Creamy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers and herbs. Comes together in just 10 minutes and tastes great with vegetables and flat bread or on a sandwich or salad.
Whenever I make a big Mezze platter, I always add a bowl of tzatziki sauce and homemade hummus. I love both, but tzatziki may take the cake for me. It has the perfect creamy texture and is one of those sauces that you just can’t get enough of!
Tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek yogurt and cucumber creamy sauce. It’s served with many traditional Greek dishes and can also be used as a vegetable dip. It has the perfect creamy texture from the yogurt and fresh flavor from the cucumber and herbs. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s super easy to make. This simple recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes!
How to make tzatziki sauce
- SQUEEZE. Grate the cucumber and then squeeze out the excess water with a cheese cloth or thick paper towel.
- MIX. 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).
- LET SIT. Allow the sauce to sit for about 10 minutes to help the flavors meld together. Then season with salt and pepper.
Variations + tips
- Make sure the cucumber is strained of all water. Squeeze it out inside of a cheesecloth, sieve or thick paper towel.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can substitute white or red vinegar.
- Add in fresh herbs such as dill, mint, parsley or basil (mint and dill are my favorites).
- 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.
Ways to use tzatziki
- Chicken gyros: Tzatziki sauce is one of my favorite sauces to add to a chicken gyro. It adds the perfect flavor. It really could be added to any sandwich as well.
- 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 or Mediterranean salad.
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a big stir before serving again, as some of the liquid may separate a bit.
More Greek inspired recipes:
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 (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
Optional: fresh thyme or mint
Instructions
- Place the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth or paper towel and squeeze the extra water out over the sink.
- Combine the cucumber, yogurt, lemon, garlic and salt in a medium size bowl. Mix until combined. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of fresh thyme or mint if desired.
- Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes (for the flavors to meld together). Then season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate in a covered container for 3 days.
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!