Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

This authentic tzatziki sauce recipe is cool, punchy, and loaded with Greek pizzazz.

It’s one of my favorite Greek yogurt dips with cucumber, garlic, and dill. And it’s perfect for sandwiches, grilled veggies, pitas, and more. 

This easy-to-follow recipe will bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. So, let’s get to it!

What Is Tzatziki? 

Let’s get the pronunciation out of the way, shall we?

There are a few different variations depending on where you go, but it’s usually pronounced “zah-ziki” or “tsah-zee-key”.

The “tz” is kind of like the “zz” in pizza.

Luckily, no matter how you pronounce it, it’s delicious!

Tzatziki is a Greek sauce featuring yogurt, cucumber, and dill.

It’s best served chilled and features prominently in Greek and Mediterranean cuisines.

Since the flavor is mild, it’s extremely versatile. You can use it to brighten up meats, sandwiches, salads, and even tacos. 

Authentic tzatziki often uses goat’s milk yogurt as a base. But I’ve gone with thick Greek yogurt since it’s easier to find.

Ingredients 

Tzatziki is incredibly flavorful. So much so, people are often surprised at how short the ingredient list is.

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Cucumber: One large cucumber should do the trick, or use two smaller ones. Be sure to grate them finely.

• Greek Yogurt: If you have access to goat’s milk yogurt, use that. But the recipe works just as well (and is more budget-friendly) with thick Greek yogurt. 

• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them as finely as possible.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select a high-quality brand for the best results. 

• Dill: Like the garlic, the dill should also be fresh and finely chopped.

• Lemon Juice: A little freshly squeezed lemon juice will brighten the herby, earthy sauce. 

• Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to suit your tastes. 

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

You’ll find the full list of amounts and instructions at the end. But here’s a really quick rundown of how to make tzatziki sauce:

1. Prep the ingredients. Grate the cucumber, mince the garlic, and chop the dill.

2. Mix it all together. Add the cucumber last so you can get the garlic and dill mixed well.  

3. Chill. Overnight is best, but you can use it after 30 minutes. 

4. Enjoy! Serve the tzatziki as a dip or condiment.

How to Remove Water from Cucumber 

If there’s too much water in your tzatziki sauce, it’ll be thin and runny.

That’s why you must remove as much water from the grated cucumber as possible. 

Here’s how I do it: 

1. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. 
2. Grate the cucumber with a food processor or grater. 
3. Put the cucumber in a colander and generously sprinkle sea salt over the top. 
4. Let the cucumber drain over the bowl at room temperature for several minutes. 
5. Transfer the grated cucumber to a cheesecloth and squeeze out the remaining liquid.

After that, your cucumber should be ready to use! 

How to Use Tzatziki Sauce 

Here are some of my favorite uses for tzatziki sauce: 

• As a dip served with pretzels, pita bread, crackers, veggies, etc. 
• On an appetizer tray. 
• Add it to sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and gyros as a condiment.
• Serve it as a dressing on the side for salads or couscous dishes.
• Drizzle it over grilled meats and veggies.

How to Store 

Storing tzatziki sauce is simple! So, if you want to make it for a party, you can easily prep it a day or two in advance.

To Store: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Stir well before serving.

Note: check the date on the Greek yogurt as this may reduce the life of the sauce.

More Sauce Recipes to Make at Home

Red Robin Campfire Sauce
Baja Sauce
Thai Peanut Sauce
Gyoza Sauce