What Ingredients You Need
- Plain Greek Yogurt The creamy base with a marvelous tangy flavor.
- English CucumberThis adds a bit of texture to your gyro sauce.
- Lemon Use both the zest and the juice for a bright fresh flavor.
- Olive Oil To add depth of flavor, and a silky quality.
- Dill A bold herby note.
- GarlicAdd a little or a lot: You can always add more if you like extra garlicky flavor.
- Salt & Pepper Add to taste.
How Long Does Homemade Tzatziki Last In The Fridge
Homemade tzatziki sauce is best consumed fresh. You can freeze it, if you have some leftover, but dont expect the result to be perfect. The cucumbers will become a bit mushy and the sauce a bit more watery.
You can store your homemade tzatziki sauce in the fridge in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 days before it starts going bad. If it has gone bad you can tell by the smell. If it smells sour, like yogurt or milk gone bad, then it is time to get rid of it.
Greek Chicken Marinade/ Gyro Chicken Marinade
The thing that starts it all for these chicken gyros is the marinade. A simple and versatile Greek chicken marinade that you can use regularly, even if you’re not making chicken gyros. This is a yogurt marinade with a nice dose of fresh minced garlic and a few warm spices . A little fresh lemon juice and red wine vinegar add enough citrus, and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil rounds up the flavor.
What does yogurt add to the marinade here? The lactic acid and calcium in yogurt works to gently break down the protein in the chicken breast tenders, making them more flavorful and super tender. And you’ll notice a bit of a crust too around this chicken, the yogurt does that too!
My advice for you here is to make sure you get the chicken marinating at least 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook it
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Is Tzatziki Low Carb Or Keto Friendly
Dietary Information: This recipe is Low Carb and Keto Friendly and given an A by Carb manager, based on 1/4th cup serving!
Disclaimer: Dietary information provided by Carb Manager. If you are on a KETO or Low Carb diet, always make sure to double check your own information with this or My Fitness Pal based on the brands and weights you use. I am not responsible for the calculations but do try to provide as much information as possible for readers to make informed decisions.
How To Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Life has been very full around here. I was going to say busy, but that word has received such bad press. When I say full, I mean it in the very best way. The kids are loving school, and Im enjoying the freelance recipe projects that have come our way in the past few months and the recipes Ive been working on for Live Simply. Also, Im pretty sure a full life just happens when you have kids, right?!
Its during these full seasons of life that I have two food choices:
1. Kick real food to the curb, and rely on processed and packaged foods.
2. Plan easy, quick, and nutrient-rich meals, and keep prep time a priority each weekend.
Ive seen what happens to our health and attitudes when I choose number one, so number two it is!
Friend, my family is a living testament that a real food lifestyle is 100% doable, even when youre enjoying a full season of life. You dont have to spend all day in the kitchen ) in order to make real food work. Yes, real food definitely requires more time to prepare than a processed box food, but a real food lifestyle doesnt mean you must spend hours and hours in the kitchen every single day.
One of my familys favorite meals from this list is a Quick and Easy Marinated Chicken Gyros recipe. The gyros take 15 minutes to prep in the morning, and in the evening, when were ready for dinner, the gyros cook and come together in 30 minutes.
Quick and easy? Check!
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What To Eat With Tzatziki
Not gonna lie here, I will eat Tzatziki Sauce right off my fingers, but since that is not a societal accepted thing, here are ways to enjoy this sauce without people looking at you funny.
- Pita Bread you can use straight up pita bread to enjoy
- Roasted Veggies I love mixing mine with Roasted veggies Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Tomatoes, Zucchini, all great choices
- Chicken Make some simple grilled chicken and dial it up
- Gyros No matter the meat , Tzatziki works as a great alternative to other condiments and is full of flavor
- Dip in Raw Veggies
Ways To Use This Tzatziki Sauce
This Greek yogurt sauce is so tangy and delicious perfect spread over some warm pita bread or served with pita chips!
I also love to eat this sauce with raw veggies as a healthy snack option. Theres lots of protein in the yogurt, so it keeps me full for ages.
I also love to use it as a spread for sandwiches, especially the kind that are made in a pita. These vegan pita sandwiches would be amazing with some tzatziki sauce spread inside!
While youre at it, why not plan a fun little dinner party with a menu of Greek Mezes? Id start with this Potato Skordalia, Classic Greek Salad, and Greek Feta and Red Pepper Dip.
If you have leftovers, make these adorable little Tzatziki Bites with Greek Salsa!
This sauce is also delicious with our Greek Chicken Souvlaki.
Of course, this Greek Tzatziki sauce recipe makes a great Gyro sauce and you can make your Homemade Greek Gyros with our recipes for Beef Gyros, Lamb Gyros, our recipe that combines those meats for Lamb and Beef Gyros or our Greek Chicken Gyros recipe.
Here is a photo our Delicious Chicken Gyros.
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The Best Tzatziki Sauce Recipe:
We are going to show you how to make the best Greek Tzatziki Sauce. You will never buy store bought again once you taste this. The flavor is amazing and it only takes a few simple ingredients to make this.
If you can toss a few ingredients in a bowl and mix them, you can make this! We make this delicious Crock Pot Beef Gyros Recipe and Instant Pot Beef Gyro Recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.
This homemade tzatziki sauce really takes gyros to the next level and everyone loves them. The tzatziki sauce is so wonderful! The sauce is rich and creamy and really tastes authentic.
Best Tips For Making Tzatziki Sauce
Make sure your grated cucumber is well-drained. If you have time, you can drain it in cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve overnight. I prefer the sieve as you can use it over and over. If you need one of these, snag it on Amazon from one of the two links below:
If youre in a rush, you can use your hands to squeeze the liquid out of the cucumber.
The longer the garlic rests in the yogurt, the less sharp bite it will have and the better it will taste.
For best results, combine all of the ingredients except for the cucumber and dill, then let it rest overnight in the fridge while your cucumber is draining.
Add the dill at the last minute so it doesnt overwhelm the rest of the flavors.
Also, if you are looking for a vegan tzatziki sauce or a dairy free tzatziki sauce recipe, then just use coconut milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
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Do You Peel Cucumber To Make Tzatziki
Short answer: you dont have to! To make the Worlds Best Tzatziki recipe youll need a cup of cucumber . If yours has seeds, get those outa there before anything. I like to leave the peel on for more nutrients and fiber !
Sprinkle with a touch of salt then lay the cucumber out flat on a few layers of paper towels and let sit while you prepare the other ingredients. The salt helps to draw out moisture from the cucumber!
What Is Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Its typically served as a dip or condiment and goes well with grilled meats or vegetables. The yogurt in the sauce helps to cool and balance the spiciness of the garlic, while the cucumber adds a refreshing flavor. Tzatziki can also be used as a salad dressing or as a topping for baked potatoes. In addition to being delicious, this cucumber-yogurt sauce is also healthy, low in calories and fat.
Next time you are looking for a new sauce to try, be sure to give tzatziki a chance. You just might find that it becomes your new favorite.
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Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Light, refreshing, creamy, and loaded with fresh dill flavor.
This homemade tzatziki sauce recipe is going to put any restaurant or store bought version to shame.
Dont believe me?
Recently both a popular store-bought brand and my homemade version were in the fridge at the same time.
They obviously had to be compared side by side, and hands down this homemade tzatziki sauce recipe was the best!!
Its made with finely shredded cucumbers, Greek yogurt, and just the right amount of crushed garlic cloves and fresh dill.
Pop all of the ingredients into your food processor and its ready to enjoy in less than 15 minutes.
Because no Chicken Shish Kebob, Turkey Meatball or Falafel recipe would be complete without a drizzle of some creamy Tzatziki sauce!
What To Serve With Chicken Gyros
These chicken gyros are a complete meal on their own, really. If you want to change things up, rather than cutting up slices of veggies to top your gyros, try this Mediterranean-style homemade salsa. You can also add a bright salad to start with is always nice. There are lots of salad options in the recipe archives here, including Traditional Greek Salad, Mediterranean Couscous Salad, Watermelon Salad, or Grilled Zucchini Salad.
For sides, a new favorite are these easy baked zucchini sticks with thyme and Parmesan! And if you have the time for a hearty side, try Greek roasted potatoes. These take a bit of time in the oven, but you can prepare them in advance and just heat up when you’re ready to serve the gyros.
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Why This Recipe Is So Great:
This is one of those super simple recipes that not only tastes great, but it’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
- Simple: Only five wholesome ingredients come together to create this creamy, satisfying, flavor packed sauce.
- Versatile: Every time I make it, I find different recipes that are only complimented by the addition of tzatziki. Although this is an recipe which people typically think should only go with Greek food, it’s a fantastic dip for vegetables or crackers, or spread on sandwiches.
- Healthy: Fresh vegetables and herbs with protein packed Greek yogurt is not only delicious but it’s quite satisfying.
Mediterranean Bowl With Salmon
This fully loaded quinoa bowl isnt another typical boring salad! It consists of lemon-herb marinated salmon, garbanzo bean salad, crisp greens, feta cheese, kalamata olives, in addition to our homemade Tzatziki Sauce. Its a balanced bowl including quality protein, healthy fats, and plenty of much-needed fiber.
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More Easy Appetizers And Dips
- Easy Hummus This must be one of our most popular recipes! Learn how to make hummus from scratch in under 10 minutes.
- Fresh Tomato Bruschetta Watch our video and see how easy it is to make authentic, delicious bruschetta at home.
- Ridiculously Good Olive Oil Dip This is what we make when we have a last minute get together. Easy, fast, and unbelievably delicious.
- Fresh and Easy Shrimp Ceviche Whether you scoop this up with chips or serve over rice, this ceviche is amazing.
- Crispy Homemade Falafel How to make delicious and crispy falafel at home rivaling your favorite restaurants.
Homemade Chicken Gyro Recipe With Tzatziki
Super succulent chicken breast tenders, loaded with all the bright Greek flavors we love Warm up some pita to carry the chicken, add in tztaziki sauce, some veggies, and olives, and you’ve got your chicken gyros!
One of things I really love about this chicken gyro recipe is that it comes together so quickly, making for a wholesome meal any night of the week. And no, you do not need to fire up the grill, although you can if you want. But you can just make the chicken in your skillet or even baked in the oven
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How To Use Tzatziki Sauce
This Greek tzatziki enlivens everything it graceswith a fresh, tangy, garlic kick. Hereare just a few options to serve with tzatziki, but dont limit yourself tothese ideas alone!
Vegetables
You can use tzatziki as a dip for grilled orfresh vegetables. You can even use it asa dressing and toss your vegetables directly in the sauce. It is fabulous with:
How To Make The Best Tzatziki Sauce
Cover the bowl tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. As the ingredients sit together the sauce becomes more and more flavorful!
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Homemade Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe
Can’t get enough of your favorite Greek restaurant’s gyros? Try this quick and easy chicken gyro recipe for something just as delicious, but far better for you! Yogurt-marinated chicken tenders, packed with flavor from warm spices, and loaded into a pita wrap with homemade tzatziki sauce and all the fixings you love!
You can make this Greek chicken in a skillet or pan, outdoor grill, or baked in the oven. Check out the tips and step-by-step tutorial below.
Here’s the thing about restaurant gyros–the ones made of a combination of lamb and beef, roasted for hours on a spit–they are absolutely delicious! And I do eat them, occasionally. But, reality is, they are a bit on the heavier side.
But we don’t have to give up the bright Greek flavors, there is a way to make a darn good gyro right at home that is healthier and still just as delicious: Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!
Can I Freeze This Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Yes, you can freeze this gyro sauce recipe. However, dont expect it to have the same consistency as when you first made it. Cucumbers tend to get mushy in the freezer, and the lemon might cause the yogurt to curdle a little.
If you freeze your tzatziki sauce, make sure to store it packed in an airtight container. Then stir it very well before serving.
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What Kind Of Feta Cheese To Use For This Dip
Feta cheese is a salty, tangy semi-hard cheese traditionally made with sheeps milk. Try to use a block of feta thats been packed in the brine over a vacuum-packed one. And try to avoid pre-crumbled feta. It is dry, and will not yield the soft, perfectly scoop-able texture we are aiming for in this dip recipe.
If you can’t find Greek feta cheese, French or Bulgarian white cheeses are also good options here.
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Published August 18, 2021.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This creamy and tangy homemade tzatziki sauce recipe is the perfect condiment for all of your tasty Greek recipes.
We are bigtime sauce fans in our house as it so often has the opportunity to greatly enhance the flavor of a dish. Up your sauce recipe game by trying out my BBQ sauce, tahini sauce, or beurre blanc.
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Peeling Garlic Prior To The Oven
Peel 1 bulb of garlic and separate all the cloves.
Cut each end of the clove and remove the peel from the cloves.
If you have trouble peeling the garlic, there is a product on Amazon that is called a Silicone Garlic Peeler that helps a lot and is good to have on hand for fresh garlic usage.
You can also often purchase whole garlic, already peeled, from many stores.
How Do You Make Greek Tzatziki
After you have your thick Greek yogurt and shredded cucumber, the rest is pretty simple. Finely chop 1 tablespoons of dill, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and measure out 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white wine vinegar. You can let the yogurt sit for a few hours, or zero hours if youre like me and want tzatziki NOW! Mix it all together and voila! You have a healthy, low carb tzatziki sauce with just 5 minutes of hands-on work.
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How Do You Make Tzatziki
Tzatziki is very simple to make. You dont need a lot of time and it lasts in the refrigerator for a few days. Let me walk you through our method for making tzatziki sauce:
Grate a medium cucumber, and then lightly salt it. I prefer the seedless variety thats often sold as English or hothouse. The smaller Persian cucumbers are also excellent. The salt helps to season and bump up the cucumbery flavor of the cucumber as well as bring out excess water, which would inevitably make our sauce too runny.
Wring excess water out of the grated cucumber. We want the flavor of cucumber in our tzatziki, but dont want all the water that comes with it since that would water down our sauce. So to get rid of the water, we place the cucumber into a clean dish towel and squeeze it dry.
Stir everything together and let sit for at least 10 minutes. By everything, I mean yogurt we love thick plain Greek yogurt garlic, fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Most often, youll see tzatziki with mint, dill or a combination of both. Im a firm believer in the idea that you can never have too many fresh herbs, so when I have them, I add a generous amount of both. Use our recipe below as a guide a little more fresh herbs never hurts!
Letting the sauce sit for 10 minutes or so gives time for all the flavors to mingle and meld .
