Name: Refreshing Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ½ cup cucumber (finely grated); 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt (full-fat plain ); ½ teaspoon garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (only use fresh-squeezed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons dill (fresh not dried: chopped); 1 teaspoon fresh mint (chopped (optional))

Greek tzatziki sauce is a creamy, fresh-tasting dip perfect for a dip, topping, or mix-in. This vibrant Mediterranean sauce features a delightful blend of Greek yogurt, refreshing cucumber, aromatic dill, and other fresh ingredients. Its tangy flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for pita bread

The best part is that you can easily make this recipe in minutes with only a few ingredients. Let me teach you how easy this is to make.

A bowl of tzatziki garnished with dill and olive oil, accompanied by a platter of sliced cucumbers and baby carrots. A bottle of olive oil, a half cucumber, and a sprig of dill are nearby on a marble surface. An orange cloth is partially visible.

Creamiest Greek Tzatziki Sauce

Unlike other cream-based sauces that can feel heavy, this tzatziki recipe is light and refreshing with its use of fresh ingredients like Greek yogurt, cucumber, and lemon juice. You can almost feel an instant cool effect when eating this sauce with your favorite dishes on a hot day. Its cool, tangy flavor makes this sauce a crowd favorite at parties, family meals, or any occasion.

With only a few simple ingredients, you can make this recipe at home without any fuss. Just grate the cucumbers and mince the garlic, then you can mix the perfect sauce for your gyros and pita in 10-15 minutes.

If you’re a fan of creamy dips, these three are absolute must-tries! Start with the Creamy 5-Minute Cold Crab Dip, a quick and flavorful mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and lump crab meat seasoned with Old Bay—perfect for crackers or veggies. For a touch of seafood flair, the Cold Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese offers a smooth and savory blend of shrimp, cream cheese, and a dash of Old Bay that’s ideal for any gathering. And if warm, cheesy dips are your thing, the Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip combines spinach, artichokes, and gooey cheese into a baked delight that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or chips.

Ingredients You Will Need

It only takes a handful of ingredients to make homemade tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients for a dish are arranged on a marble surface: cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, Greek yogurt, and dill. A wooden board holds sliced cucumber and dill, while measuring spoons contain garlic and salt.

Greek yogurt: Look for full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve that desired rich and creamy texture. Since we’ll be using garlic and fresh herbs, go for unsweetened yogurt.
Cucumber: Choose medium-sized English cucumbers or the seedless variety to get a smoother texture of your sauce. Make sure they’re fresh with a firm texture and smooth, dark green skin.
Garlic: You want fresh garlic bulbs that feel firm when you press them. The color should be white to off-white and not yellow.
Lemon juice: Nothing beats fresh lemon juice. Look for fresh lemons that feel hefty with vibrant yellow skin.
Olive oil: If you want the best flavor for your sauce, choose extra virgin olive oil with a mild or medium flavor. Make sure that the harvest date doesn’t go past a year. You
Dill: Fresh dill is much preferred for this recipe. Look for bright green leaves with a strong aroma.

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice up your sauce with smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes.
Swap Greek yogurt for coconut, soy, or almond yogurt to make the sauce dairy-free and vegan.
Replace dill with parsley, chives, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
To make the sauce more citrusy, add some lemon zest along with the lemon juice.

How To Make Greek Tzatziki Sauce

This is where the action starts in making the most delicious Mediterranean sauce.

Grate Cucumber

First, wash your cucumber in cold water to remove any dirt. Cut off the ends with a knife and start grating. Using a microplane or box grater, rub the cucumber against the grater and move from top to bottom.

Watch for your fingers when you almost get close to the end.

Once you’re done, gather the grated cucumber with your hands and gently squeeze out the excess water to avoid getting a watery sauce. A more effective way is to place the cucumber on a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Form a pouch and wring it like a cloth to extract as much liquid as possible.

Hands hold grated cucumber over a marble surface. Nearby are bowls of yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, lemon, a cucumber piece, and measuring spoons. Ingredients are arranged for a recipe preparation.

Combine All Ingredients

In a bowl, put your squeezed cucumber and Greek yogurt. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the cucumber is evenly incorporated into the yogurt.

Add your minced garlic and squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl. Pour in the olive oil and season with salt and half the fresh dill. You’ll need the other half of the dill for garnish later.

Now, stir all the ingredients together.

A bowl of yogurt topped with chopped dill and minced garlic sits on a marble countertop. Nearby are a cucumber, a lemon, a sprig of dill, measuring spoons, a small bowl of olive oil, and an empty bowl. An orange cloth is partially visible.

Chill And Serve

For the best flavor, cover and chill your tzatziki sauce in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once chilled, you’re ready to serve! Top the sauce with the remaining dill and drizzle with olive oil. You can also add some mint for garnish.

Serve as a dip with your favorite vegetable sticks, pita bread, and pita chips. You can also serve it as a sauce with grilled meats or spread on sandwiches and wraps. If your main dish is spicy or heavy, serve this as a refreshing side.

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce with a spoon, surrounded by fresh dill, cucumber slices, lemons, a small glass bowl of olive oil, and measuring spoons on a marble countertop.

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Sucess

Add more yogurt if your tzatziki comes out too watery.
If it’s too thick, add a little more olive oil or a bit of water.
Start with a little lemon juice and add more to taste until you find the perfect level of tanginess.
Squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumbers. The less moisture, the thicker your sauce will be with less separation.

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with fresh dill, surrounded by sliced cucumbers, green peppers, and carrot sticks on a marble surface. A silver spoon rests in the dip with an orange napkin nearby.

Leftovers

Keep tzatzik leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure that you refrigerate the leftovers after it has set out for 2 hours to maintain its creamy texture and keep it safe to eat.

When you’re ready to serve, don’t be alarmed when you see some water sitting on top. This is normal, and you can restore its original consistency with a quick stir.

✝️ Biblical Reflections Table Talk
Greek tzatziki sauce, with its refreshing blend of cucumber, yogurt, and garlic, reminds us of the simplicity and nourishment found in God’s provision. John 6:35 says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Just as tzatziki adds a fresh and satisfying touch to a meal, Jesus refreshes and sustains our souls. As you prepare and share this recipe, reflect on how you can offer spiritual refreshment to others through words of encouragement and acts of love.

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⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.

Do you have a question?

Do you have a question about this recipe❓ I will answer in the comment form below👇🏼 the recipe card. Did you make this recipe? If so, could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy 😋 recipes to make for their family and friends.

A bowl of creamy yogurt dip garnished with fresh dill and olive oil. Surrounding the bowl are fresh vegetables, including sliced cucumbers, carrots, and green bell peppers, partly visible. A spoon rests in the dip.

5 from 1 rating

by Gina Dickson