The Greatest Recipe for Tzatziki Sauce Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Have you ever experienced subpar tzatziki sauce? Lacking that zesty kick or being very watery?

Let’s take care of that now.

With the help of this tzatziki sauce recipe, you can make a creamy, cool dip that will make every taste feel like a Mediterranean getaway.

Why Tzatziki Sauce Is Revolutionary

Picture yourself savoring a warm pita stuffed with succulent grilled meat, crisp vegetables, and a scoop of refreshing, tart tzatziki.

Greek gyros are memorable because of this secret. The good news? To appreciate it, you don’t need to go to Greece.

Our goal is to teach you how to make the ideal tzatziki sauce at home using items you most likely already own.

Additionally, we’ll add a surprising twist you’ll love.

What is Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki is a creamy, yogurt-based dip that’s a staple in Greek cuisine. It’s traditionally made with thick Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like dill or mint. The tangy, garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with meats, veggies, or even chips.

Ingredients Breakdown and What Makes Each Shine

• Greek Yogurt: The base of the sauce. Its thickness ensures no watery mess. Use full-fat for richness.
• Cucumber: Brings a refreshing crunch. Grate it fine, and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
• Garlic: Adds bold, zesty flavor. Use fresh cloves for the best punch.
• Olive Oil: Smooths out the texture and deepens the flavor. Extra virgin is best.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the richness with a bright, tangy finish.
• White Wine Vinegar: A subtle tang that complements the lemon.
• Fresh Dill: Traditional and aromatic, it’s the herb that screams tzatziki.
• Grated Lemon Zest: This original addition brightens the flavor without overpowering.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential to bring it all together.

How to Make the Perfect Tzatziki

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

1. Strain the Yogurt: For a thicker sauce, let your yogurt sit in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl for 2-4 hours.
2. Grate and Drain the Cucumber: Sprinkle grated cucumber with a pinch of salt. Let it rest, then squeeze out the moisture with a clean towel.

Combine the Flavors

1. Mix the yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, and lemon zest in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.

Chill for Best Results

Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is key—it melds the flavors beautifully.

Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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• Author: Ryan Yates
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 (2 tablespoons per serving) 1x

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Description

Tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek dip that combines creamy Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, and herbs for a cool and tangy flavor. Perfect as a dip, spread, or condiment, this tzatziki recipe includes a unique twist—grated lemon zest—to enhance the brightness and bring a subtle citrusy note to the sauce.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Box grater
• Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Garlic press or fine knife for mincing

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 English cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (original twist)
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Strain the Yogurt (Optional):
   If you prefer thicker tzatziki, line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth. Add the yogurt and let it strain in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours to remove excess whey.
2. Prepare the Cucumber:
   Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and let it sit in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl for 10 minutes. Press or squeeze out any remaining liquid using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the strained yogurt, prepared cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, lemon zest, and mint (if using). Stir well until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill and Meld Flavors:
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving.
5. Serve:
   Serve chilled as a dip with pita bread or fresh vegetables, a condiment for gyros or grilled meats, or a topping for baked potatoes.

Notes

• Why Grated Lemon Zest?
  The addition of grated lemon zest introduces a fresh citrus aroma and a subtle brightness, setting this tzatziki apart from traditional recipes. It complements the garlic and cucumber, enhancing the sauce’s refreshing qualities.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the sauce briefly in a food processor before chilling.
• Adjust garlic to your preference; 1 clove for mild flavor, 3 for a stronger kick.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as some separation may occur.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons
• Calories: 70 kcal

Ingredient Swaps and Tips

• No Greek Yogurt? Use plain yogurt but strain it for the right consistency.
• Don’t Like Dill? Swap it for mint or parsley.
• Garlic Too Strong? Roast it for a milder flavor.

Tzatziki Beyond the Pita

Tzatziki sauce is more than just a classic dip for pita or a topping for gyros.

Its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and refreshing cucumber base make it an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate countless dishes.

Let’s take this Mediterranean gem beyond its traditional role and reimagine it in creative, unexpected ways.

Marinade Magic

Think of tzatziki as a flavor-packed marinade for grilled chicken or lamb.

The yogurt tenderizes the meat, while garlic and lemon juice infuse every bite with zesty goodness.

To make it work, simply coat your protein of choice in tzatziki, let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours, then grill to perfection. The result? Juicy, flavorful meat with a Mediterranean twist.

Salad Dressing Reinvented

Why stick to vinaigrettes? Thin out tzatziki with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice, and you’ve got a creamy, tangy salad dressing.

It’s perfect for drizzling over a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. The dressing clings beautifully to the veggies, making each bite a flavor explosion.

Sandwich Spread Supreme

Say goodbye to boring mayonnaise.

Smear tzatziki on bread or wraps to transform your sandwiches. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled veggies, roast beef, or even turkey.

For a lighter option, try it on a whole wheat wrap stuffed with fresh greens and roasted chicken.

Fusion Fun

Ready to get adventurous? Incorporate tzatziki into unexpected cuisines:

• Tzatziki Sushi Rolls: Swap traditional soy sauce dips for a dollop of tzatziki on a cucumber and smoked salmon roll. The tangy sauce complements the sushi’s delicate flavors.
• Mediterranean Tacos: Use tzatziki as a topping for soft tortillas filled with grilled lamb, fresh mint, and pickled onions. The combination is fresh, bold, and unforgettable.

A Party Hero

Hosting a gathering? Create tzatziki-inspired appetizers.

Spread it on crostini and top with diced tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean bruschetta.

Or serve it as a veggie dip with unexpected dippers like roasted sweet potato wedges or crispy chickpeas.

Nutritional Insights

Each 2-tablespoon serving contains about:

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for guilt-free snacking.

FAQs About Tzatziki Sauce

The Final Bite

Tzatziki sauce is a true kitchen chameleon—simple to make, endlessly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re dipping veggies, drizzling it over grilled meats, or getting creative with sushi and tacos, this recipe has all the flavor you need to elevate your meals.

If you’re hungry for more ideas, tips, and exclusive recipes, don’t miss out on The Simply Delicious Digest by Edible Exposure Media. It’s your go-to for cooking inspiration, delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now at Simply Delicious Digest and make every meal simply unforgettable.

Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.