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Tzatziki: Easy and Versatile

tzatziki garnished with dill
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Why This Tzatziki Sauce Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

There are some sauces so good, they steal the show. This is one of them. Traditional Tzatziki often has grated cucumber which waters down the sauce.  Our updated Easy Tzatziki Sauce upgrades this step to seeded and diced cucumbers (no watery sauce) AND had feta cheese right in the recipe, so no fighting over the feta cheese.   And the best part? It takes minutes to whip up.

This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy and salty, with that signature punch of Greek feta in every single bite. If you’ve ever found yourself picking out the few precious feta crumbles from a salad (we’ve all been there), this sauce is your answer, with feta in every. single. spoonful.

Choose either full fat yogurt, or for more protein (which seems to be the thing) use Greek Yogurt, such as Liberte! 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this simple yet game-changing tzatziki recipe!  

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 1 cups plain, full-fat or Greek yogurt .
  • 1/3 cup firm Greek feta cheese Choose a high-quality, firm feta for the best texture.
  • 1/2 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped (approx 1/3 cup)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic, minced and smashed into a paste with salt
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Olive Oil, for drizzling just before serving

Instructions

How to Make It our Easy Tzatziki:

  1. Seed and dice the cucumber and place in a medium mixing bowl.  Season with a pinch of kosher salt.  

  2. Prepare the garlic. Mince the garlic, then sprinkle it with a little salt. Using the side of your knife, press down and drag it across the garlic repeatedly until it transforms into a smooth paste. This helps mellow out the raw garlic flavour and distributes it evenly in the sauce.

  3. Place the garlic in a small dish, and squeeze lemon juice over top (this mellows it out nicely).  

  4. Mash the feta. Using a fork, crumble the feta into a bowl until it’s in small, bite-sized pieces.

  5. Mix it up. Add the yogurt, feta, chopped dill, and garlic/lemon mixture to the cucumbers.  Stir until well combined.  Taste to see if it needs a pinch of salt or pepper.  
  6. Let it rest. Give the flavours 10-15 minutes to meld before serving.
  7. Serve drizzle with some olive oil! 
  8. Enjoy! Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce for just about anything, such as our Chicken Souvlaki!  

Notes

Chef’s Tip: Chop Herbs Like a Pro

To avoid fresh dill flying all over your kitchen, bunch it tightly in one hand and make small, controlled cuts with a sharp knife. Keep the knife close to the cutting board for precision and efficiency.

What to Serve with our Easy Tzatziki Sauce

This sauce is ridiculously versatile. Try it with:

  • Roasted Chicken or Salmon – A creamy contrast to grilled or roasted proteins.  Try our Chicken Souvlaki for a true Greek feast! 
  • Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes – the perfect combination!
  • Chicken Wings – Dip those spicy wings right in.  Our Honey Butter Hot Sauce Chicken Wings are seriously the best!  
  • Grilled Veggies – Zucchini, eggplant, peppers… they all love this sauce.
  • Pita & Crackers – The simplest (and most addictive) way to enjoy it.
Substitutions for this Tzatziki Recipe: 
  • Greek Yogurt: You can use sour cream or a mix of mayo and yogurt for a slightly richer version.
  • Feta Cheese: If feta is too strong for you, try ricotta or a mild goat cheese.
  • Dill: Swap for fresh parsley, mint, or chives for a different twist.
  • Lemon Juice: White wine vinegar works in a pinch.

What to Know/Avoid When Making This Recipe

  • Use full-fat yogurt for the best texture and flavour.
  • Crumble the feta well so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
  • Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to come together.
  • Avoid using pre-crumbled feta. It’s drier and doesn’t mix as well.
  • Don’t over-salt! Feta is naturally salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Storage Recommendations

This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If it thickens, just stir in a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.

Do not freeze. 

FAQ

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavours meld together.

What’s the best type of feta to use?

Go for a firm, Greek-style feta. The creamy versions tend to be too soft and won’t give you the same texture.

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

You can try using a thick plant-based yogurt and a dairy-free feta alternative, but the taste will be slightly different.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat.

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Nutrition

Find it online: https://blog.theculinarystudio.ca/recipes/easy-tzatziki/