Step 1: Prepare the cucumber. Wash and grate your cucumber using a box grater. You can peel it first or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Step 2: Remove excess water. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Gather the ends and twist tightly, squeezing out as much water as possible. This step is crucial for preventing watery Tzatziki Sauce. Discard the squeezed liquid.
Step 3: Combine ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add the strained grated cucumber, full-fat Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Mix thoroughly. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and homogenous. Taste the Tzatziki Sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference.
Step 5: Chill and allow flavors to meld. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Tzatziki Sauce for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, chill for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dip. A longer chill time significantly improves the taste of the Tzatziki Sauce.
Step 6: Serve. Give the Tzatziki Sauce a final stir before serving. Garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of fresh dill, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Tzatziki Sauce with pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables!