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This creamy, tangy, and refreshing Tzatziki is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal.

Tzatziki in a white bowl

If you love Greek food as much as I do, you’re going to be thrilled with this homemade recipe for Tzatziki.

It’s a versatile condiment that goes well with so many dishes, and the best part? It’s super easy to make!

Tzatziki sauce is a staple in Greek cuisine, and it’s made with simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

The combination of grated cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic makes it a delightful addition to your favorite savory dishes.

Whether you’re serving it with pita bread, grilled meats, or as a dip for veggies, this cucumber sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

One of the things I love most about homemade tzatziki sauce is how fresh and light it tastes. It’s perfect for the summer months when you want something cool and refreshing.

Plus, making your own tzatziki means you can control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. So, let’s dive into this easy recipe and get started!

Some of our other favorite sauce recipes we have on our site include: Easy Caramel Sauce with Cinnamon & Buttermilk, Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe, and Copycat Outback Bloomin Onion Sauce.

close up image of Tzatziki in a white serving bowl with veggies

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  1. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cucumber, dill, and mint gives this sauce a bright, refreshing flavor.
  2. Creamy Texture: The plain Greek yogurt creates a thick, creamy base that’s perfect for dipping or spreading.
  3. Simple Preparation: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to make.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

  • Cucumber
  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Chopped dill
  • Salt
  • Olive oil
  • Chopped mint
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice
ingredients needed to make Tzatziki

HOW TO MAKE TZATZIKI:

  1. Peel the cucumbers and cut them in half to remove the seeds.
  2. Grate the cucumber and place it in a colander to drain the excess liquid.
  3. In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, salt, olive oil, chopped mint, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
  4. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Serve with vegetables and pita crackers for dipping.
collage of images showing how to make Tzatziki

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

For the best results, use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers.

These types have fewer seeds and less moisture, which helps prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

Then again, you can get a delicious sauce with all kinds of other cucumbers as well.

Feel free to try out other options. Sometimes it’s about what you have available!

The fresh flavor of tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile!

Serve it with pita bread or pita chips, use it as a dip for fresh veggies, or drizzle it over grilled meats like chicken souvlaki.

It’s also delicious as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

overhead image of serving platter with Tzatziki

I’m all about trying new things.

I haven’t personally tried all of this list, but I’m pretty sure they’ll work beautifully!

  • Red Onion: Finely chop and add some red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest for a more intense lemony flavor.
  • Parsley: Mix in some fresh parsley for added freshness.
  • Black Pepper: Add a pinch of black pepper for a slight kick.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Substitute some of the lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a different tang.
  • Capers: Mix in some capers for a briny bite.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumble in some feta cheese for a richer flavor.
  • Paprika: Sprinkle a little paprika on top for a splash of color and flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Replace part of the yogurt with sour cream for a creamier texture.
  • Green Olives: Chop and mix in some green olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Let me know in the comments what your favorite method is here.

I’m sure there are all kinds of things I didn’t think of.

  • Greek Yogurt: Use regular plain yogurt if you prefer a lighter texture.
  • Fresh Dill: If you don’t have fresh dill, use ½ teaspoon of dried dill.
  • Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
  • Fresh Mint: Use ½ teaspoon of dried mint if fresh mint is not available.
  • Garlic: Replace fresh garlic with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Lemon Juice: Substitute with white vinegar or red wine vinegar.
up close overhead image of Tzatziki

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Make sure it’s well covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.

Freezer: While tzatziki sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed.

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Thaw in the refrigerator before using and stir well as it may separate.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Drain the Cucumber Well: Use a cheese cloth or paper towels to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber to avoid a watery sauce.
  • Use Full-Fat Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the sauce a richer and creamier texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and mint provide the best flavor, but dried can be used in a pinch.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, garlic, and lemon juice to your preference.
  • Chill Before Serving: Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Use a Box Grater: A box grater works well for grating the cucumber quickly and easily.
a hand holding a pita chip that was dipped in Tzatziki

Homemade Greek Tzatziki Sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a fresh, tangy flavor to many dishes.

It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Greek cuisine into your home.

Enjoy your tzatziki with pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh veggies, and savor the delightful flavors of this classic Greek sauce!

If you’ve tried this TZATZIKI, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes! 

This Silly Girls Kitchen Logo
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Author Dana at ThisSillyGirlsKitchen.com
Prep: 15 minutes
This creamy, tangy, and refreshing Tzatziki is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal.
Servings 4 serving

Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Peel the cucumbers and cut them in half to remove the seeds.
    1 medium English cucumber
  • Grate the cucumber and place it in a colander to drain the excess liquid.
  • In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, salt, olive oil, chopped mint, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
    1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Serve with vegetables and pita crackers for dipping.

Notes

  • Drain the Cucumber Well: Use a cheese cloth or paper towels to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber to avoid a watery sauce.
  • Use Full-Fat Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the sauce a richer and creamier texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and mint provide the best flavor, but dried can be used in a pinch.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, garlic, and lemon juice to your preference.
  • Chill Before Serving: Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Use a Box Grater: A box grater works well for grating the cucumber quickly and easily.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Course Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine American

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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