Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (2024)

Learn how to make tzatziki sauce with just a handful of simple ingredients including Greek yogurt, bright citrus, fresh herbs, and plenty of garlic. This creamy concoction bursts with tangy goodness and takes just a few minutes to whip up!

Rich and full of flavor, this easy tzatziki is the perfect addition to salads, wraps, and all your favorite meals!

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • What Is Tzatziki Sauce?
  • What Is Tzatziki Sauce Made Of?
  • How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
  • Ways to Use Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
  • Storage Options
  • Common Questions About This Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
  • More Homemade Dips, Sauces, and Spreads
  • Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe Recipe

What Is Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki is a creamy yogurt dip or sauce that features yogurt, cucumber, gallery, and fresh herbs. Traditional Greek tzatziki is made with sheep or goat’s milk yogurt. However, Greek yogurt works just as well for quick homemade varieties.

This homemade tzatziki sauce features all the original ingredients with a few additions like sour cream and vinegar. As a result, it’s even tangier than store-bought varieties and features a thick, creamy consistency you’ll love!

With minimal prep time, it’s ready with a total time of just a few minutes. You’ll always want to keep a batch on hand.

What Is Tzatziki Sauce Made Of?

As mentioned, classic tzatziki recipes use sheep or goat’s milk yogurt. However, we use Greek yogurt to replicate the same taste and texture.

Then, we add a few additions for even more flavor. Here’s an overview of the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Cucumbers – We recommend using Persian cucumbers as they have small seeds and thin skin. However, English cucumbers also work well.
  • Yogurt – Using full-fat, plain Greek yogurt is key to creating a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Sour Cream – This adds an extra layer of creaminess and a satisfying tang. Full-fat sour cream is best, but low-fat varieties can be substituted.
  • Lime Juice – Adds a bright, refreshing flavor. Freshly squeezed is best!
  • Garlic – Adjust to taste.
  • Vinegar – 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar is all you need. A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor of the tzatziki dip.
  • Herbs and Seasonings – Salt, white pepper, chopped dill, and chopped fresh mint.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

  1. Prepare the cucumbers. Use a box grater to grate the cucumber into small pieces. Then, transfer them to a thick paper towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out any excess water.
  2. Combine the ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl. Mix to combine.
  3. Chill. Transfer the dip to the fridge to chill. Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving, if desired, and enjoy!

Box Grater

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Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (2)

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03/13/2024 05:09 pm GMT

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (3)

Ways to Use Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Learning how to make tzatziki is the gift that keeps on giving because it’s such a versatile recipe! We love to use it as a simple dip with carrots, celery sticks, or pita bread.

Or, you can enjoy it as a condiment with pita wraps, falafel, kofta, couscous salad, and all your favorite recipes. The options are truly endless!

Storage Options

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to four days. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving!

Common Questions About This Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Do you peel cucumber for homemade tzatziki sauce?

Nope! The skin is so thin that it’s not necessary. Plus, it adds a nice pop of color and a slight crunch to the dip.

Is tzatziki healthy?

Thanks to the use of Greek yogurt, tzatziki contains more protein and less fat than other dips and spreads such as hummus. As a result, it’s often considered to be a fairly healthy option.

How do you make tzatziki not runny?

Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the cucumber as possible.

More Homemade Dips, Sauces, and Spreads

We are always in the mood for delectable dips and savory sauces and spreads! If you are too, take a look at some of our other irresistible recipes!

  • The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe
  • Toum Recipe (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)
  • Easy Zhough Sauce Recipe
  • Turkish Ezme Recipe

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (4)

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Author: Food Dolls

Servings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Chill Time: 5 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

Learn how to make tzatziki sauce with just a handful of ingredients in minutes to add tangy, refreshing flavor to all your favorite recipes!

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Persian cucumbers grated (approximately 1/2 cup grated)
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 medium clove garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint optional

Instructions

  • Grate the Persian cucumbers using a box grater until there is approximately 1/2 cup of grated cucumber. Place the grated cucumber on a thick paper towel or cheesecloth, and gently squeeze out excess water.

    2 medium Persian cucumbers

  • In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, sour cream, lime juice, grated garlic, white distilled vinegar, sea salt, chopped dill, and chopped mint (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream, 1/2 tablespoon lime juice, 1 medium clove garlic, 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill, 1/4 cup chopped mint

  • Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served.

  • Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

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Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (11)

MeetAlia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do!Learn moreabout us!

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Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki is a salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made of strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Authentic Greek tzatziki is most often made with sheep or goat yogurt, but my tzatziki recipe calls for regular full-fat Greek yogurt.

Which yoghurt is best for tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint. Traditionally, it is made from strained sheep or goat's milk yogurt, but a full-fat Greek yogurt works just fine in this dip.

How do you make tzatziki not runny? ›

The biggest contributor to watery tzatziki is the cucumber, which is why it's important to try to remove as much water out of the cucumber as possible. To release the water from the cucumber, de-seed the cucumber then grate it. I suggest using a metal spoon to scoop the seeds out of the cucumber.

Is homemade tzatziki good for you? ›

Nutritional Profile of Tzatziki

So, it offers fewer carbohydrates and calories, making it suitable for weight loss. Tzatziki has little fat from yoghurt, milk, or vegetable oil but does not contain many calories. In addition, it is an excellent source of vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

How long does homemade tzatziki last? ›

Tzatziki will last about four days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. While you can freeze it, it will change a bit in regards to texture and consistency when it comes time to thawing it out.

Does tzatziki have garlic in it? ›

Tzatziki is made of strained yogurt (usually from sheep or goat milk) mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice, and dill or mint or parsley.

How do you thicken yogurt for tzatziki? ›

** If you can't find the thicker Greek Yogurt Cheese, you can use regular, plain yogurt that is either full fat or low fat. To thicken, spoon yogurt into cheese cloth that has been quadrupled. Draw the corners of the cloth up and tie together. Suspend above a bowl for 2 hours so that water can drip out.

Is tzatziki good for your gut? ›

Tzatziki is a real powerhouse in terms of health benefits. Probiotics, which can aid promote gut health, vitamins A and C, calcium, and phosphorus are all included in this classic Greek meal. Together, these nutrients strengthen your immune system and maintain the health of your bones.

What can I put on gyro instead of tzatziki? ›

This cucumber sauce is easy to make and full of fresh flavor. You don't need any fancy ingredients to make it, just sour cream, garlic, mustard, and some fresh dill. You can serve it after just one hour in the refrigerator, but overnight is recommended.

How healthy is tzatziki dip? ›

Key ingredients in Tzatziki include yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill or mint. Tzatziki provides essential macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health. This versatile sauce may boost heart health, improve gut health, and potentially lower the risk of diabetes.

What are 5 dishes that you could put tzatziki on? ›

Once you've got that covered, check out our favourite ways to use tzatziki, and bring a bit of The Med to your kitchen.
  • Lemon-tzatziki chicken.
  • Gorgeous greek chicken with herby vegetable couscous & tzatziki.
  • Grilled lamb chops with fattoush.
  • Crispy barbecued side of salmon with cucumber yoghurt.
  • Souvlaki (Wicked kebabs)
Sep 8, 2023

What is Greek yogurt made of? ›

Greek yogurt is made from cow's milk that is strained to remove the whey, this results in a thicker consistency compared to natural yogurt. It also has a tangier flavour and can often be used as a healthier substitute to mayonnaise, sour cream or crème fraîche.

References

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