This creamy and easy tzatziki sauce recipe is ready in just 10 minutes with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers and herbs. Use as a refreshing dip or side to gyros and more!
We also love these other homemade sauces including cilantro lime crema, homemade ranch dressing and honey mustard sauce.
Easy Tzatziki Recipe
Tzatziki sauce is a traditional creamy Greek condiment made with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It’s simple to make in just 10 minutes and is a versatile dip or topping to grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread.
Whenever I make a big Mezze platter, I always add a bowl of this easy tzatziki sauce recipe and homemade hummus. I love both, but a Greek tzatziki may take the cake for me. It has the perfect creamy texture to satisfy any Mediterranean cravings!
Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Greek Yogurt: This is a base of the dip. Make sure to use plain Greek yogurt.
- Cucumber: Shredded cucumber is what sets this dip apart from others.
- Lemon: The fresh lemon juice brings the perfect tang to this homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Olive oil: This brings the sauce together. I like to use extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic: If you love the garlic flavor, feel free to double the amount.
- Salt and Pepper: I don’t typically count this in my ingredient list, but make sure you season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
- Add in fresh herbs such as mint, fresh dill, parsley or basil (mint and dill are my favorites). Or give it a sprinkle of Greek seasoning for more flavor.
- If you want the sauce to be a little sweet, feel free to mix in a teaspoon or two of sugar or honey.
- If you want to add a little heat, add in 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin.
- Instead of lemon juice, try distilled white vinegar but use only a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber using a box grater and then squeeze out all the excess water with a cheesecloth or thick paper towel.
Stir together the grated cucumber, yogurt, lemon, garlic and salt. Then add in fresh thyme or mint if desired (about 1-2 Tablespoons of each).
Allow the sauce to sit for about 10 minutes to help the flavors meld together. Then season with salt and pepper.
Ways to Use Tzatziki Sauce
- Chicken gyros: Tzatziki sauce is one of my favorite sauces to add to a chicken gyro. It adds the perfect flavor.
- Sandwiches: Use it in place of cream cheese in this cucumber sandwich recipe.
- Fresh vegetables: I love this sauce to dip vegetables in. Some of my favorites are cucumber, carrots, snap peas, bell peppers and carrots.
- Grilled vegetables: This creamy sauce also tastes delicious on grilled vegetables or roasted vegetables.
- Flat bread: Dip your favorite naan or pita bread into the sauce. So yummy!
- Boards: Add to your favorite charcuterie board or vegetable platter.
- Salad: Add a dollop to you favorite Greek salad paired with Greek meatballs or Mediterranean salad.
More Greek Inspired Recipes
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Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 3/4-1 cup grated cucumber (about 1 cucumber, no need to peel)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I use Fage 2% or full fat)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice , plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt , to taste
- Ground black pepper , to taste
- 1-2 Tablespoons fresh thyme or mint , optional
Instructions
- Place the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth or paper towel and squeeze the extra water out over the sink.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the cucumber, yogurt, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Add thyme or mint, if desired.
- Let sit 10 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, this is a low calorie dip that is low carb. It’s made from all fresh whole food ingredients.
The Greek yogurt and cucumber gives a fresh and tangy flavor. It has a refreshing and cool flavor.
If you don’t have cucumber, you could use grated zucchini or celery.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure to give it a big stir before serving again, as some of the liquid may separate a bit.
Categorized as: Condiments, Low Carb, Mediterranean, Sauces
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I discovered this recipe this summer. My family and I love it! Thanks for sharing it!
I’m so happy that your family loves it!
This is my favorite sauce, ever. So delicious on so many things!
Love how easy this recipe is. Can’t wait to try it this weekend.
Quick, easy, and totally tasty! Love making this to dunk falafel in!