Appetizer

Tzatziki Sauce

Name: Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat); 1 cucumber, medium, about 8 ounces; 3 garlic cloves, minced very fine; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried dill; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of ground cumin (optional)

This creamy, tangy sauce of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic is the classic Greek condiment for grilled meats, vegetables, and pita. Cool, herbaceous, and refreshingly tart.

36calper serving 3gprotein 2gcarbs 2gfat 10min prep 8serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

Members

Create a free account to see the full recipe

Free members get the full ingredients, step-by-step method and the ability to save favorites.

Start free Log in

Tzatziki Sauce — common questions

Can I make tzatziki ahead?

Yes; make it up to 4 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight. Stir gently before serving; if it seems thick, thin it with a tablespoon of lemon juice or water.

What if I don't have Greek yogurt?

Use regular plain yogurt instead, but strain it first to remove whey: line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and refrigerate the yogurt in it for 2–4 hours. This will give you a thicker consistency closer to Greek yogurt.

What's the most common mistake when making tzatziki?

Not removing enough water from the cucumber; this makes the sauce thin and watery instead of thick and creamy. Grate the cucumber, then squeeze it hard over a bowl using your hands or a clean kitchen towel until no more water comes out.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes; use 1 tablespoon dried dill instead of 2 tablespoons fresh. Dried dill is more concentrated, so you need less. Stir it in and let the tzatziki sit for 30 minutes so the dill flavor blooms.

What should I serve tzatziki with?

Grilled lamb, chicken, or fish; warm pita bread; roasted vegetables; or as a dip for vegetables. It is also delicious on sandwiches and as a topping for grain bowls.

Can I freeze tzatziki?

Technically yes, but the texture will change significantly—the yogurt may separate slightly when thawed. It is better to refrigerate for up to 4 days instead.