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Inspired by my numerous visits to Greece, this tzatziki is the real deal! With just a few simple ingredients, it’s ready in about 5 minutes. And with hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can be certain everyone will be devouring it the second you put it on the table!
save this recipe!Tzatziki is one of those magical sauces that instantly makes everything better. Whether you’re dipping warm pita, drizzling it over falafel, or spooning it onto a Mediterranean grain bowl, this cool, creamy sauce is the perfect contrast to bold, savory flavors.
I started making my own tzatziki because store-bought versions never quite hit the mark. Too thick, too bland, or missing that fresh, herby punch. This homemade version is light, refreshing, and packed with cucumber, dill, and a hint of lemon. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Reader rating
“I made this and O.M.G! It is absolutely delicious! The possibilities are endless with what you can do with this. I made the Roasted Chickpea Gyros and THAT is going to be a staple. Plus, you can use this as a dip, sauce, and spread for veggies, sandwiches, and so much more.” —Ashley
Key Ingredients
This is just an overview–jump to the recipe card for measurements!
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is higher in protein than traditional yogurt and has a more tart flavor perfect for tzatziki. →For an even richer tztaziki, you can use sour cream instead of yogurt! It can be used 1:1 for the yogurt, or you can simply replace some of the yogurt with sour cream.
- Cucumber: You can opt to grate or dice the cucumber (I prefer grated)! We’ll sprinkle this with salt before mixing everything up to help draw moisture from the cucumber!
- An Acid: Either fresh lemon juice or white vinegar balance things out with a pop of sour.
- Garlic: The recipe calls for 2 cloves, but the garlic-lovers can measure this with their hearts. (Just please…don’t use pre-minced).
- Dill: Fresh dill is an absolute must for making tzatziki! Fresh mint is often also added, and can be tossed in as well if you want a more refreshing flavor.
Sarah’s Secrets
I get a lot of questions about how to prepare the cucumber. Should you peel it? Should you remove the seeds? The answer: It’s up to you! I typically leave the skin on and seeds in, partially because I want this to be a quick tzatziki recipe (and those steps take time!), but also because they contain fiber and nutrients.
Your healthy back pocket sauce
This sauce became a favorite of mine while I was studying nutrition, because not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also healthy!
To really know if tzatziki is healthy, you’ve got to look at its main ingredient – Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a healthy nutrition powerhouse, containing more protein than its traditional yogurt counterpart. Add to that the fiber-packed cucumber and antioxidant-heavy lemon juice and you have yourself a healthy tzatziki sauce!
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes)
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 480 g
- 1 cup shredded or diced cucumber, 200 g
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar, 30 mL
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp chopped dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Thicken Yogurt (optional): For a thicker consistency, you can strain the yogurt by lining a mesh sieve with cheesecloth or paper towels, then spooning in the yogurt. Strain for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Cucumber: Meanwhile, transfer diced or shredded cucumber to a mesh sieve or colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let sit for a few minutes while you measure everything else for the tzatziki, then use a rubber spatula to press out excess moisture.
- Mix: Mix together yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Let chill in the fridge until ready to enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!Try it with…
Tzatziki is great as a veggie or bread dip, but it can also be used in a number of Mediterranean inspired recipes!
- Roasted Chickpea Gyros are my go-to for busy weeknights. The tzatziki balances out the spicy chickpeas!
- Mediterranean Roasted Veggies are a colorful side I love to serve with a bowl of tzatziki.
- My Oven Baked Falafel is the ultimate vessel to enjoy tzatziki with.
- Over Chickpea Fritters with Shredded Veggies (a reader-favorite!)
P.S. for a fun twist on this classic tzatziki, try my homemade tzatziki with feta cheese!
Like John, always use our cream and olive oil. Both make a noticeable difference.
Thanks for posting this recipe.
Sounds like I’ll have to try it out next time! It’s hard to find sour cream here in the Netherlands, so perhaps I’ll try with crème freche.
I grew up with this stuff in Germany. We make it half Greek yoghurt and half sour cream or even creme fraiche. Using low-fat or even fat-free versions is an absolute no-no.
I like the crème fraiche idea! I’ll have to try it next time 😀
I had to buy the cuke’s cause they are not ready yet but the garden gave me dill and the tips of the garlic plants. Using vegan yogurt. Anyone know how to make vegan yogurt?
I’ll let you know how it goes…big fireworks party tonight!!!
Please – try not to use Dill in tzatziki. everything else looks fine.
Hi Dan, do you not like dill? You can easily omit it from this recipe (but it is an ingredient in traditional tzatziki, so I’ve included it). 😀
I was thinking of making this but I can’t get past the bottled, fake lemon juice. I don’t understand why someone would use this when buying and prepping other fresh ingredients. Slicing and squeezing a fresh lemon is so simple and inexpensive. Bottled lemon tastes horrible, is more costly, not to mention entirely Eco-unfriendly.
Hi Cate! I actually agree, but made this recipe long ago when I didn’t entirely know the difference (it’s actually the first recipe on the blog!) Will be remaking the post soon with updated ingredients and photos 😀 Thanks for pointing that out!
You can use cheap cotton dish towels to drain the liquids. Just set the towel on a sieve or colander and the juice should drain. The towels are also strong enough to squeeze out if you are in a hurry.
Thanks for the tip William! 😀
Doubled the garlic 😃,and added a TOUCH of fresh mint….can’t WAIT to try it in a few hours….so far so FABULOUS!!
No shame in more garlic! And I love the mint idea, will have to try it next time 😀
Sarah, it looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!
Thanks so much, Olga! 😀
We’re making this today for Mediterranean lunch boxes & can’t wait!! Such a good call to strain the moisture out of the yogurt & cucumber!
Yumm enjoy, Brooke!! 😀 Straining does WONDERS for this tzatziki!
I love the recipe can I continue getting a recipe and emails thank you very much
Thanks Allison! You can subscribe to email recipes here if you’re interested 😀