Little can be added to the most famous Greek dip, a delicious sour cream. The reputation of tzatziki sauce precedes it, it cools souvlaki wraps, it can stand alone on a table full of mezze and it is certainly the one dip that will cool your day.
Tzatziki is the ultimate Greek tzatziki sauce—cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh cucumber and garlic. Whether you’re making gyros, serving it with grilled meats, or enjoying it as a dip with pita bread, this homemade tzatziki recipe is a must-try!
Unlike store-bought versions, this authentic tzatziki sauce is made with thick, creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, and a touch of garlic and dill for freshness and flavor. Ready in just minutes, it's a versatile and healthy addition to any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Tzatziki Recipe
✅ Authentic & Fresh – Made like in Greece, with simple, wholesome ingredients.
✅ Perfectly Creamy – But what is the secret? Thick Greek yogurt and very well-drained cucumber.
✅ Versatile – Use it as a tzatziki sauce for gyros, grilled meats, or a dip for fresh veggies and pita.
✅ Super Easy – This tzatziki sauce recipe is ready in just a few steps!
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Preparation time
00:15
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Cooking time
00:30
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Serves
6
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Cuisine
Greek
Ingredients for Authentic Homemade Tzatziki
- 2 cups (500g) Greek yogurt (full-fat for the creamiest texture)
- 1 large cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make the Best Tzatziki Sauce
1️⃣ Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This will ensures a thick and creamy tzatziki dip.
2️⃣ Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Stir until smooth.
3️⃣ Add fresh herbs: Fold in the dill for an extra layer of flavor. This is optional.
4️⃣ Chill & serve: Let your homemade tzatziki sauce rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
The ingredients used are always available in any Greek pantry. They are all ingredients available throughout the year and therefore not a seasonal dish.
For example, tzatziki is present on the tables set for Easter lunch as a side dish to the main courses based on lamb and kokoretsi. This exquisite cream marries in an exceptional way with the strong flavor of lamb, forming an unmistakable mix of flavors.
There is hardly anyone who can resist its charm. But are there any tricks to making it at home?
For the perfect tzatziki sauce, you need good regular yogurt. It is the type of yogurt that would add this creamy texture, so avoid the standard plain yogurt. Then comes the cucumber, which takes a little preparation. If there are seeds, remove them.
First of all, the cucumber is one of the main and most important components of this preparation. Being able to use it on ripe and crunchy cucumbers makes the tzatziki sauce tastier and more fragrant. The secret to a traditional Greek sauce is the Greek cucumbers, which are inimitable in terms of quality.
Your cucumber will need to be grated or cubed before going into the tzatziki dip but do not forget to treat it with some salt. This will remove any excess moisture and allow for a smooth texture.
Also, remember to remove any excess water that cucumbers are full of. After grating them, the advice is to squeeze them firmly and for a long time, perhaps using a colander. The more water there is inside the cucumbers, the less creamy the final sauce will be.
Serving Suggestions for Greek Tzatziki Sauce
- As a tzatziki sauce for gyros, souvlaki, or kebabs.
- A refreshing dip with pita bread, fresh veggies, or grilled halloumi.
- A side sauce for roasted lamb, grilled chicken, or seafood.
- A flavorful spread in wraps and sandwiches.
Tzatziki sauce in Greece is used and offered on various occasions. It is, in fact, an extremely simple and fast type of preparation.
Tzatziki Sauce Storage Tips
Store your Greek tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before serving, as some liquid separation may occur.
Make This Greek Tzatziki Recipe Today!
Now that you know how to make authentic tzatziki sauce, give it a try! Once you taste this creamy, garlicky, and fresh tzatziki sauce recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
For more Greek recipes, explore our collection of traditional dishes and Mediterranean flavors!
