients. Just mix salt, yogurt and garlic and you’re done. Try it in wraps or with bowls.
More Tasty Appetizer Recipes
5-Minute Easy Tzatziki Sauce For Gyros or Bowls
You will need only 5-minutes to make this delicious easy tzatziki sauce! Use it everywhere for gyros, healthy bowls, on the side with some grilled meat and vegetables, in sandwiches...just everywhere. This is a great meal prep sauce or dip recipe that is perfect to use in healthy Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 heaping tbsp dill, thinly chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup thinly chopped cucumber
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined.
- Have a taste and adjust for salt and pepper if needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 184Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 11mgSodium 665mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 0gSugar 8gProtein 24g