To make an easy tzatziki sauce, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber (partially peeled or peeled if regular cucumber)
• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or reduced-fat)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon divided)
• Fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)
• Ground white or black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Sprinkle with about half the salt and let it sit for a few minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated cucumber using a cheesecloth, clean kitchen towel, or fine mesh sieve. This step is crucial to avoid a watery sauce.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic with the remaining salt, vinegar (or lemon juice), and olive oil.
4. Add the drained cucumber and Greek yogurt to the bowl. Stir in fresh herbs and pepper if using.
5. Mix everything well until combined.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. You can serve immediately if needed, but chilling improves the taste.

Serve chilled with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats

. This method is straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it an easy and authentic way to prepare tzatziki sauce at home.