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!
Table of Contents
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
- 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.
- Combine the ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl. Mix to combine.
- Chill. Transfer the dip to the fridge to chill. Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving, if desired, and enjoy!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
