I love to make tzatziki sauce at home. This is a really easy recipe that is great for dipping, on sandwiches, or on your grilled chicken. Homemade tzatziki sauce is rich and creamy and is sure to enhance any meal.
I keep a jar of this Tzatziki Sauce in my refrigerator because my family adds it to grilled chicken, pita wraps, and fresh vegetables. At just $0.41 per serving, it is an easy, budget friendly sauce with fresh Mediterranean flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- This authentic Greek yogurt dipping sauce is Budget Friendly
- Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving for the deepest flavor
- It is most versatile condiment in the refrigerator. We have used it as a marinade, dipping sauce and a spread on a sandwich
After 14 years of developing recipes I know that the best homemade sauces are the ones that takes minutes to prepare and taste better than anything store-bought.
If you love easy dipping sauces like this one you will also love our Homemade Hummus, Tartar Sauce Recipe, and Homemade BBQ Sauce.
What is Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki is a classic Greek sauce made with strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs such as dill or mint. It is thick, cool, and creamy and can be served as a dip, spread, or sauce.
Authentic tzatziki uses cucumber that has been grated and squeezed dry so the sauce stays thick. This recipe uses plain Greek yogurt, which is already strained and gives you a traditional texture without any extra draining time.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Use full fat Greek yogurt for the thickest, creamiest texture. Low fat works but will be slightly thinner.
- Cucumber: Seed, shred, and squeeze it completely dry before adding it to the yogurt. English cucumber works especially well.
- Dill: Dried or fresh dill both work. Fresh mint is another good option.
- Salt: Add to taste after everything is combined.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor. Use less for a milder sauce, especially since the flavor gets stronger as it chills.
Carrie’s Tip: Squeeze the shredded cucumber completely dry before adding it to the yogurt. Too much moisture will make the tzatziki watery. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze until very little liquid remains.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1 – Measure out your spices and minced garlic.
Step 2 – Get a serving bowl and place the Greek yogurt and the shredded squeezed cucumber in the bowl.
Step 3 – Add the minced garlic to the yogurt and cucumber.
Step 4 – Sprinkle in the spices in the bowl.
Step 5 – Make sure everything is mixed together really good. It is so easy to make this sauce!
Step 6 – Store the tzatziki sauce in the fridge for at least an hour for best results.
Tips for Success
- Squeeze Cucumber. You want to squeeze the shredded cucumber more than you think. If there is any moisture left it will thin the sauce.
- Refrigerate Sauce Before Serving. We recommend placing the prepared sauce at least for 1 hour. The flavors of the ingredients blend together as the Tzatziki Sauce chills, which gives it a deeper flavor.
- Use full fat Greek yogurt. For the best flavor, we recommend using full fat Greek yogurt. You can use low fat, but the texture will be thinner.
- Taste before serving. For the best result, we recommend tasting the sauce before serving. It may require a little more dill or salt to be added.
What to Serve with Tzatziki Sauce
Serve as a Dip
- Warm Pita Bread
- Cucumber slices, bell peppers, carrots and celery
- Pita chips
As a sauce over grilled proteins:
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs — Spoon the sauce over the skewers right before serving for the best flavor.
- Chicken Tenders — We love the drizzle the sauce over the warm tenders for delicious flavor.
- Grilled Shrimp — The sauce added to the warm grilled shrimp is a combination the whole family loves.
As a spread:
- Spread inside pita pockets will grilled chicken and veggies for a healthy lunch
- Substitute mayo for Tzatziki Sauce on your burger for a delicious variation
- For a Greek-Style Pizza, spread on flatbread for a creamy base
Variations and Substitutions
- For a bright flavor, you can use fresh mint instead of dill
- Drizzle with olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon for classic or restaurant-style version
- For a dairy free option, use coconut milk
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Note on texture over time
- Stir the sauce before serving as the sauce may release a small amount of liquid. Keep in mind if making the sauce ahead of time, the garlic flavor intensifies. You may need adjust the seasoning right before serving.
Freezer
- Freezing is not recommended because the yogurt and cucumber can separate. Always make fresh or refrigerate for up to 3–4 days
Frequently Asked Questions
The moisture from the cucumber was not squeezed dry enough. We recommend to use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the cucumber firmly to remove any remaining liquid.
Yes, you can use regular yogurt but it will be thinner. For best results, strain it through cheesecloth for 2 to 3 hours until it reaches a thicker, Greek yogurt consistency.
Yes. A great substitute is fresh mint which gives the sauce a bright, refreshing flavor. Fresh parsley can also be used for a milder flavor.
The secret the best tzatziki sauce is squeezing the cucumber completely dry with a towel, using thick plain Greek yogurt, and letting the sauce chill for at least an hour before serving so the flavors have time to blend.
Use thick Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
More Easy Sauce Recipes
If you make it leave a star rating and a comment below. I love hearing how you served it!
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cucumber, seeded and shredded
- 1 tablespoon dried dill (2 Tbsp fresh dill)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, seeded and shredded cucumber, dried dill (or 2 tablespoons fresh dill), salt, and minced garlic.
- Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an 1 hour until ready to serve.
- Serve chilled with chicken gyros, beef gyros, or your favorite Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy!
Sooo good!!
Love it