How to Make Easy Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is one of those sauces that you absolutely need to know how to make! It’s creamy, tangy and bursting with fresh flavor, and goes with just about anything. My version is an Easy Tzatziki Sauce, made with ingredients you probably already have on hand in just 5 minutes!
I’ve tested plenty of tzatziki recipes over the years and I’ve come up with my favorite version which is not only super easy, but also extremely delicious!
One small but important tweak I’ve made is opting for dried dill. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bought a bunch of fresh dill only for it to wilt in my fridge before I use it up. With dried dill, I get that same herby flavor and a longer shelf life, making this recipe practical for everyday cooking.
I will admit that my way of making tzatziki sauce if not the most authentic, however, I like to keep things as easy as possible while still maintaining a delicious flavor! If you have ever had the Trader Joe’s tzatziki sauce, this one is copied after that a little bit (but mine is not vegan!). I diced the cucumbers in chunks for added texture like in the Trader Joe’s version!
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a classic Greek yogurt cucumber sauce that’s cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s the dip you want with everything: grilled meats, pita, bowls, veggies, you name it. Traditionally made with strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and herbs, it’s refreshing, bright, and wildly versatile!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Tzatziki Sauce
- It’s incredibly refreshing. The combination of creamy Greek yogurt and crisp cucumber gives you that cool, light bite that balances out richer foods.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you get a sauce that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant!
- 10 minutes from start to finish. When I say easy, I mean easy! No straining, no fuss, no special tools! Just chop, stir, taste, and done.
- Perfect for meal prep. It keeps beautifully for several days, making it a reliable staple for bowls, sandwiches, snacks, and easy weeknight dinners.
My Technique For This Recipe for Tzatziki Sauce
Most tzatziki recipes have you grate the cucumber and then squeeze the water out using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. It works, but it’s… a whole thing. I prefer to finely dice the cucumber instead, giving you texture similar to the Trader Joe’s version. It’s crisp, clean, and there’s no draining required. It’s faster, less messy, and still gives you a wonderful consistency!
Essential Ingredients for Easy Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best flavor and texture. It’s thick, creamy, and tangy, making the perfect base of the sauce.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are ideal since they have fewer seeds and a thin skin (no peeling needed!). Dice them finely for even distribution.
- Lemon Juice: A fresh squeeze brightens up the sauce. Start with a little and add more to taste.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the flavors meld. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch. Start with one clove and add more if you like it strong.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together. Start small and adjust to taste.
- Dill: Fresh dill adds the best flavor, but dried works well too. If using dried, start with about 2 teaspoons. I honestly never have fresh dill on hand, so dried it is!
Easy Tzatziki Sauce Variations & Substitutions
- Yogurt: Use a full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the right consistency. You can also use regular full-fat plain yogurt but it will be more watery.
- Cucumber: Instead of dicing, you can use grated cucumber and squeeze excess moisture out using paper towels or cheesecloth!
- Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Fresh dill is traditional, but freshly chopped parsley or chopped fresh mint would both go great here.
How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
For the full list of ingredients and instructions, click here.- Prep the Cucumber: Dice it finely so it blends evenly into the sauce.
- Mix Everything Together: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic if needed. Let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Lauren’s Top Tips for Greek Yogurt Cucumber Sauce!
- Let it rest before serving. Just 10 to 15 minutes helps the flavors settle and the garlic soften, making the sauce even better.
- Season generously. Trust your taste buds! Greek yogurt is tangy and thick, so don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt to balance the sauce.
- Use full-fat yogurt for the best texture. It gives you that thick, creamy spoonful that doesn’t get watery as it sits.
How to Use Tzatziki Sauce
The possibilities are endless! Use this easy tzatziki sauce as a dip for pita, chips, or crunchy veggies. You can spoon it over chicken, lamb, shrimp, or falafel; drizzle it on bowls or salads; or spread it inside wraps, burgers, and sandwiches. I recommend adding it to bowls like my Mediterranean chicken quinoa bowl or my chicken shawarma couscous bowls. It’s perfect with my Greek turkey meatballs or Greek turkey meatball bowls! AND it goes well with a loaded baked potato!
Cucumber Sauce Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover tzatziki cucumber sauce in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. The cucumber may release a tiny bit of water over time, so just give it a quick stir and it’ll be good as new. Keep it chilled until ready to use!
Easy Tzatziki Sauce FAQs
Traditional tzatziki includes Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint!
Yes! It’s naturally rich in protein from the yogurt, hydrating from the cucumber, and full of fresh herbs and healthy fats from the olive oil.
If you’re using an English cucumber, there’s no need. If you’re using a standard cucumber, you may want to peel and remove seeds to avoid excess water and bitterness.
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Recipe for Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the cucumber by dicing it into small pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic clove, salt and dill.
- Stir well, and taste. Adjust the sauce according to your liking with salt.
Notes
- Let it rest before serving. Just 10 to 15 minutes helps the flavors settle and the garlic soften, making the sauce even better.
- Season generously. Trust your taste buds! Greek yogurt is tangy and thick, so don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt to balance the sauce.
- Use full-fat yogurt for the best texture. It gives you that thick, creamy spoonful that doesn’t get watery as it sits.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days! If separation occurs, give it a good stir before serving.
