This recipe for Tzatziki Sauce is easy to make, full of authentic flavor, and far better than anything store-bought. This Greek cucumber yogurt dip is made with creamy Greek yogurt, cucumber, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. This traditional Greek sauce is the perfect accompaniment to wraps, gyros, kabobs, grilled meats, pita bread, veggies, and more.
Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Whether you’re making a Mediterranean-style dinner or just looking for a flavorful, healthy creamy cucumber dip, this easy Tzatziki Sauce is a fresh, cool favorite that comes together in minutes.
Along with the recipe, I'm sharing helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions so you can enjoy the best Tzatziki Sauce every time.
What Is Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki (pronounced tsah-ZEE-kee) is a Greek yogurt cucumber sauce. It's a classic staple Greek dip made with strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like dill or mint.
It’s cool, bright, tangy, and creamy, often served with gyros, souvlaki, falafel, kabobs, or as part of a mezze platter.
This creamy Tzatziki Sauce recipe is the perfect companion to so many Mediterranean dishes. Try this bright cucumber yogurt dip spooned over my Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner to compliment an already flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Authentic and flavorful – Made with both dill and mint for depth.
Versatile – Use it as a dip, dressing, or spread.
Easy to make ahead – Even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Healthier option – Naturally low in carbs and high in protein.
Authentic Greek Tzatziki is also fantastic served alongside Shakshuka for brunch, or as part of a mezze platter with Classic Hummus and Red Beet Hummus for dipping.
How to Use Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
This Greek cucumber yogurt sauce is incredibly versatile! Try it with:
• Grilled chicken, lamb, or beef
• Falafel or gyro wraps
• Pita chips or fresh veggies
• As a burger, kabob, or sandwich spread
• Drizzled over grain bowls or roasted vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Here’s what goes into this fresh and creamy Greek yogurt cucumber sauce:
- English Cucumber – Grated and well-drained. No need to peel or seed.
- Greek Yogurt – Thick and creamy, plain full-fat or low-fat works best.
- Fresh Dill – Adds a signature herby flavor.
- Fresh Mint – Optional but adds a bright, fresh note.
- Garlic – Fresh and pressed for bold flavor.
- Lemon Juice – For brightness and acidity.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and a silky finish.
- Sea Salt & White Pepper – To round out the flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
• Can’t Find English Cucumber? – Use a regular "common" cucumber. Peel and scoop out the seeds before grating. Then drain it thoroughly.
• No White Pepper? – Use a pinch of black pepper instead.
• Herb Options – Stick to dill, or try just mint, parsley, or even chives for a twist.
• Dairy-free Version – Use a thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt or plant-based Greek-style yogurt.
• Add Artichokes – Try adding some chopped artichoke hearts (not marinated) for something different.
How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber
• Wash and grate the cucumber (no need to peel or seed unless using a common cucumber) using the large holes of a box grater.
Drain the Cucumber
• Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prep Remaining Ingredients
• Juice the lemon, press the garlic, chop the herbs.
Squeeze the Cucumber
• Using clean hands, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cucumber (Some people use paper towels for this, I just use my hands). Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture.
Mix the Base
• In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, dill, mint, pressed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and white pepper.
Stir and Chill
• Mix well to combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to develop.
FAQ
• Can I make Tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Homemade Greek Yogurt Dip tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• What kind of yogurt is best for Tzatziki?
Thick, plain Greek yogurt works best for Mediterranean cucumber yogurt dips to give that creamy, authentic texture.
• Is Tzatziki Sauce healthy?
Yes! It's low in calories and carbs, high in protein, and made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, cucumber, and olive oil.
Storage Tips
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• Stir before serving: The cucumber may release a little liquid as it sits—just give it a stir.
There are so many ways to enjoy this Easy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip)! I hope this becomes one of your favorite sauce or dip recipes.
If you make this Homemade Tzatziki Dip please leave a comment with a star rating. I'd love to hear from you!
- 2 cups Grated English Cucumber (1 medium 12-ounce cucumber)
- 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Mint
- 2 cloves Garlic, pressed
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ¼ teaspoon White Pepper
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Wash, then grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater (do not peel or seed the cucumber first unless using a common cucumber). I grate mine over a plate to start.
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Put the grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve and place that in a bowl to catch the liquid. Set it aside while you prep the other ingredients.
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Add the yogurt to a medium bowl. Chop the dill and mint, peel and press the garlic cloves, juice the lemon, and add those to the bowl with the yogurt, along with the olive oil, sea salt, and white pepper.
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Use clean hands to simply squeeze the cucumber over the sieve, allowing the liquid to drain into the bowl. Get as much liquid out of the cucumber as you can, then add that to the bowl with the yogurt and other ingredients.
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Stir well to combine everything, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put in the fridge to chill and blend flavors for about 3 hours before serving.
Storage
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• Stir before serving: The cucumber may release a little liquid as it sits—just give it a stir.
Each 2-tablespoon serving of this Tzatziki Sauce has about 35 calories | 2.3g fat | 0.5g saturated fat | 1.5g carbs | 0.2g fiber | 1g sugar | 2.6g protein | 105mg sodium | 100mg potassium, and provides small amounts of calcium, vitamin C, and iron.
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