My tzatziki sauce is perfect for serving veggies, pitas, and more! I designed this recipe to be easy to put together with simple ingredients, but with an incredible creamy cucumber-rich taste.
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Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
I first made this tzatziki sauce to go with some pita chips and veggies for a party a few years back. I will never forget the moment my daughter came over to the veggie tray and grabbed a baby carrot.
She dipped it right into the sauce and ate it thinking it was ranch dressing. At first she was thrown off by the different taste, but then continued to dip more carrots into the sauce.
Now she even asks for veggie trays (with some sweets on them) for special movie nights and specifically asks for this tzatziki sauce recipe to go with it. I’ve tried tricking her into eating the store bought kind, but as with most things, my homemade version is just so much better.
And, if you love a good sauce recipe, try my Big Mac sauce, buffalo sauce, sriracha mayo, blue cheese dressing, and honey sriracha sauce recipes!
What is Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki sauce (or gyro sauce) is a creamy, refreshing Greek condiment often served with grilled meats or as a dip.
Most include Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a tangy, slightly garlicky, and smooth sauce, just like my recipe! The cool flavor makes it great to serve with spicy dishes or as a palate cleanser between bites!
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
- Cucumber – about 1 is needed
- Plain Greek yogurt – full-fat Greek yogurt works best, but I’ve used sour cream as a substitute as well and it works amazing
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil — extra virgin olive oil works great too
- Chopped dill – I recommend fresh dill for the best flavor, but I have used 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead
- Garlic
- Salt
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Grate the cucumber, then use a cheesecloth or paper towel to gently squeeze out the excess moisture.
STEP TWO: Combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, garlic, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir well to thoroughly combine.
STEP THREE: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to maximize flavor.
Tzatziki SAuce Recipe Tips
- Grate the cucumbers finely using the small side of the box grater for the best texture.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumbers to prevent a watery sauce.
- Mince the garlic well so it releases plenty of flavor and melts into the sauce.
- Allow the flavors to meld by refrigerating for a few hours before serving.
- Feel free to switch out the Greek yogurt for sour cream if it’s all you have on hand. I’ve done this a number of times and it tastes incredible still!
What to Serve with Gyro Sauce
My family loves dipping pretty much everything in this sauce! Falafel, pita bread, gyros, kebabs, crackers, Greek salad, carrot chips, and raw veggies are always a hit.
I also love serving tzatziki with air fryer chicken tenders and oven chicken tenders or over pulled pork or lamb with some onions, feta, and tomatoes wrapped up in a pita. I’ve even thrown it into my chicken caesar wrap recipe!
Tzatziki Sauce FAQs
What does Tzatziki Sauce Taste like?
My tzatziki sauce recipe tastes rich, cool, creamy, and tangy with a delicate, yet powerful infusion of lemon herb garlicky goodness.
Can I Make Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream?
Yes! I actually love to make this recipe by swapping out the Greek yogurt for sour cream. It still has that amazing creamy, smooth, and tangy flavor. I’ve even put half yogurt and half sour cream in the recipe!
How to Strain the Water out of the Cucumber
I find using a cheesecloth works best to squeeze out the liquid in the grated cucumber. If you can, grate it about 30 minutes in advance and let it sit with some salt on it inside a colander and then squeeze it again. I’ve noticed that helps bring out the moisture, making it easier to get the liquid out.
How to Store Greek Tzatziki Sauce
I store my leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. It holds up great through the week so I can add it to my lunches or just snack with it.
More Easy Recipes
- Fruit Dip Recipe
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Air Fryer Pork Loin
- Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Caprese Salad
Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup grated cucumber
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gently squeeze the cucumber of excess moisture using a paper towel or a cheesecloth.
- In a medium bowl, mix cucumber, sour cream, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, garlic, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
- Cover and allow to chill in the fridge for one hour for the best flavor.
Notes
- Can use sour cream in place of the Greek yogurt using a 1:1 ratio.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Thank you for your time and efforts. I have enjoyed your Tzatziki.
We are sheep growers with a Vineyard and Winery. We are working on putting an
amazing Gyro together with our own 100% lamb and paring with our wines. Your recipes have helped with our fun foods and wine.
Cheers to you, and Red Barn Winery in Lafayette, Tn. will keep following your efforts.
You’re welcome! I’m thrilled you’re loving the Tzatziki and finding the recipes helpful. Your idea of creating an amazing Gyro with your lamb and wines is fantastic. Cheers to you and Red Barn Winery in Lafayette, TN! Here’s to your success and delicious creations!