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Tzatziki is one of those sauces that proves simple ingredients can create big, fresh flavor. This easy homemade Greek yogurt sauce is cool, creamy, and the perfect finishing touch for grilled meats, roasted veggies, or pita wraps.
There are only a handful of recipes I keep on repeat all year long, and this homemade Tzatziki Sauce has earned its spot. It’s not just a sauce. It’s a little flavor booster that turns leftovers into something new, makes roasted veggies feel exciting again, and brings grilled chicken to life.
I first started making tzatziki when I was looking for a lighter, fresher alternative to heavy dressings and dips. After tweaking and tasting, this is the version I come back to. It’s cool, tangy, and full of fresh herbs. The kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes less than 5 minutes to throw together.
And here’s the thing. I know what it’s like to juggle dinner between school pickup, work, and everything else life throws at you. So if I’m taking the time to make something from scratch, it has to be worth it. And this one is. Skip the store-bought tub. This homemade version is brighter, creamier, and tastes like it came straight from your favorite Greek restaurant.
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Cooling, tangy, and garlicky with fresh herbal notes.
- Texture: Creamy and smooth with small bits of cucumber adding a pleasant crunch.
- Ease: So easy! Mix everything in one bowl and it’s ready in minutes.
- Pros: This sauce is healthy, versatile, and keeps well in the refrigerator.
- Considerations: It needs some time to chill in the refrigerator for best flavor before serving.
- Repeat Worthy: Absolutely addictive – you’ll want to keep a batch ready at all times!
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt: The foundation of any good tzatziki. Use a plain, whole milk Greek yogurt for the best flavor!
- Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. No need to peel it first!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce with a bit of acidity.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. This will round out all the flavors!
- Garlic: For a depth of savory flavor.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To taste!
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill adds a distinctive flavor that is essential for tzatziki sauce! Fresh is always best, but you can use dried in a pinch.
- Fresh Mint: Mint adds an additional layer of herbaceous flavor that goes well with the sauce.
How To Make Tzatziki Sauce
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Prep Ingredients & Mix
To a bowl, add the sauce ingredients.
Mix until combined. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips for Homemade Tzatziki
- Squeeze the cucumber. After grating, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents your tzatziki from becoming too watery!
- Chill before serving. Give your tzatziki at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- For chunkier tzatziki, roughly chop some additional cucumber instead of grating all of it.
- Taste test before serving. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, and herbs until you achieve your perfect balance of flavors! Remember, tzatziki is a salted yogurt sauce, so don’t be scared to add the salt.
Easy Tzatziki Sauce Variations
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt for a vegan version of this cucumber yogurt sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential to any good tzatziki recipe. Chopped fresh dill is essential, but you can omit the chopped fresh mint if you don’t have it on hand. Try adding parsley instead of the mint, if you’d like!
- Add Spice: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamier Version: Fold in 2 tablespoons of sour cream for extra richness.
- Garlic Alternatives: Roasted garlic offers a sweeter, less pungent flavor.
- Cucumber: If you can’t find English cucumbers, regular ones work too—just peel, seed, and squeeze thoroughly.
Storing Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Storage: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, tzatziki stays fresh for 3-5 days. The garlic flavor will intensify over time. If separation occurs, simply stir before serving!
Recipe FAQs
This usually happens when the cucumber hasn’t been squeezed enough. Be sure to squeeze out excess water using a kitchen towel before adding the grated cucumber to the sauce.
Yes! Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics, while cucumber, garlic, and herbs add vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a nutritious alternative to mayo-based dips.
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What to Serve with Tzatziki Sauce
This tzatziki sauce recipe can be served in countless ways! Greek chicken meatballs are one of my favorite things to pair it with, especially with a side of rice and fresh veggies. You can also serve tzatziki drizzled over grilled chicken or Greek-style chicken.
It would be delicious drizzled on a chopped Greek salad, or roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Whether used as a dip, sauce, spread, or dressing, tzatziki brings a tangy freshness to every bite!
Other Recipes to Try
- Creamy Garlic Hummus
- Slow Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Dip
- Homemade Pesto Recipe
- Sweet Lime Yogurt Dip
- Dill Pickle Dip
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Homemade Tzatziki
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated and squeezed cucumber
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 3 mint leaves, chopped
Instructions
- To a bowl add the sauce ingredients. Mix until combined. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
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Notes
- You can use a towel to squeeze the liquid from the cucumber.
- You can use a grater or food processor to shred the cucumber.
- The sauce will be good for up to 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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