Alright, let’s talk tzatziki, but with a twist! If you’re like me and sometimes crave something creamier than yogurt, this tzatziki sauce with sour cream is gonna be your new fridge BFF. It’s rich, zesty, cool, and honestly kind of addictive.
You don’t need a fancy blender or special ingredients. Just grab some fresh dill, a crunchy cucumber, and that tub of sour cream sitting in your fridge. This sauce comes together in minutes and tastes amazing on everything, grilled chicken, pita, falafel, sandwiches, even as a salad dressing. Trust me, I’ve tried it on all of the above. If you’re loving this vibe, you should totally check out my Falafel Mezze Platter.
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The ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients to make this Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream.
Sour Cream – Use full-fat for the creamiest texture. Don’t skimp.
English Cucumber – Shredded and squeezed to keep the sauce thick.
Fresh Dill – Brings that signature Greek-herb magic.
Garlic – Minced or even roasted for a mellow depth.
Lemon Juice & Zest – Brightens the whole thing up.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and ties it all together.
Salt + Pepper – Season to taste, always.
How to make the Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
1. Shred the cucumber.
Use a box grater and squeeze out the extra moisture with a clean towel. This step’s not glamorous, but skipping it = watery mess.
2. Mix the base.
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, dill, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Fold in the cucumber.
Stir it in gently – don’t overmix.
4. Season to taste.
Salt and pepper, always to your liking.
5. Chill it out.
Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The flavors need a little mingle time.
6. Serve it up.
Spoon it on grilled veggies, falafel, wraps, or just dunk fresh bread into it.
Tips for Success
- Squeeze that cucumber like you mean it! Excess water is the enemy of creamy.
- Use fresh dill – dried just doesn’t do it justice here.
- Taste and tweak – some like it more lemony, some garlicky. You do you.
- Rest time matters – flavor gets way better after chilling.
Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a more traditional take.
- Add fresh mint for a cooling twist.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes.
- Chop in toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch – sounds weird, tastes amazing.
Serving Ideas
- As a dip with pita, crackers, or fresh veggies.
- Spread onto a wrap or sandwich.
- Drizzle over roasted veggies or grain bowls.
- Serve alongside a Mediterranean platter with falafel and hummus.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Good for 3–5 days.
- Stir before using – it may separate slightly.
- Don’t freeze it – the texture won’t survive.
FAQs
Yes, but peel and deseed them first or it’ll be too watery.
Yes! In fact, it tastes better if made a few hours ahead.
Next time, squeeze more water out of the cucumber. You can also stir in a little extra sour cream to thicken it.
Mediterranean Recipes
Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
Equipment
- Box grater
- Mixing bowl
- Fine towel or cheesecloth
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sour cream full fat
- 1 cup grated English cucumber squeeze out excess water
- ¼ cup fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, dill, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Fold the drained cucumber into the sour cream mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until combined.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor
Notes
- Fresh is best: Use fresh lemon juice and herbs for top flavor.
- Extra thick? Add a bit of Greek yogurt to balance sour cream richness.
- Make it dairy-free: Try using coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Garlic tip: If raw garlic is too sharp, roast it first for a milder flavor.
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