Make this quick and easy Garlicky Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce for your next Greek-inspired meal. This small-batch tzatziki sauce is so quick and easy you can make it in 5 minutes!
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Why I Love This Recipe
This Garlicky Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce is a quick and easy small-batch tzatziki sauce for any recipe or appetizer. It takes 5 minutes to mix this healthy sauce, similar to my Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, which has fresh cucumber and zesty garlic.
One thing I hate is waste in the kitchen. There's nothing worse than making a great meal and then ending up throwing away leftovers. This small-batch tzatziki sauce will help with that. You can make it for a meal or a snack, like my Mediterranean Hummus Recipe, and not worry about having so much you don't know what to do with the rest.
Key Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt forms the base of tzatziki sauce. For this small batch recipe, you can buy one small cup of yogurt.
Cucumber: cucumber is grated or finely chopped and then squeezed to remove excess moisture. It adds a refreshing and crunchy texture to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are crushed or minced to release their strong and aromatic flavor. Garlic adds a pungent kick to the tzatziki sauce.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the sauce. It helps balance the richness of the yogurt and adds a hint of citrus. Don't use the bottle stuff, it does not have the same flavor and has additives.
Dill: This recipe uses fried dill but you can also use fresh if you have it.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness and adds a fruity note to the tzatziki sauce.
Other Ingredients That Can Be Added to this Sauce
You can add other flavors to change up this sauce and make it your own. Try fresh mint for an additional layer of freshness and a hint of sweetness, white wine vinegar to add a slightly acidic and tangy flavor, or sprinkle paprika on top of the sauce for a touch of smokiness and a pop of color.
How to Make Small Batch Tzatziki Sauce
- Use a cheese grater to grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber on a paper towel, wrap it in a ball, and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Place the sauce in a covered container in the fridge until you are ready to use.
What to Use This Garlic and Cucumber Sauce For
This Garlicky Cucumber Sauce can be used for so many things. It is the perfect compliment to Greek-inspired dishes like my Greek Pita Wraps with Chicken or my Chicken Schwarma Wraps. You can also use this sauce as a dip for fresh veggies, a fresh and creamy salad dressing, or a sandwich spread. I also just love dipping Homemade Pita Bread in this sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Store this homemade sauce in a covered container in the fridge. It will last for 2-3 days. When you remove the sauce from the fridge, give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined again.
I do not recommend freezing this yogurt sauce. Cucumbers do not freeze well and end up mushy and even more watery when defrosted. Since this sauce is so quick and easy to make, I would suggest just making this small-batch recipe whenever you need it.
If you get a chance to make this Garlicky Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Garlicky Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Sauce (Tzatziki Sauce)
Equipment
- spatula or spoon
- paper towel
- grater
Ingredients
- 5.3 ounces plain Greek yogurt (one small package)
- ¼ cup shredded cucumber
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon dried dill (you can also use fresh if you have it)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Use a cheese grater to grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber on a paper towel, wrap it in a ball, and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Place the sauce in a covered container in the fridge until you are ready to use.
Video
Notes
- Store this homemade sauce in a covered container in the fridge. It will last for 2-3 days. When you remove the sauce from the fridge, give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined again.
- I don't peel or de-seed my cucumber before shredded. Since this is a small batch recipe, you really won't notice. Of course, you can do this if you prefer it that way.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Mirlene says
Love garlic anything! This tzatziki sauce would be perfect with some falafels in a pita wrap!
Emily says
I'm a garlic lover myself so I know you are going to love this sacue!
Amy says
I am trying to make my own dips instead of buying them. Found your tazatziki recipe and it was so good!
Emily says
I am a fan of homemade dips for sure. I'm so glad you found this one!
Jessie says
This tzatziki sauce is amazing and I love that it is a small batch, I am usually the only one that eats it so I hate to make a large batch. Thank you for this!!
Emily says
It's the same in my house, Jessie, so I totally get it. Enjoy!
Gwynn Galvin says
I love a homemade Tzatziki Sauce. Tastes so refreshing as a dip, a sauce and I even love to toss vegetables in it!
Emily says
I totally agree, Gwynn! There is nothing better than a homemade dip.