Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

This tzatziki sauce is a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs, all mixed together to make a zesty condiment or dip. Homemade tzatziki takes just minutes to make, and tastes way better than what you’d buy at the grocery store.

I love to recreate my favorite Mediterranean dishes at home such as tabbouleh, baba ganoush and this refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. I like to serve this sauce with pita bread as an appetizer, or pair it with grilled chicken or lamb as a main course.

Whenever I go to my local Greek restaurant, I order a side of tzatziki sauce. This cool and creamy condiment is a great dipping sauce for meats, vegetables, potatoes, bread and more. My version of this classic dish can be on the table in 10 minutes, and will make any Mediterranean style meal taste more authentic.

What is tzatziki?

Tzatziki sauce is a yogurt based dip that’s popular in both Greek and Turkish cuisines. The sauce contains a strained or Greek style yogurt, along with cucumbers, olive oil, a tangy component such as lemon juice or vinegar, and fresh herbs. This dip is served chilled and is typically offered as an appetizer.

How do you make tzatziki sauce?

Start with an English cucumber, then shred it by using a box grater. Squeeze the excess water from the grated cucumber, then place it in a bowl with Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and dill. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and more dill, then serve and enjoy.

Tips for the perfect yogurt sauce

• I like to use full fat yogurt for the creamiest dip, but fat free and low fat yogurt will also work.
• This sauce works best with Greek yogurt. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can strain regular plain yogurt and use that instead.
• While I like the flavor of dill in this tzatziki sauce, other great options include parsley, mint, chives or a combination of herbs.
• I use English cucumber in my tzatziki because it’s seedless and has a thin skin. You can use a traditional waxy cucumber, just be sure to peel it and remove the seeds. Small Persian cucumbers also work really well.
• You can add other flavors to your sauce including diced kalmata olives, or add more garnishes such as toasted pine nuts or sun dried tomatoes.

How long will tzatziki last?

This sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up 5 days. Be sure to stir it well before serving, and add any garnishes at the last minute. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the yogurt can curdle or separate upon being thawed.

Is tzatziki sauce healthy?

Tzatziki sauce contains ingredients that are all considered healthy including yogurt, olive oil and cucumbers. This is a protein packed dip that’s filled with nutrients and a great addition to any healthy eating plan. If you’re watching your calories, be sure to choose a low fat or non fat yogurt.

Whether you’re serving this dip with grilled chicken or as a lighter appetizer option, it’s sure to be a big hit with family and friends!

More Mediterranean dishes

• Fattoush Salad
• Homemade Hummus
• Chicken Souvlaki
• Muhammara Dip
• Chopped Greek Salad

Tzatziki Sauce Video

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Tzatziki Sauce

This tzatziki sauce is a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs, all mixed together to make a zesty condiment or dip. Homemade tzatziki takes just minutes to make, and tastes way better than what you'd buy at the grocery store.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword tzatziki, tzatziki sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Total Time 11 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 62kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt I prefer full fat, but low fat and non fat also work
• 1 cup grated cucumber I use English cucumber
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill minced, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Squeeze excess water from the cucumber.
• Place the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
• Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped dill before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 71mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg