This creamy and refreshing Tzatziki Sauce is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, made with cool Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. It comes together in just 5 minutes and is perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce for grilled vegetables, sandwiches, falafel, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy to prepare – ready in just 5 minutes
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Light, fresh, and perfect for summer meals
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Pairs well with a variety of dishes from veggies to wraps
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Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
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Customizable with or without fresh mint
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Low-carb and high in protein thanks to Greek yogurt
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Stores well and gets even better as it chills
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A healthy alternative to heavy sauces or dressings
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Great for meal prep and entertaining
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Delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup finely grated cucumber
1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, grated
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, optional
Directions
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Place the grated cucumber on a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze to remove some of the excess water.
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In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, salt, dill, and mint if using.
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Mix until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Vegan Version: Use thick unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt in place of Greek yogurt.
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No Garlic: Skip the garlic for a milder, kid-friendly version.
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Extra Creamy: Add a bit more olive oil or stir in a spoonful of sour cream.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
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Herb Swap: Replace dill with parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
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Thinner Sauce: Stir in a small amount of water or extra lemon juice to loosen the consistency.
Storage/Reheating
Store tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills. Stir before serving, especially if it has been sitting for a while. This sauce is not suitable for freezing, as the yogurt may separate and the texture will change.
No reheating is necessary, as tzatziki is served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
What is tzatziki sauce made of?
Tzatziki is made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like dill and mint.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick, creamy texture. If using regular yogurt, strain it to remove excess moisture.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Peeling is optional. If the skin is thin, you can grate it with the peel on. For a smoother sauce, peel the cucumber first.
How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze tzatziki sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the yogurt may separate and become watery when thawed.
Is tzatziki sauce healthy?
Yes, it’s made with wholesome ingredients and is low in calories and carbs, while high in protein from Greek yogurt.
What can I serve with tzatziki?
It pairs well with grilled meats, vegetables, pita bread, sandwiches, wraps, and as a dip for crudités.
How do I make tzatziki thicker?
To thicken it, use extra thick Greek yogurt or strain it through cheesecloth. Also, make sure to squeeze the cucumber well.
Can I make tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors meld together in the fridge.
What’s the difference between tzatziki and raita?
Both are yogurt-based sauces, but tzatziki is Greek and typically includes dill and garlic, while raita is Indian and may contain cumin, cilantro, and other spices.
Conclusion
Tzatziki Sauce is a fast, fresh, and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading it, this versatile condiment elevates simple dishes with its creamy, tangy, herb-filled profile. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a go-to recipe for warm-weather meals and beyond.
Print
Tzatziki Sauce
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and refreshing tzatziki sauce is a creamy Greek condiment made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables, pita, sandwiches, or as a dip for crudités.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely grated cucumber
- 1 cup thick whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Place the grated cucumber on a towel and gently squeeze out a bit of the excess water.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, dill, and mint (if using).
- Stir until well combined and chill until ready to use.
Notes
- For best flavor, use thick Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Fresh dill adds classic tzatziki flavor, while mint adds an extra refreshing touch.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
