Tzatziki Sauce

Homemade Tzatziki sauce is flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible!

This is the best tzatziki recipe I’ve ever enjoyed. I’ve never found anything at the grocery store that even compares. This tasty dip can be used in so many ways. I love to serve it with falafel or on a gyro, but it is often our favorite dip to make for dipping veggies and crackers.

Why this recipe is so great

This is one of those super simple recipes that not only tastes great, but it’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients.

• Simple: Only five wholesome ingredients (well, six if you count salt) come together to create this creamy, satisfying, flavor packed sauce.
• Versatile: Every time I make it, I find different recipes that are only complimented by the addition of tzatziki. Although this is an recipe which people typically think should only go with Greek food, it’s a fantastic dip for vegetables or crackers, or spread on sandwiches.
• Healthy: Fresh vegetables and herbs with protein packed Greek yogurt is not only delicious but it’s quite satisfying.

Ingredients needed

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

• Cucumber – I prefer to use a large English cucumber
• Greek yogurt – I used to buy plain full fat yogurt but have switched to nonfat and it is unbelievably creamy and delicious
• Lemon juice – one good sized lemon will due and I recommend using a citrus squeezer to keep the seeds out
• Garlic – minced super fine
• Fresh dill – there’s simply nothing better
• Salt – needed to balance out the tart from the lemon and yogurt

How to make Tzatziki sauce

Full ingredient list and detailed step by step instructions are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

1. Prepare the cucumber. Cut the ends off, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop the seeds out. A melon baller scoop works great for this step. Grate the entire cucumber (I find the food processor with a grater blade is easy) and then toss it with the salt.
2. Remove excess moisture. You’ll set this mixture in a strainer for about 15 minutes to allow some of the moisture to escape. Before adding the cucumber to the remaining ingredients, you’ll squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
3. Mix! The final step is simply to mix all of the ingredients together and you’re done! Of course, give it a taste and add more of anything that it needs.

What to serve with Tzatziki sauce

The recipe people generally think of when they see tzatziki is falafel or a gyro. I mean, when you dine at a Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this sauce.

But Tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile. The consistency is more similar to a dip, in my opinion. I’ve used tzatziki sauce with:

• All kinds of meat including beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood. It is seriously fantastic when served with any of these.
• Chips, vegetable sticks, and warm pita bread. It makes a great dip that is much healthier than so many other options out there.
• Baked potato topping. Skip the sour cream and replace it with tzatiki for extra protein.
• On top of burgers and sandwiches. This is where that garlic punch really stands out.

Best Way to Store Tzatziki

Because there is so much cucumber in this recipe, it shortens the shelf life when compared to plain Greek yogurt. Any kind of vegetable will naturally release moisture over time, so I think this dip is best when consumed immediately or within the first few days.

Tzatziki will last longer than that, but you’ll have to give it a good stir before enjoying and the consistency will likely change.

If you like this tzatziki sauce, you may also really enjoy my other Greek-inspired recipes including Spanakopita, Mediterranean Farro Salad, Moussaka, Greek Salad, and homemade Baklava.

This recipe was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!