Cucumber Sauce
Easy cucumber-yogurt sauce for gyros, shawarma, or as a dip. Make ahead, store 3–4 days, and swap dairy or herbs if needed.
Submitted by: Mike The Spice House from Milwaukee, wi
Yield: 1 cup
- Bright, tangy cucumber-yogurt sauce perfect for gyros, shawarma, or as a dip or dressing.
- Remove excess cucumber moisture and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Use Greek yogurt for a thicker texture or a plant-based yogurt to make it dairy-free. Store 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Preparation Instructions:
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this cucumber sauce best used with?
It is a cool, tangy yogurt and cucumber sauce similar to tzatziki. It pairs well with gyros, shawarma, kebabs, grilled meats, vegetables, or used as a dip or salad dressing.
How should I prepare the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce?
Peel and remove the seeds, then grate or finely chop the cucumber. Press the grated cucumber in a sieve or squeeze it in a clean towel or paper towel to remove extra liquid before blending.
Can I use Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt?
Yes. Greek yogurt makes the sauce thicker and creamier. For dairy-free, use an unsweetened plant-based yogurt, but strain it first if it seems watery. Adjust lemon or water to reach the texture you want.
How long should the sauce rest before serving?
Let it chill at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. For best flavor, make it a few hours or the night before and stir before serving.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stir before serving and discard if it smells off or looks separated.
What can I use instead of chip dip seasoning?
If you do not have chip dip seasoning, mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of dried parsley or dill to taste. Taste and adjust the amounts so it matches your preference.
How can I change the flavor or thickness?
For thinner sauce, add a little lemon juice or cold water. For thicker sauce, use more strained Greek yogurt or drain excess cucumber liquid. Increase garlic or herbs for bolder flavor, or add a splash of olive oil for richness.
What is this cucumber sauce best used with?
It is a cool, tangy yogurt and cucumber sauce similar to tzatziki. It pairs well with gyros, shawarma, kebabs, grilled meats, vegetables, or used as a dip or salad dressing.
How should I prepare the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce?
Peel and remove the seeds, then grate or finely chop the cucumber. Press the grated cucumber in a sieve or squeeze it in a clean towel or paper towel to remove extra liquid before blending.
Can I use Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt?
Yes. Greek yogurt makes the sauce thicker and creamier. For dairy-free, use an unsweetened plant-based yogurt, but strain it first if it seems watery. Adjust lemon or water to reach the texture you want.
How long should the sauce rest before serving?
Let it chill at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. For best flavor, make it a few hours or the night before and stir before serving.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stir before serving and discard if it smells off or looks separated.
What can I use instead of chip dip seasoning?
If you do not have chip dip seasoning, mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of dried parsley or dill to taste. Taste and adjust the amounts so it matches your preference.
How can I change the flavor or thickness?
For thinner sauce, add a little lemon juice or cold water. For thicker sauce, use more strained Greek yogurt or drain excess cucumber liquid. Increase garlic or herbs for bolder flavor, or add a splash of olive oil for richness.
Best I have ever had. I have tasted it when we eat out.