Homemade Fresh Tzatziki Sauce

What You'll Need

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or soy yogurt for dairy-free)
• 1 cup seeded cucumber, shredded or finely diced
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Let's Cook

1. Strain the Yogurt:
   Place the yogurt in a cheesecloth or coffee filter over a bowl and let it strain for 30 minutes to 3 hours to remove excess moisture. (You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but it makes the sauce thicker and creamier.)

2. Prep the Cucumber:
   Sprinkle a little salt over the shredded or diced cucumber and spread it on a paper towel to draw out moisture. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then gently pat dry.

3. Mix It Up:
   In a medium bowl, combine the strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Stir until evenly mixed.

4. Season:
   Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra richness and shine, drizzle in a touch of olive oil.

5. Serve or Chill:
   Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld — tzatziki only gets better with time!