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Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Tzatziki Sauce or Greek yogurt dip is make with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and fresh dill. Bright and tangy, it’s the perfect addition to all your favorite Greek dishes.

two bowls of tzatziki sauce wth pita

Greek Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce, with its cucumber and yogurt, is the perfect compliment to chicken, lamb, and even beef. This tangy and healthy dip is heightened with the addition of lemon juice and fresh dill.

Usually, a condiment for a gyro, or that delicious sandwich that you order and never pronounce correctly, Tzatziki sauce can be used for any number of dishes.

The fresh and crisp flavor of the cucumber is complimented by the tangy Greek yogurt that is the base of the sauce.

I am all in when it comes to Greek food. I can eat a Greek salad just about every day because I am obsessed with the salty feta cheese.

And I love using my homemade Greek seasoning on ALL THE THINGS!

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bowls of greek yogurt sauce with pita

Ever wonder what’s in Tzatziki sauce? Just a few simple ingredients but its packed with flavor!

Ingredients Needed

Yogurt: I prefer Greek as it is an already strained yogurt and thicker in consistency. No real difference between full fat, skim, or fat-free versions that I can tell.

Cucumber: I like to use English cucumbers because they are smaller in diameter, have fewer seeds, and you don’t have to peel them. You can peel them if you want to but not really necessary.

Lemon: Using fresh lemon juice is way better than bottled, so if you have an extra lemon or two use the fresh ones.

Dill: Use fresh if at all possible. Dried herbs just don’t have the same flavor as fresh, especially when dill is concerned.

Pantry Staples: Garlic, Kosher salt.

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pita wedge dipping in sauce

How to make Tzatziki Sauce

First: Grate or finely dice the cucumber using a box grater or food processor.

Second: In a medium sized bowl, add the grated cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and dill. Stir to combine.

Third: Fold in the yogurt and store covered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the dip thicken up and the flavors to mix.

Fourth: Serve when ready and enjoy with pita bread or all sorts of yummy dishes!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?

This cucumber dip will last up to 4 days if stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Just stir a little before serving.

overhead picture of tzatziki in a bowl

Is it bad for you?

If made with a low fat or fat free version of the yogurt, it is one of the healthiest dips you can make. Even with the full fat version, it is better than most dips with cream cheese as their base.

What is the difference between tzatziki and tahini?

It is a yogurt dip whereas tahini is pureed sesame seeds that is used for making hummus.

What is healthier hummus or tzatziki?

They are both not bad for you. Hummus tends to have more fat and sodium due to the tahini and any additional stoppings.

What do you eat with it?

side view of bowls of dip

How long does it last?

Up to 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. There might be some separation or get watery, just stir before serving and all will. be well.

Do not freeze! The yogurt will separate and will get very runny and the texture will be all wrong.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • use a food processor or box grate to get your cucumber into small pieces. It’s easier but feel free to finely dice it with your favorite knife.
  • you will have excess water in your dip making it very loose if you don’t drain the cucumber. Squeeze it in a paper towel or use a mesh strainer.
  • the dip will thicken if allowed to sit in the fridge for an hour before serving but not necessary.
  • if you only have dried dill you can always use it, but fresh is best!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

collage with text "tzatziki sauce"

More Easy Appetizers

bowl of Greek yogurt sauce

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - Cool as a Cucumber

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Tzatziki Sauce is a cucumber yogurt sauce is the perfect compliment to chicken, lamb, and even beef. This tangy, dip is heightened with the addition of lemon juice and fresh dill.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 large cucumber (peeled, grated)
  • 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 large garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Chop the peeled cucumber very small or you can grate it on a box grater or in a food processor.
  2. Strain the cucumber thought a mesh sieve or squeeze in a kitchen towel to remove excess water.
  3. In a medium sized bowl, add the cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and dill.
  4. Stir to combine.
  5. Fold in the yogurt until evenly mixed.
  6. Mix in the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar, and lemon juice.
  7. Chill for 10 minutes to thicken or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Notes

*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it with some stars.  Thank you!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 153mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g

This nutrition information was generated via a third party. I can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

{originally posted 05/24/16 – photos and notes updated 02/02/20}

Violet

Thursday 18th of August 2022

The steps don't make sense...

Jennifer

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Which part doesn't make sense and I will try and clarify for you.

Baked Greek Sheet Pan Chicken {30 minutes!} - Leftover Then Breakfast

Friday 8th of January 2021

[…] drizzle of Tzatziki sauce, Basmati rice, a fresh Greek salad, and some warm pita […]

Julianna

Saturday 3rd of September 2016

Mmmm, I love tzatziki. It is wonderfully refreshing and so very versatile. I am thinking of ways that I can sneak it into my lunches for next week! Thanks so much for this inspiration! :D

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Tuesday 6th of September 2016

Thank you Julianna! Try it with some veggie sticks!

Christine | Mid-Life Croissant

Saturday 28th of May 2016

This is so fresh and delicious. Why do I not have this in my fridge at all times. It goes with everything!

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Sunday 12th of June 2016

Right?!?~

Dini @ The Flavor Bender

Thursday 26th of May 2016

This is amazing J! I love Tzatziki :) Can't wait to make it - I have all the ingredients already! Greek food is one of my favourite things to eat - ESPECIALLY Souvlakis! Can't wait to see what you'll be sharing next! :D

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Sunday 12th of June 2016

I want to try Souvlakis ao bad!

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