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This 5-minute Homemade Tzatziki Sauce brings Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice together to give you a refreshing Greek condiment to enjoy with any Mediterranean-inspired dish! Dairy-free option included.
I’m someone who absolutely adores both Greek food and homemade sauces, so it’s no wonder why I love this Homemade Tzatziki Sauce so much. I can throw it together in 5 minutes and enjoy it with my favorite Greek dishes, from gyros to souvlaki!
Authentic tzatziki recipes are usually made with strained sheep or goat yogurt but I stuck with full-fat Greek yogurt to keep my recipe convenient and simple. Combined with grated cucumber, garlic, fresh lemon, and fresh dill, this sauce embodies refreshment.
It instantly elevates all of your summer meals but can be served with practically anything! Break out the pita and veggies to enjoy it as a creamy dip, dollop it over grain bowls and salads, or pair it with just about any Mediterranean meal imaginable.
Recipe features
- It’s a creamy, cooling, and zingy Greek-inspired sauce that’s easy to make in just 5 minutes.
- This sauce perfectly complements any dish that needs a touch of Greek tradition, from tender lamb chops to gyros to loaded grain bowls.
- Make it with dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a vegan tzatziki that’s just as rich and creamy as the classic.
Ingredients
English cucumber – These are my favorite cucumbers for tzatziki because they have very little moisture, a thin skin, and fewer seeds than other varieties. Keep in mind that even though English cucumbers don’t have a ton of water, you still need to drain them beforehand to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Greek yogurt – Most tzatziki recipes are made with a base of Greek yogurt nowadays to give the sauce its signature creamy consistency and tangy flavor. I highly recommend using full-fat Greek yogurt for the richest, most decadent results, but you can use low-fat or fat-free for a lighter version.
Garlic cloves – Remember to mince the cloves finely or, better yet, grate them to really infuse the sauce with a bold, savory flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but nothing beats the fresh stuff!
Lemon juice – It balances the creaminess of the yogurt and the richness of the garlic while adding brightness and a little zing.
Fresh dill – The herb that gives tzatziki its distinctive fresh, slightly sweet, and grassy notes. Stick with fresh dill here—dried just doesn’t have the same vibrant taste.
Olive oil – It’s optional, but a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top will take your homemade tzatziki to the next level.
Instructions
Step 1: Grate the cucumber. Grate the cucumber over several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible over the sink.
Step 2: Make the sauce. Stir the cucumber, Greek yogurt, and remaining ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until combined.
Step 3: Garnish and serve. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and top with extra fresh dill and black pepper. Serve it with warm pita, chips, or fresh veggies, and enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- Taste the sauce as you go. Start with a small amount of lemon juice, then taste, and add more if it isn’t acidic or balanced enough.
- Tzatziki sauce is known for its fresh, herby notes; therefore, you MUST use fresh dill! Dried dill just doesn’t have the same punchy, fresh flavor.
- For the best flavor, chill the tzatziki in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and intensify.
Tip
Draining the cucumbers is very important when it comes to making a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce. If you skip this step, the cucumbers will eventually water down the sauce.
Variations
- Dairy-free option – You can make a vegan tzatziki sauce by swapping the Greek yogurt for a thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt such as coconut, almond, or cashew yogurt.
- Boost the protein – Upgrade the sauce to a whopping 38 grams of protein by adding ½ cup of cottage cheese along with the yogurt.
- Try different herbs – For a unique flavor twist, try adding more fresh herbs like mint, basil, parsley, and/or chives.
Serving suggestions
Creamy and cooling tzatziki is perfect with grilled meats, like lamb chops or my Greek chicken skewers. It’s also a great way to give classics like gyros, spicy lamb meatballs, and Greek chicken meatballs an extra touch of Greek goodness.
Tzatziki also doubles as a tasty sauce or dressing for salads and grain bowls. Add a dollop on top of my Mediterranean lamb bowl, or thin some of the sauce with water and drizzle it over a simple green salad, Greek salad, or my garlic salmon salad.
Did you end up with leftovers? Enjoy the leftover sauce as a simple, satisfying dip with warm pita, vegetables, or pita chips.
How do you drain cucumbers?
There are a few methods: (1) grate the cucumbers over paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible; (2) grate them directly into a nut milk bag and squeeze out the moisture; or (3) add the grated cucumber to a fine mesh strainer in the sink, sprinkle salt over top, and set aside to drain for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry before mixing in the sauce.
Is tzatziki sauce healthy?
Yes, tzatziki sauce is as nourishing as it is delicious! Using Greek yogurt as a base fills it with protein and probiotics, while the cucumbers keep you hydrated.
Can I make this with regular yogurt?
I highly recommend sticking with Greek yogurt when making homemade tzatziki because regular yogurt just isn’t as thick and creamy. You can drain the regular yogurt overnight to remove its excess moisture (whey) and make it thicker, but this is too time-consuming for my taste.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store your homemade tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. It will separate as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving.
I don’t recommend freezing tzatziki because the high water content in cucumbers and yogurt can cause the sauce to separate and become watery upon thawing.
More healthy dips and sauces
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
This 5-minute Homemade Tzatziki Sauce brings Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice together to give you a refreshing Greek condiment to enjoy with any Mediterranean-inspired dish! Dairy-free option included.
Servings:
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Instructions
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Grate the cucumber overtop of several paper towels, then squeeze as much moisture out of it as possible (I like to do this over the sink).
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Place the cucumber, along with the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper to a large bowl then stir to combine.
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Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with additional dill and black pepper. Serve with pita bread, pita chips or fresh veggies and enjoy!
Notes
*This sauce can be made dairy free using my Mediterranean Lamb Bowl recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.1mg
