Tzatziki sauce can either be boring and bland or it can be 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.
Why this recipe is so great:
This is one of those super simple recipes that I don't often think to make. But when I do, I can't get enough of it.
- 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, I use it with tons of my favorite recipes.
- Healthy: Fresh vegetables and herbs with protein packed Greek yogurt is not only delicious but it's quite satisfying.
Ingredients needed:
- Cucumber - I prefer to use a large English cucumber
- Greek yogurt - I always buy plain full fat yogurt
- Lemon juice - one good sized lemon will due
- Garlic - minced super fine
- Fresh dill - there's simply nothing better
- Salt - because just about everything needs salt
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.
- Prepare the cucumber. Cut the ends off, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop the seeds out. Grate the entire cucumber (I find the food processor is easy) and then toss it with the salt.
- 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.
- 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 it with:
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.
Storage recommendations:
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.
Tzatziki
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (whole milk recommended)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (minced)
Instructions
- Cut the ends off the cucumber. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Grate remaining cucumber and toss with salt in bowl. Set salted grated cucumber in strainer over bowl or in sink and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Squeeze to remove as much liquid as you can and discard liquid. Ideally you want about 1 cup of grated cucumber for the Tzatziki.
- Combine cucumber with remaining ingredients in large bowl. Mix to combine, taste, and add additional salt, lemon juice, or dill, if desired.
Notes
NUTRITION INFORMATION
This recipe was originally published in June 2014 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don't worry - the recipe hasn't changed!
Bonnie
OMG I don't have to buy this at the store anymore! I followed the recipe exactly and it came out perfectly. So easy!
Amy
Pretty good receipe but HIGHLY recommend only 1 tablespoon of lemon juice( & I love lemons) plus, double the amount of cucumber. Also, wringing shredded cucumbers out in cheese cloth after sprinking with salt will give the sauce a beautiful consistency. These small changes make it taste better than any restaurant can offer.
Lynn Phares Smith
Totally have become addicted to Tzatziki sauce and Hummus. Love this version. I added lime juice because my lime was needing to be used. Delicious.
Kelley
I did use kosher salt and found it still too salty for my taste but, delicious anyway and would make it again and just use less salt.
Cass Geiger
Those who complained about the amount of salt may be using table salt instead of Kosher Salt. Table salt is twice as salty as kosher salt because it is ground finer, so that more of it fits into a measuring unit. If using table salt, cut the amount in half.
Michelle
I have made this every week since March, I love it! I make exactly as recipe states and it's beyond perfection!
Ei
I saw the recipe included 2 tsp of salt but thought it was too much so only added about 1tsp. Even at half the recipe amount, it's way too salty. I then doubled the other ingredients after tasting it, but it's still salty.
Mike
Is the cucumber peeled?
Krissy
Totally a matter of preference. A lot of times I'll remove half the peel just to keep some on but not have it be overpowering.
Heidi
Amazing!!! And so easy, I whip it up at least once a week!!
ASL
Delicious. And so easy. Thank you!,
Laila
Way too much salt. Adding lemon did not help with the too saltiness of this sauce. I added twice the amount of greek yogurt and a tablespoon of sugar and it was still far too salty. I would recommend adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Krissy
Salt is definitely a matter of preference, for sure. This is definitely the kind of recipe where you can start by adding less salt than the recipe calls for if your taste buds are sensitive to salt and then gradually add more until it tastes perfect. Sorry you thought it was too salty!
Ann
Easy and the best! Delicious! My dinner guests loved it!
Eden
I always order this when we eat Greek food and decided to try and make it myself. It turned out SO good and taste fresh. Love how easy it was to make too.
Trang
Love! Tzatziki sauce is seriously great with everything.
Jean
Simple, easy and delishous!
Jessica
I could drink this stuff I love it so much!
Kata
I loved the recipe however I would suggest putting less salt.
Ashley F
This is a staple in our house! So easy to make and so delicious!
Aimee Shugarman
I could eat this with a spoon. So good!