Name: Tzatziki Greek Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2 large cucumber (grated (English, hothouse cucumber or multiple small cucumbers)); 1 1/2 cups plain Greek Yogurt; 1 tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped (OR same amount of dry dill)); 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste (+ zest from 1/2 lemon)); 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 1 clove garlic (grated); salt and pepper (to taste)

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Tzatziki – easy, homemade Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice and zest plus fresh herbs. A light, healthy dip that’s also a delicious sauce to compliment your favorite Mediterranean dishes.

There isn’t much I don’t love about this recipe – other than it disappears so fast. It’s deliciously light and makes both a great appetizer with fresh vegetables and a sauce to elevate your favorite Greek chicken, meat and seafood dishes.

Below you’ll find some of my favorite recipes to serve with homemade tzatziki besides the healthy appetizer you see here with fresh vegetables – carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, naan bread or pita chips and of course some briny olives.

What is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a chilled healthy Greek sauce or dip made from plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber and just a few other fresh ingredients from the grocery store.

I grate cucumber on the largest holes of my box grater for a more rustic texture but you can shred it more finely if you prefer or even finely chop the cucumber. The big thing is to get the excess moisture out of the cucumber so your sauce isn’t watery.

Tips FOR THE BEST TZATZIKI:

Fage Greek yogurt is the best yogurt I’ve found. Even fat free, it’s thick and delicious and the brand I routinely buy.
Use English or mini cucumbers for little or no seeds.
Leave the skin on the cucumber for extra nutrition.
Refrigerate the sauce for 15-20 minutes after blending to chill it and let the flavors come together then stir before eating.

What’s in Tzatziki GREEK YOGURT Sauce?

This is a great recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, tastes like authentic Greek tzatziki and comes together quickly with only a few healthy ingredients.

fresh cucumber (English, hothouse cucumber or any small cucumbers)
plain Greek yogurt
fresh dill (can sub the same same amount of dry dill)
extra virgin olive oil
fresh lemon juice and zest
white vinegar (can use white wine vinegar)
cloves of garlic
salt and black pepper

NOTE #1: I usually use 0% yogurt but you can use any variety up to full-fat Greek yogurt.

NOTE #2: Sour cream can be subbed for Greek yogurt for a slightly sweeter/less tangy taste.

How to make tzatziki GREEK YOGURT sauce:

Grate cucumber on a box grater then add it to a colander/fine mesh strainer.

Gently press on the grated cucumber with your fingers to release the excess moisture then transfer it to a mixing bowl and throw away the liquid (you can also remove moisture by placing the cucumber in a clean dish towel and giving it a good squeeze)

Add the yogurt, finely chopped dill, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and vinegar to the cucumber. Grate the garlic clove and give it all a good stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If it’s your first time making this recipe, start with 1/4 teaspon of salt and a pinch of pepper then adjust to your preference.

Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes. Stir before serving.

What goes with tzatziki greek yogurt sauce?

Add Tzatziki to any of the dishes below for a tasty appetizer pairing or sauce other dishes.

hummus in black bowl garnished with chick peas and olive oil

greek stuffed peppers ~ red bell peppers filled with greek seasoned ground turkey, feta, orzo, spinach and chickpeas baked in a Greek flavored tomato-herb sauce.

No Tahini Hummus – easy 10 minute recipe. Creamy, loaded with garlic and lemon flavor and just 6 ingredients. Add hummus and tzatziki to a mezze platter for a simple appetizer or light lunch.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Kabobs – marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs, skewered with fresh vegetables then grilled.

Greek Nachos – warm naan, chicken, vegetables, feta, hummus, tzatziki, roasted chickpeas and Kalamata olives.

Greek Stuffed Peppers – ground meat (lamb, beef, turkey or chicken all work well), orzo, feta cheese, spinach and chickpeas baked in bell peppers with a Greek-inspired tomato-herb sauce.

sliced roast of lamb with rice and green beans on white platter

Two lamb gyros on black plate with yogurt sauce, sliced tomato and lettuce

shallow white dish with greek layered dip and container of pita bread in background

Garlic Feta Dip ~ loaded with the bold Mediterranean flavors of garlic and feta, balanced with fresh lemon and dill in a creamy dip. Serve with warm toasted pita and veggies.

Roast Leg of Lamb – this is an easy recipe even for beginners for perfectly cooked lamb every time. Garlic-herb crusted – tender, juicy and loaded with flavor.

Leftover Lamb (or even lamb burgers) – the perfect use for leftovers from your roast lamb. Thinly slice then add to pita or naan with tzatziki and your favorite toppings.

7 Layer Greek Layered Dip – fresh Greek twist on the classic 7 layer dip with hummus, tzatziki, tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny kalamata olives, feta and dill.

Whipped Garlic Feta Dip – This dip along with tzatziki and hummus make a delicious Greek dip appetizer board.

How long will TZATZIKI stay fresh?

Tzatiki stays fresh and delicious refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Enjoy!

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