Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is a classic Greek yogurt dip recipe made with cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill for a cool and creamy Mediterranean condiment. It offers refreshing flavor, quick no-cook preparation, and versatile serving options.
For a full mezze-style spread, try serving it with our Greek Hummus Recipe, Baked Feta Appetizer, or these Spinach and Feta Rolls.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: None
- 🧊 Optional Chill: 30 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🔥 Cook Method: No-Cook / Mixing
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Greek Dip
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Pita bread, Greek Lamb Meatballs (Keftedes), Greek Gyro Pita Pockets, Crispy Greek Fries
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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We've made this tzatziki many times for grilled dinners. Our favorite way to serve it is with warm pita. ~Jami
Why We Love This Recipe
- Healthy Greek Dip: Made with Greek yogurt, this sauce is packed with protein and probiotics. For a unique Greek pairing idea, try it with our Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo.
- Easy Tzatziki: Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Sauce: Use it as a dip, spread, or dressing for various dishes.
- Authentic Greek Dip: Brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt: Use 5% full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
- Cucumber: Grated and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Garlic: Minced for a robust flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a tangy kick.
- Fresh Dill: Chopped for an authentic taste. If you crave this fresh herb, you have got to try our Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute with a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
- Lemon Juice: Use red wine vinegar if you prefer a slightly different tang.
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How to Make Authentic Tzatziki Sauce
STEP ONE: Prepare the Cucumber
Grate the English cucumber and place it in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt over the grated cucumber, mix well, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cucumber.
STEP TWO: Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, 5% full-fat Greek yogurt, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, fresh dill, and extra virgin olive oil.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Thoroughly squeeze out the juice from the cucumber. This prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.
✔️ DO Let the Tzatziki chill overnight for best flavor.
Storage
Store the Tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Tzatziki sauce has a creamy, tangy flavor with a refreshing taste from the cucumber and a slight kick from the garlic. The lemon juice adds acidity, and the fresh dill makes it well balanced.
Freezing Tzatziki sauce is not recommended because the texture changes significantly once thawed. The cucumber and yogurt can release extra moisture, making the sauce watery and less creamy.
Yes, Tzatziki sauce can be a good option for weight loss. It is low in calories and high in protein, when made with Greek yogurt. It contains healthy ingredients like cucumber, garlic, and dill, making it a nutritious choice.
More Greek Appetizers You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel
- Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups 5% full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 English cucumber grated and well-drained cucumber: 1 to 1 ¼ cups
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt for cucumber
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced, depending on taste
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate the English cucumber and place it in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt over the grated cucumber, mix well, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cucumber.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, 5% full-fat Greek yogurt, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, fresh dill, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread, vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats.
Save This Recipe 💌
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Notes
- Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber.
- Use thick full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture.
- Chill the sauce before serving so the flavors develop.
- Stir before serving to redistribute the olive oil and herbs.
Jami Powell says
Our family loves this dip with warm pita bread or souvlaki chicken!