Tzatziki
This homemade tzatziki recipe is thick, creamy, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing! One of our favorite ways to elevate our meals and snacks, it comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients and is free from unnecessary preservatives found in store-bought options.
What is Tzatziki Sauce?
If you’re unfamiliar, tzatziki, pronounced “tuh-zee-kee,” is a popular Greek cucumber yogurt dip. Authentic tzatziki is made with sheep or goat yogurt, but we just use Greek yogurt to keep things easy (and higher in protein)! It also contains cucumber and fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and dill.
Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!
- Cucumber – English cucumbers work best for tzatziki because they have thin skins and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers. We leave the peel on, but you can remove it if preferred.
- Greek Yogurt – We use full-fat Greek yogurt for the thickest, creamiest consistency and richest taste, but reduced-fat or low-fat yogurt will also work. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based yogurt.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds the signature bold flavor to tzatziki. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- Red Wine Vinegar – A splash of red wine vinegar adds brightness and balances the richness of the yogurt. You can substitute additional lemon juice if you prefer a more citrus-forward flavor. Or, use white vinegar for a slightly brighter taste.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the yogurt. We substitute bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but highly recommend the real stuff if you can!
- Dill – This gives the dip its classic bright, herbaceous flavor. Fresh dill provides the best taste, but dried dill can also be substituted if needed.
- Salt and Pepper – Adjust to taste.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
Once you realize how easy homemade tzatziki sauce is to make, you’ll never go back to store-bought options again! Here’s an overview of the process:
- Prepare the cucumber. Before you begin, make sure to grate your cucumber and wring it out in a kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Take your time with this, removing as much excess liquid as possible. Otherwise, your tzatziki is likely to become too soggy!
2. Combine the ingredients. Stir all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Chill. Cover and chill the tzatziki in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
4. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Ways to Use
If we’re being honest, our favorite way to use this tzatziki recipe is as a dip with fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, and pita bread. However, it’s also amazing used as a dip with grilled meats like chicken, souvlaki, lamb, steak, or shrimp.
Or, use it as a topping with wraps or a gyro sandwich with tahini or hummus, grain bowls, pita wraps, flatbread sandwiches, falafel, and salads like our grilled Greek chicken salad or meal prep Greek mason jar salad.
More Homemade Dips
Tzatziki Recipe
Equipment
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- ½ English cucumber, peeled and grated on the large side of a box grater (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Gather the grated cucumber together and place in an old kitchen towel, squeeze to press the water out of the cucumber and place in a medium-sized bowl.½ English cucumber, peeled and grated on the large side of a box grater (about 1 cup)
- Add the yogurt, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper and mix well.1 cup cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon dried dill, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This tzatziki can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you enjoy this Homemade Tzatziki Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
This homemade tzatziki is so fresh, creamy, and flavorful! We love to add it to chicken salad or eat it with Greek chicken and veggies. *chefs kiss*