This Tzatziki Sauce Recipe brings fresh Mediterranean flavor to just about everything it touches.
I don’t cook Greek food as often as I’d like, but that’s not because I don’t love it—it’s because I want to do it justice. Whenever I go out for Greek food, I order everything from moussaka to gyros to seafood, always with a generous helping of olives and tzatziki on the side. And it’s that tzatziki that elevates things to the next level.
The yogurt-based sauce is tangy and rich; the cool, crisp cucumber and the hint of dill and garlic tie it all together. Last time I was out at a Greek restaurant, I remember thinking, “Why don’t I make tzatziki at home?” A few tries later, I had my own version—a sauce that’s light, refreshing, and pairs well with everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats.
I keep a jar of homemade tzatziki in the fridge most weeks. It’s a condiment that effortlessly upgrades everything it touches, from sandwiches to salads, without ever being overpowering. Try making your own batch, and you’ll see why this Greek staple sauce is always worth having on hand.
Find your favorite variation
Like any homemade recipe, you can adjust the flavors as you like. Some of my favorite ways to play with flavors include the following adjustments:
- Spicy tzatziki: Add some diced chiles, jalapeños, chili powder, or chili flakes to add some heat to this sauce.
- Vegan tzatziki: You can make this dip dairy-free by swapping the yogurt for your favorite plant-based alternative, like almond or coconut yogurt. The consistency may vary, so try to opt for a thick substitute.
- Citrusy tzatziki: Crank up the aromatic and tartness levels by zesting some lemon or lime into your tzatziki sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
To store your tzatziki, seal it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It might need a stir before you serve it, as the ingredients might separate. I would not recommend freezing this dip, as the texture can become quite watery when defrosting. So, try to only make as much as you can eat in a 5-day period.
Serving suggestions
Have I mentioned that this sauce goes with everything? Dollop it on this Roasted Pepper Salad or slather it on these Mediterranean Pita Burgers, where it will be right at home. For a meat-free alternative, try these Vegetarian Feta Burgers With Tzatziki Sauce instead. Finally, I love it on these Grilled Halibut Fish Tacos.
Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cucumber finely grated
- 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon dill finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Using a paper towel, squeeze all the liquid out of the cucumber.
- Mix all the ingredients together except for 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Taste for flavor and adjust the seasoning if you need to, and then drizzle the rest of the olive oil on top.
I live in Canada and am not familiar with double cream yogurt. Is there a fat percentage? This looks fab and am excited to make it on the wknd!
Hey there! Double cream yogurt typically has a fat content of around 48%. If you can’t find it in Canada, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute. Cheers!