Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

While you can use regular yogurt, the tzatziki will be much thinner and less authentic. If you only have regular yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours in the refrigerator to remove excess liquid and get closer to that thick Greek yogurt consistency.

Why is my tzatziki watery?

The most common culprit is not removing enough moisture from the cucumber. Make sure to really squeeze out all the liquid you can. Also, using low-fat yogurt can result in a thinner sauce. Stick with full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture.

Can I make tzatziki without dill?

Absolutely! While dill is traditional, you can substitute with mint, parsley, or even a bit of oregano. Each will give a different but delicious flavor profile. Some regions in Greece actually prefer mint to dill in their tzatziki.

How long does homemade tzatziki last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade tzatziki will last up to 5 days. The garlic flavor will intensify over time, so keep that in mind when planning when to serve it.

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Name: Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, unpeeled; 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 large garlic cloves, minced, or more to taste; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced; ¾ teaspoon salt

This incredibly creamy, tangy Tzatziki Sauce brings authentic Greek flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Made with fresh cucumber, thick Greek yogurt, and bright herbs, this versatile sauce comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time. It’s the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes and will quickly become your go-to condiment for weeknight meals and entertaining alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: If you can grate a cucumber and stir ingredients together, you can make this tzatziki! No cooking required.
Fresh and Healthy: Packed with protein from the Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables, this is a guilt-free sauce you can enjoy liberally.
Incredibly Versatile: Works as a dip, sauce, spread, or dressing – the possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes better after it sits for a while, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cucumber: The star of the show! Provides that signature fresh crunch and cooling effect. Leave the peel on for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat is strongly recommended for that luxuriously creamy texture. The protein content also helps create the perfect thick consistency.
Garlic: Adds that essential savory punch. Fresh is non-negotiable here – the pre-minced stuff just doesn’t compare.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor. It adds a subtle richness and helps bind everything together beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed only, please! That bright acidity balances the creaminess of the yogurt perfectly.
Fresh Dill: The traditional herb for tzatziki that adds a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Always use fresh – dried just doesn’t have the same vibrant taste.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances everything. Don’t skimp here!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Tzatziki

Add finely chopped red onion and mint leaves for an extra layer of complexity.

Spicy Tzatziki

Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

Herbed Tzatziki

Experiment with different herb combinations – try adding fresh parsley, mint, or oregano alongside the dill.

Roasted Garlic Tzatziki

Swap the raw garlic for roasted garlic cloves for a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

Grate the whole cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This critical step prevents watery tzatziki and ensures a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and salt. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This resting time allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together. Give it a quick stir before serving chilled.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Squeeze That Cucumber: Don’t rush the draining process. The drier your cucumber, the thicker and more delicious your tzatziki will be.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: This simple recipe relies on fresh, quality ingredients. Use the best Greek yogurt you can find and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
Garlic Intensity: Let your personal preference guide you. Love garlic? Add an extra clove. Sensitive to raw garlic? Try grating it super fine or using roasted garlic instead.
Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste and adjust seasoning. Sometimes a little extra salt or lemon juice makes all the difference.

How to Serve

As a Dip

Serve with warm pita triangles, pita chips, fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber slices for a healthy appetizer.

With Grilled Meats

Tzatziki is the perfect companion for grilled chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, or kebabs. The cool, tangy sauce complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

In Mediterranean Bowls

Spoon generously over grain bowls with falafel, roasted vegetables, and hummus for a complete meal.

On Gyros and Wraps

The classic use! Spread inside pita bread with grilled meats or falafel, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two!

Dealing with Separation

It’s completely normal for some liquid to separate after storing. Simply give it a good stir before serving to recombine everything.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture can become grainy when thawed. Fortunately, tzatziki is so quick to make fresh.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare tzatziki up to 3 days before serving. In fact, many people prefer the deeper flavor that develops after 24 hours in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

While you can use regular yogurt, the tzatziki will be much thinner and less authentic. If you only have regular yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours in the refrigerator to remove excess liquid and get closer to that thick Greek yogurt consistency.
Why is my tzatziki watery?

The most common culprit is not removing enough moisture from the cucumber. Make sure to really squeeze out all the liquid you can. Also, using low-fat yogurt can result in a thinner sauce. Stick with full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture.
Can I make tzatziki without dill?

Absolutely! While dill is traditional, you can substitute with mint, parsley, or even a bit of oregano. Each will give a different but delicious flavor profile. Some regions in Greece actually prefer mint to dill in their tzatziki.
How long does homemade tzatziki last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade tzatziki will last up to 5 days. The garlic flavor will intensify over time, so keep that in mind when planning when to serve it.

Final Thoughts

This Tzatziki Sauce recipe brings a taste of Greece right to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, spreading it in wraps, or simply enjoying it with fresh vegetables, its bright, tangy flavor instantly elevates any meal. The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity – just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Give it a try tonight and discover why this Mediterranean classic has stood the test of time!