The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Homemade Tzatziki sauce is flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible!

This is the best tzatziki recipe I’ve ever enjoyed. I’ve never found anything at the grocery store that even compares. This tasty dip can be used in so many ways. I love to serve it with falafel or on a gyro, but it is often our favorite dip to make for dipping veggies and crackers.

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why this recipe is so great
  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make Tzatziki sauce
  • What to serve with Tzatziki sauce
  • Best Way to Store Tzatziki
  • Tzatziki Recipe

Why this recipe is so great

This is one of those super simple recipes that not only tastes great, but it’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients.

  • Simple: Only five wholesome ingredients (well, six if you count salt) come together to create this creamy, satisfying, flavor packed sauce.
  • Versatile: Every time I make it, I find different recipes that are only complimented by the addition of tzatziki. Although this is an recipe which people typically think should only go with Greek food, it’s a fantastic dip for vegetables or crackers, or spread on sandwiches.
  • Healthy: Fresh vegetables and herbs with protein packed Greek yogurt is not only delicious but it’s quite satisfying.

Ingredients needed

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

  • Cucumber – I prefer to use a large English cucumber
  • Greek yogurt – I used to buy plain full fat yogurt but have switched to nonfat and it is unbelievably creamy and delicious
  • Lemon juice – one good sized lemon will due
  • Garlic – minced super fine
  • Fresh dill – there’s simply nothing better
  • Salt – needed to balance out the tart from the lemon and yogurt
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2)

How to make Tzatziki sauce

Full ingredient list and detailed step by step instructions are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

  1. Prepare the cucumber. Cut the ends off, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop the seeds out. Grate the entire cucumber (I find the food processor is easy) and then toss it with the salt.
  2. Remove excess moisture. You’ll set this mixture in a strainer for about 15 minutes to allow some of the moisture to escape. Before adding the cucumber to the remaining ingredients, you’ll squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  3. Mix! The final step is simply to mix all of the ingredients together and you’re done! Of course, give it a taste and add more of anything that it needs.
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (3)
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (4)
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (5)
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (6)
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (7)
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (8)

What to serve with Tzatziki sauce

The recipe people generally think of when they see tzatziki is falafel or a gyro. I mean, when you dine at a Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this sauce.

But Tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile. The consistency is more similar to a dip, in my opinion. I’ve used tzatziki sauce with:

  • All kinds of meat including beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood. It is seriously fantastic when served with any of these.
  • Chips, vegetable sticks, and warm pita bread. It makes a great dip that is much healthier than so many other options out there.
  • Baked potato topping. Skip the sour cream and replace it with tzatiki for extra protein.
  • On top of burgers and sandwiches. This is where that garlic punch really stands out.
The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (9)

Best Way to Store Tzatziki

Because there is so much cucumber in this recipe, it shortens the shelf life when compared to plain Greek yogurt. Any kind of vegetable will naturally release moisture over time, so I think this dip is best when consumed immediately or within the first few days.

Tzatziki will last longer than that, but you’ll have to give it a good stir before enjoying and the consistency will likely change.

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (10)

Pin this now to save it for later

Pin It

Tzatziki

Prep10 minutes mins

Time to drain cucumber15 minutes mins

Total25 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Author Krissy Allori

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (11)

Rate

Print

Tzatziki sauce can either be boring and bland or it can be flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible! Just a few simple ingredients as well as tips and tricks to get the best consistency. You will love this delicious dip recipe.

Save Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt start with one and add more to taste
  • 2 cups Plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced

Instructions

  • Prepare cucumber: Cut the ends off the cucumber. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Grate remaining cucumber and toss with salt in bowl. Set salted grated cucumber in strainer over bowl or in sink and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible and discard liquid. Ideally you want about 1 cup of grated cucumber for the Tzatziki.

  • Mix sauce: Combine drained grated cucumber with remaining ingredients in large bowl. Mix to combine, taste, and add additional salt, lemon juice, or dill, if desired.

Notes

Too sour? Add more salt.

Too salty? Add more lemon juice.

Too bland? Add more garlic and/or dill.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 7g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 800mg, Potassium: 157mg, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 35IU, Vitamin C: 3.7mg, Calcium: 82mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

This recipe was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!

Appetizers

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (12)

Hi! I’m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

More About Me

You May Also Like

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Alfredo Sauce

Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce

Salsa Roja

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 dishes that you could put tzatziki on? ›

Once you've got that covered, check out our favourite ways to use tzatziki, and bring a bit of The Med to your kitchen.
  • Lemon-tzatziki chicken.
  • Gorgeous greek chicken with herby vegetable couscous & tzatziki.
  • Grilled lamb chops with fattoush.
  • Crispy barbecued side of salmon with cucumber yoghurt.
  • Souvlaki (Wicked kebabs)
Sep 8, 2023

How do Greek people eat tzatziki? ›

It is served as a cold appetiser (meze), a side dish, and as a sauce for souvlaki and gyros sandwiches and other foods.

How to make tzatziki less bitter? ›

Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is always preferred, but you may substitute with bottled lemon juice. I suggest starting with one tablespoon and add more to taste for a tangier you tzatziki sauce – OR add some lemon zest. Red wine vinegar: This enhances the tanginess of the lemon juice without adding any bitter notes.

Why is my tzatziki sauce bland? ›

Salt – Without this, your tzatziki will taste very bland! I like sea salt but table would work just as well. Dill – You could also use mint but I prefer dill's pickle like flavour. It works so well in creamy dips and sauces!

What to dip in tzatziki sauce? ›

You'll love how easy and versatile this Greek sauce is, you can serve it with some pita chips and fresh veggies or use it over your gyros, kebabs, with fish, or to dip your fries, or to jazz up some mean dinner bowls!

What are the main ingredients in tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki is a salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made of strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Authentic Greek tzatziki is most often made with sheep or goat yogurt, but my tzatziki recipe calls for regular full-fat Greek yogurt.

Can you eat tzatziki everyday? ›

Eating tzatziki can help add a variety of healthy nutrients to your daily diet, maintain a robust microbial system, and maintain blood glucose levels. If you suffer from high blood pressure, use tzatziki often as it contains less sodium and carbs than hummus.

What is the best way to eat tzatziki? ›

It's incredible popular in Greece where it's slathered on top of just about everything. You can serve it up with crudités or pita as an appetizer / snack or serve it alongside some skewered chicken, veggies, fish or meat as a dip for a main course. It's bright and tangy and perfect for summer.

What is a fun fact about tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki started back in the Ottoman Empire. During this time, India loved their raita, a yogurt-based dip. They were also led by the Persian class, who loved the Indian rice dish called the biryani. However, since Indian people love herbs and spices, some Persians think that the dish was too spicy.

What if I put too much garlic in my tzatziki sauce? ›

Preferably swap garlic for finely chopped red onion. Soak the onion in a little water before adding to the mixture. If you have already made the dish, then take out some of the garlicky yogurt (NOT sour cream as suggested in another answer) and replace with more fresh yogurt.

What cancels bitterness? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

What if I add too much lemon juice to tzatziki sauce? ›

Thankfully, there are a few ways to fix a dish if you have added too much lemon juice. One option is to balance out the acidity by adding a sweetener such as sugar or honey. Another option is to dilute the lemon juice by adding more of the other ingredients in the recipe.

How do I thicken my tzatziki sauce? ›

You can thicken it by placing a piece of cheesecloth over the top of a wide mouthed jar and holding it in place with some rubber bands. Fill the cheesecloth with your sauce, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The excess water will drain out and the sauce will be thicker.

Does tahini taste like tzatziki? ›

The main difference lies in the primary ingredient: ground sesame seeds for tahini and Greek yogurt for tzatziki. Tahini brings a rich, nutty flavor to dishes and is commonly used to create creamy sauces and dressings. It offers a more robust taste compared to tzatziki.

What do you eat with tzatziki yogurt dip? ›

Tzatziki is a refreshing and good-for-you yogurt and cucumber dip. Serve it with pita, grilled meats, gyros, or just eat it with a spoon!

What are some suitable sauces that go with vegetable dishes list 5? ›

8 Irresistible Sauces for Boring Vegetables
  • Copycat Zupas Poppyseed Dressing from The Food Charlatan. ...
  • Easy Peanut Sauce by Zested Lemon. ...
  • Jalapeno Ranch by Natasha's Kitchen. ...
  • 5-Minute Sunshine Sauce by Pinch of Yum. ...
  • Creamy Mango Jalapeno Dressing by Fed and Fit. ...
  • Roasted Red Pepper Pesto by Drizzle and Dip.
Mar 4, 2020

Can I eat tzatziki on a diet? ›

Tzatziki is low on carbohydrates. So, people on a low- carbohydrate or diabetic diet can enjoy it guilt-free. Just 3 grams of carbohydrates in two tablespoons. Although tzatziki has some fat, it's from healthy sources like olive oil and yogurt.

Do you eat tzatziki with curry? ›

It's a yogurt dish, there are several variations that don't involve cucumber. I've seen it served along side spicy curries to help cool the palate, but certainly not to be eaten on top.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 6532

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.