Tzatziki sauce is a creamy and refreshing Greek dip that combines the richness of Greek yogurt with the coolness of cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It's perfect for serving with gyros, pita bread, or as a veggie dip. Whether you're looking to spice up a meal or need a light and healthy appetizer, this easy-to-make dip is a must-try.
Ingredients
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1 small cucumber, grated (about ½ cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Cucumber
I start by grating the cucumber using a box grater. Then, I place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess liquid. This step is crucial to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Mix the Base
In a medium-sized bowl, I combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar (if I’m using it). I stir everything together until it's smooth and creamy.
Add Cucumber and Herbs
Next, I fold in the grated cucumber and fresh dill (or dried dill if I don’t have fresh on hand). I mix everything together until it’s well-combined.
Season
I taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to my liking. I like to adjust the seasoning at this point to ensure the flavors are balanced.
Chill
To let the flavors meld together, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve
Once it’s chilled, I serve the tzatziki cold as a dip, sauce, or spread. It pairs beautifully with pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh veggies.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 1 cup of tzatziki sauce, which serves approximately 4-6 people as a dip or sauce.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
While this classic version of tzatziki is amazing on its own, I like to mix things up from time to time:
Use mint instead of dill for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Try Greek yogurt alternatives like coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Include a bit of feta cheese for an added tang and richness.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though I prefer to enjoy it within the first two days for the best flavor and texture. Since this sauce is served cold, there's no need for reheating—just grab a spoon and enjoy!
FAQs
How long can I store homemade tzatziki sauce?
I can store homemade tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I actually recommend making tzatziki sauce ahead of time! Letting it chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld together.
Can I make tzatziki sauce without dill?
If I don’t have dill on hand, I can use fresh mint or even parsley for a slightly different flavor. Both options work beautifully in tzatziki.
Is tzatziki sauce gluten-free?
Yes! Tzatziki sauce is naturally gluten-free as it’s made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, all of which are gluten-free.
Can I make tzatziki sauce spicy?
Absolutely! I can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the tzatziki sauce a spicy kick. It adds a fun twist to the traditional flavor!
Conclusion
Tzatziki sauce is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor—making it the perfect addition to almost any meal. Whether I’m serving it as a dip for veggies or using it as a sauce for grilled meats, it’s always a hit. This simple, homemade version is quick to prepare and stays fresh for several days, making it a convenient and tasty option to have on hand for a variety of dishes. Enjoy!
Recipe:
Tzatziki Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (serves 4-6 people)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tzatziki sauce is a creamy, refreshing Greek dip made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. This versatile dip is perfect for serving with gyros, pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh veggies. It's a healthy, light, and flavorful addition to your Mediterranean meals that’s easy to make and full of delicious flavors.
Ingredients
1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1 small cucumber, grated (about ½ cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cucumber:
Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce. -
Mix the Base:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. -
Add Cucumber and Herbs:
Fold in the grated cucumber and fresh dill (or dried dill). Mix everything until well-combined. -
Season:
Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your flavor preferences. -
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Serve the chilled tzatziki sauce as a dip for pita bread, fresh veggies, or grilled meats, or as a topping for gyros.
Notes
This recipe makes about 1 cup of tzatziki sauce, serving 4-6 people.
You can use mint instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dip, Sauce, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (serves 4-6 people)
