Fresh and flavorful Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is a creamy yogurt-based sauce perfect for warm weather. Serve it with kabobs, grilled vegetables, pita bread, or as a cool accompaniment to your favorite Mediterranean dishes. This simple recipe comes together in about 5 minutes using just a handful of common ingredients.
This tzatziki is made with plain full-fat Greek yogurt, grated cucumber with excess liquid removed, a splash of olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and fresh herbs. The result is a cool, creamy, and bright sauce that balances spicier dishes and adds freshness to summer meals. It’s a versatile staple that works equally well as a dip, spread, or sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cool and refreshing, ideal for warm-weather meals.
- Just 6 main ingredients and ready in about 5 minutes.
- Pairs perfectly with Mediterranean and Greek-style dishes.
- Easy to customize with extra herbs or a touch of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Plain Greek yogurt – full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest texture. You can substitute sour cream if preferred.
- Cucumber – English cucumbers or mini cucumbers work well because they’re crisp and relatively seedless. If using a standard cucumber, remove the seeds before grating. Leaving the skin on is fine for extra texture and nutrients.
- Olive oil – a good extra-virgin olive oil adds flavor; it doesn’t need to be expensive.
- Lemon juice and zest – brighten the sauce with fresh lemon juice and a little zest.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Fresh herbs – dill and parsley are classic; mint is another great option for a different taste profile.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
This recipe comes together in three simple steps and only takes a few minutes.
- Grate the cucumber. Use a box grater or similar tool to shred the cucumber. If you’re using a regular cucumber, remove the seeds first.
- Remove excess moisture. Wrap the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or use paper towels or a fine-mesh sieve to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- Combine the ingredients. In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, drained grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill briefly before serving for best flavor.
Prepping and Storing
Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the freshest flavor and texture, use within the first day or two.
How to Serve Tzatziki Sauce
- Serve as a dip for fresh vegetables, pita bread, pita chips, or crackers.
- Drizzle over grilled vegetables, Mediterranean bowls, or kebabs.
- Spread on sandwiches, gyros, falafel, or wraps for added creaminess.
- Spoon over salads or use as a dressing for chopped or Greek-style salads.
- Pair with grilled or roasted proteins such as chicken, fish, or steak.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated cucumber, water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Shred the cucumber using a box grater. If using a regular cucumber, remove the seeds before grating.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible using a kitchen towel, paper towels, or a fine-mesh sieve to avoid a watery sauce.
- In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/4 cup | Calories: 53 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.3 g | Protein: 3.8 g | Fat: 4.5 g | Saturated Fat: 0.3 g | Sodium: 72.7 mg | Sugar: 1.6 g
If you enjoy this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce, feel free to leave a rating and share photos of your version on social media — it’s always fun to see different twists on a classic!