Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

This authentic tzatziki sauce recipe is cool, punchy, and loaded with Greek pizzazz.

It’s one of my favorite Greek yogurt dips with cucumber, garlic, and dill. And it’s perfect for sandwiches, grilled veggies, pitas, and more. 

This easy-to-follow recipe will bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. So, let’s get to it!

What Is Tzatziki? 

Let’s get the pronunciation out of the way, shall we?

There are a few different variations depending on where you go, but it’s usually pronounced “zah-ziki” or “tsah-zee-key”.

The “tz” is kind of like the “zz” in pizza.

Luckily, no matter how you pronounce it, it’s delicious!

Tzatziki is a Greek sauce featuring yogurt, cucumber, and dill.

It’s best served chilled and features prominently in Greek and Mediterranean cuisines.

Since the flavor is mild, it’s extremely versatile. You can use it to brighten up meats, sandwiches, salads, and even tacos. 

Authentic tzatziki often uses goat’s milk yogurt as a base. But I’ve gone with thick Greek yogurt since it’s easier to find.

Ingredients 

Tzatziki is incredibly flavorful. So much so, people are often surprised at how short the ingredient list is.

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Cucumber: One large cucumber should do the trick, or use two smaller ones. Be sure to grate them finely.

• Greek Yogurt: If you have access to goat’s milk yogurt, use that. But the recipe works just as well (and is more budget-friendly) with thick Greek yogurt. 

• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them as finely as possible.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select a high-quality brand for the best results. 

• Dill: Like the garlic, the dill should also be fresh and finely chopped.

• Lemon Juice: A little freshly squeezed lemon juice will brighten the herby, earthy sauce. 

• Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to suit your tastes. 

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

You’ll find the full list of amounts and instructions at the end. But here’s a really quick rundown of how to make tzatziki sauce:

1. Prep the ingredients. Grate the cucumber, mince the garlic, and chop the dill.

2. Mix it all together. Add the cucumber last so you can get the garlic and dill mixed well.  

3. Chill. Overnight is best, but you can use it after 30 minutes. 

4. Enjoy! Serve the tzatziki as a dip or condiment.

How to Remove Water from Cucumber 

If there’s too much water in your tzatziki sauce, it’ll be thin and runny.

That’s why you must remove as much water from the grated cucumber as possible. 

Here’s how I do it: 

1. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. 
2. Grate the cucumber with a food processor or grater. 
3. Put the cucumber in a colander and generously sprinkle sea salt over the top. 
4. Let the cucumber drain over the bowl at room temperature for several minutes. 
5. Transfer the grated cucumber to a cheesecloth and squeeze out the remaining liquid.

After that, your cucumber should be ready to use! 

How to Use Tzatziki Sauce 

Here are some of my favorite uses for tzatziki sauce: 

• As a dip served with pretzels, pita bread, crackers, veggies, etc. 
• On an appetizer tray. 
• Add it to sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and gyros as a condiment.
• Serve it as a dressing on the side for salads or couscous dishes.
• Drizzle it over grilled meats and veggies.

How to Store 

Storing tzatziki sauce is simple! So, if you want to make it for a party, you can easily prep it a day or two in advance.

To Store: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Stir well before serving.

Note: check the date on the Greek yogurt as this may reduce the life of the sauce.

More Sauce Recipes to Make at Home

Red Robin Campfire Sauce
Baja Sauce
Thai Peanut Sauce
Gyoza Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce

Course: Sauces, DipsCuisine: Greek

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Calories

41

kcal

Chilling time

30

minutes

I hope you’re ready for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean because this tzatziki sauce recipe is cool, punchy, and loaded with Greek pizzazz.

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber, finely grated

• 2 cups thick Greek yogurt

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Salt and ground white pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Transfer it to a colander, sprinkle with sea salt, and leave to drain for 5-10 minutes.
• Place the drained cucumber into a cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Add the cucumber and toss to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Serve Tzatziki with pita bread, grilled vegetables, gyros, or as a condiment for sandwiches.
• For the best result, use thick, strained Greek yogurt. And don’t skip the cucumber draining.

NaTaya Hastings

NaTaya Hastings is a food and recipe writer for Insanely Good Recipes. She’s an educator, boy mom, dog mom, and whatever-stray-enters-the-yard mom. As a result, she's constantly cooking for both humans and animals.

Luckily, she enjoys it!

Though born, raised, and still living in Alabama, her specialty is NOT down-home Southern cooking. Instead, she loves to experiment with Asian, Mexican, Italian, and other ethnic cuisines. She has two mottos when it comes to cooking. “The more spice, the better!” and “There’s no such thing as too much garlic!”

She’s also pretty good with desserts. Especially the easy, no-bake ones.

Her favorite things are cuddling with her four giant dogs, traveling, reading, writing, and hanging out in nature. She’s also pretty excellent at Dominoes.

See Full Bio

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