Cucumber Yogurt Mint Sauce (Tzatziki)
During summer I constantly have a batch of this cucumber yogurt mint sauce, aka tzatziki, on hand. It’s perfect as a fresh dip with fresh vegetables, a condiment with grilled meats, or as a versatile sauce for salads and sandwiches. And thanks to the Greek yogurt, it adds extra protein to your dishes!
Why you’ll love this yogurt mint sauce recipe
- Quick and easy: This homemade yogurt sauce can be made in just a few minutes with some staple ingredients.
- Refreshing: The combination of cucumber, yogurt, and mint creates a cool and refreshing dip – perfect for summer BBQs.
- Versatile: This sauce can be used as a dip or condiment for a variety of dishes and cuisines. Perfect with beef fritters, lamb meatballs, or puff pastry hot dogs.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Plain Greek yogurt: Use store-bought or homemade Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy texture. You can also opt for cottage cheese to make cottage cheese tzatziki.
- Cucumber: Grate the peeled cucumber finely for a smooth consistency. I use English cucumber.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a savory flavor to the sauce.
- Lemon: Lemon juice provides a freshness.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves add another layer of freshness and a herbaceous aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
Spiced: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some spice.
Extra herbs: Incorporate extra fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a more flavorful sauce.
Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream for a richer and creamier texture.
How to make this yogurt mint sauce
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
Step 2: Stir to combine.
5 delicious serving ideas
This refreshing Greek yogurt sauce can be served in a variety of ways:
- On sandwiches, burgers, or wraps such as my meatball wraps.
- As a condiment for falafel, gyros, or pan-fried meats such as my beef fritters or Italian beef meatballs.
- As a dip for vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumber sticks.
- Alongside savory snacks such as my bacon and cheese turnovers or cheese rolls.
- With hearty lamb dishes including my Greek lamb wellingtons, pulled lamb, or ground lamb dinner pie.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but the texture may be thinner.
This sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
No, I don’t recommend freezing the sauce.
More condiment recipes
For more easy dips and sauces, check out the following recipes:
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Cucumber Yogurt Mint Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup cucumber peeled, grated, and drained
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp mint leaves finely sliced, about 8 leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (note 1), minced garlic, lemon juice, mint leaves, salt, and pepper.1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup cucumber, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Season further to taste.
My go-to summer dip. It goes with everything!