Cool, creamy, and refreshingly tangy — tzatziki sauce is a staple in Greek cuisine and for good reason.
This simple recipe blends thick Greek yogurt with crisp cucumber, fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of dill to create a sauce that elevates almost any dish.
Whether you’re dipping warm pita bread, drizzling it over grilled meats, or layering it inside a gyro, tzatziki is the kind of condiment that makes everything taste brighter and fresher.
With just 10 minutes of prep and a quick chill time, this homemade version beats store-bought every time. It’s smooth, flavorful, and the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
My Opinion
This tzatziki sauce is one of my personal favorites to whip up because it’s incredibly versatile and always a hit with my family. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how fresh it tasted compared to the versions I’d bought at the store.
The garlic really pops, the cucumber adds a cooling crunch, and the Greek yogurt makes it luxuriously creamy. Once chilled, the flavors come together beautifully, creating a sauce that feels both light and indulgent.
I especially love using it as a dip for veggies and pita during the week. It feels like a healthy snack but still satisfies all those creamy, tangy cravings. And when I spread it inside a chicken gyro wrap or drizzle it over grilled souvlaki, it honestly feels like restaurant-quality food made right at home.
For me, this tzatziki sauce is a staple in my kitchen — refreshing, wholesome, and unbelievably easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes of prep, plus chill time.
- ✅ Fresh & Flavorful: Made with real cucumber, garlic, and lemon for bright, tangy flavor.
- ✅ Creamy Perfection: Thick Greek yogurt makes this sauce smooth and satisfying.
- ✅ Versatile: Works as a dip, spread, salad dressing, or sauce.
- ✅ Make Ahead Friendly: Stores well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- ✅ Healthier Option: Naturally light, refreshing, and full of wholesome ingredients.
Tools You’ll Need
- Box grater or food processor (for cucumber)
- Cheesecloth or thin tea towel (to squeeze excess liquid)
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, unpeeled
- 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt (for best creaminess)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced (add more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber
Wash the cucumber well and grate it using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in the center of a cheesecloth or thin tea towel. Twist tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is the key step to prevent watery tzatziki, so take your time to remove the moisture. - Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, and salt. - Mix Until Smooth
Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more garlic for boldness, extra lemon juice for tang, or additional dill for a stronger herbal note. - Chill the Sauce
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally 2 hours) to let the flavors blend. For the best flavor, make it ahead and let it chill overnight. - Serve
Stir once more before serving, then enjoy with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Tips & Variations
- Drain Well: Removing excess water from cucumber is the secret to thick, creamy sauce.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Add an extra clove or two for more punch.
- Dill Options: Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch (just use less).
- Sour Cream Swap: Replace Greek yogurt with full-fat sour cream for a richer dip.
- Extra Crunch: Stir in chopped cucumber at the end if you want more texture.
- Thinner Dressing: Mix in a splash of water or olive oil to use as a salad dressing.
How to Use Tzatziki Sauce
- Dip: Serve with pita bread, crackers, or raw vegetables.
- Sandwich Spread: Use in wraps, burgers, or gyros instead of mayo.
- Grilled Meats & Veggies: Drizzle over souvlaki, chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables.
- Potatoes: Dollop on baked potatoes with a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Snack Box Addition: Add it to a mezze platter with falafel, olives, and cheese.
Conclusion
This homemade tzatziki sauce is proof that the simplest ingredients often make the most refreshing dishes.
With its creamy texture, cool cucumber crunch, and zesty lemon kick, it’s the kind of recipe that brightens any meal.
Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping meals for the week, or just looking for a healthy dip, this tzatziki is one you’ll always come back to.
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cucumber.Wash the cucumber well and grate it using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in the center of a cheesecloth or thin tea towel. Twist tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is the key step to prevent watery tzatziki, so take your time to remove the moisture.
- Combine Ingredients.In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, and salt.
- Mix Until Smooth.Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more garlic for boldness, extra lemon juice for tang, or additional dill for a stronger herbal note.
- Chill the Sauce.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally 2 hours) to let the flavors blend. For the best flavor, make it ahead and let it chill overnight.
- Serve.Stir once more before serving, then enjoy with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.