Greek Tzatziki Sauce (Cucumber Sauce)
Tzatziki Sauce uses just a handful of ingredients to make an authentic Greek recipe that’s loaded with fresh flavors and ready in just 10 minutes!
Recipes with a cucumber base always seem so light and refreshing, my Cucumber Tomato Salad is another one worth trying! You could even drizzle this easy tzatziki sauce over the salad!
What Is Tzatziki?
Wondering what tzatziki is—or how to pronounce it without needing a Greek dictionary? (It’s “tuh-ZEE-kee,” if you’re curious!) Tzatziki is a creamy Greek sauce that’s as refreshing as a dip swimming pool for your taste buds.
The basics are simple: thick, tangy yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, a drizzle of olive oil, lots of fresh dill or mint, minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. That’s it! The result is a cool, herby sauce that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or outright devouring with anything Mediterranean-inspired—gyros, meatballs, or even straight from the bowl with warm pita bread.
Tzatziki Ingredient Notes
The base of this tzatziki dip is a full-fat Greek yogurt and grated English cucumbers. You can use regular yogurt but keep in mind it will just alter the final taste of this cucumber sauce.
Load it full of flavor using garlic cloves, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Most greek restaurants add in chopped fresh dill or mint, but I recommend trying a bit first! Then you can add the herbs to your liking.
How To Make Tzatziki Sauce
- Prepare the cucumber by peeling it, cutting it into lengthwise quarters, removing the seeds, and grating it finely. You can easily grate the cucumber using a food processor with a shredding attachment.
- Squeeze the grated cucumbers on paper towels or a clean linen napkin to wring out any excess water.
- Stir all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Season to taste and serve!
Rebecca’s Tips for Perfect Tzatziki Texture & Flavor
Try these tweaks to make your tzatziki a creamy, flavorful hit, whether you’re spooning it over falafel, serving it with grilled meats, or simply scooping it up with pita chips. Getting your tzatziki just right comes down to a few easy tricks that make a world of difference:
- Choose the Right Cucumber – English cucumbers are your best friend here—they’re seedless and create a smoother texture.
- Grater Size Matters – Grate your cucumber using the larger holes of a box grater. It keeps the sauce chunky and fresh, rather than turning it gritty.
- Drain That Cucumber! – After grating your cucumber, use paper towels or a clean tea towel to squeeze out as much water as possible. This keeps your sauce creamy, not watery.
- Herb It Up – A blend of fresh dill and mint adds vibrant flavor. Start with a little, then adjust to your taste! A handful of chopped fresh herbs can really transform your tzatziki from simple to show-stopping.
- Balance the Flavors – Add salt slowly and taste as you go. If you love a tangier sauce, fresh lemon juice is the way to go—just don’t overdo it!
- Let It Rest – For the flavors to meld, let your tzatziki chill in the fridge for at least five minutes (or even overnight). This makes the garlic and herbs come alive.
- Customize Your Garlic – If you’re a garlic lover, add a little extra. If you prefer it milder, use less—trust your tastebuds!
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes, Gyro Sauce will stay good for up to 4 days in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator. It will actually taste even better when it has the chance to sit a bit.
For the best flavor, let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes after making it—this gives the ingredients time to meld together.
Before serving, give it a taste and feel free to add a little extra chopped fresh dill or mint, a squeeze more lemon juice, or a pinch of salt if needed. This simple step ensures your tzatziki is perfectly tailored to your liking every time!
How To Serve Tzatziki Sauce
This is a great recipe to serve up as a dip alongside fresh veggies, pita bread, or olives. It also makes a great sauce for gyros, meatballs, and other authentic Greek dishes.
More Tasty Sauce Recipes
I really enjoy making my own homemade sauces, they almost always pack more fresh flavor than store-bought! Here are more sauces for you to try making at home!
- Fish Taco Sauce – This super creamy and delicious condiment is perfect for topping your fish tacos!
- Burger Sauce – Made with mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and spices to finish off your sandwiches, burgers, and fries.
- Best Penne Alla Vodka Sauce – Cover your favorite pasta dish in this tasty sauce!
- Marinara Sauce – A homemade authentic Italian tomato sauce that’s ready in just 45 minutes!
- Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce – Packs a punch full of flavor using horseradish and tabasco sauce!
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt pepper to taste
- fresh dill and/or mint optional
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber and cut it into quarters lengthwise. Remove the seeds and grate it finely.
- Place the grated cucumber on a clean kitchen towel and wring out the excess water.
- Add all ingredients into a bowl and stir together.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with bread and/or vegetables. Tastes also amazing with bifteki, gyros, and other spicy meats.
Notes
- A lot of greek restaurants add fresh chopped dill and/or mint to the tzatziki. Try a bit first and see how you like it, then add the herbs to your liking. Dried herbs will also work. generally, no other herbs than these are not used.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
Nutrition
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