Creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, herbs, and lemon. A refreshing dip or sauce perfect for pita, veggies, and grilled meats.
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Tzatziki is similar to my Turkish cucumber-yogurt dip called Cacik. Both contain creamy yogurt and fresh ingredients like mint, dill, and cucumbers. Try them both and see which one is your favorite.
Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki, pronounced as [zah-dzee-kee]. There is something special about a cool, creamy sauce that instantly brings a meal together. This homemade tzatziki sauce has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during warmer months when fresh herbs and crisp cucumbers are easy to find.
It reminds me of simple Mediterranean-style meals shared outside, where everything is fresh, bright, and meant to be enjoyed slowly. This version keeps things approachable with everyday ingredients while still delivering that classic flavor. Once you try making it at home, it is hard to go back to store-bought.
Ingredients you will need for the best Tzatziki sauce
Yogurt–Use full-fat Greek or whole-milk yogurt for optimal creaminess. If you are looking for a deeper dip, use Greek yogurt. If you are looking for a sauce-like consistency, use plain whole-milk yogurt.
Cucumbers–I prefer English cucumbers because they tend to be seedless, and the skin is really thin, which means no peeling for me (or you). Also, Persian cucumbers are a great choice.
Garlic–Use two cloves of minced garlic or ¼ tsp of garlic powder (garlic powder is what I used).
Dill–Adds the perfect freshness.
Lemon Juice and Zest–adds the perfect twang and brightens all the flavors of the sauce.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost:
- 1 large English cucumber – $0.98
- 2 cups plain whole milk yogurt – $2.38
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill – $0.33
- One teaspoon dried oregano – $0.05
- 1 teaspoon dried mint – $0.41
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.01
- 2 Tablespoons cucumber liquid – $0.00
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice – $0.68
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest – $0.00
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – $0.01
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – $0.02
NOTE:The recipe prices are calculatey using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the prices for this recipe in March 2026.
How To Make Tzatziki Sauce
This tzatziki sauce combines strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and lemon for a creamy, refreshing dip that comes together quickly and improves after chilling.
- Start by grating the cucumber into small pieces using a box grater. Transfer the grated cucumber to a fine mesh strainer or wrap it in cheesecloth and place it over a bowl.
- Sprinkle the cucumber with kosher salt, then let it sit for 5 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture, keeping your sauce thick and creamy.
- After 5 minutes, firmly squeeze the cucumber to remove as much liquid as possible. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cucumber liquid and set it aside for later.
- In a medium bowl, add the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, fresh mint, oregano, garlic powder, the reserved cucumber liquid, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and deepen.
- When ready to serve, give the sauce a quick stir, transfer it to a serving bowl, and enjoy with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or your favorite grilled meats.
Tips for making the best Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce
- Shred the cucumber using a cheese grater or a food processor to obtain small pieces.
- Put the shredded cucumber in cheesecloth over a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and let it rest for 5 minutes or so. When ready, squeeze out all the excess juice. This step helps remove excess liquid, creating a thicker Greek (er) yogurt dip.
Recipe Variations
- After making this delicious sauce, consider the dipping vehicles: toasted pita wedges, sliced toasted baguette rounds, tortillas, wedge potatoes, chicken, beef, fish, broccoli, etc. The options are endless!
Storage Tips
Serve: You can keep the sauce out for no longer than two hours before it needs to be covered and stored.
Store: Place the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe as it doesn’t freeze and defrost well.
Recipe FAQs
A delicious dip that everyone is always hesitant to pronounce! The correct way to pronounce it is [zah-dzee-kee].
Tzatziki is known for being a favorite Greek sauce served with warm pita bread. This recipe is my Americanized version of this classic Greek dip.
Yes! Tzatziki is a healthier option than sour cream. The dip has 124 calories per serving. Please see the chart at the bottom of the recipe card for full nutritional value.
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Tzatziki Sauce
Recipe Cost 4.87 Serving Cost 0.41
Recipe Cost $ 4.87 Serving Cost $ 0.41Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber grated or processed into small pieces
- 2 cups plain whole milk yogurt can use greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried mint or 2 tbsp minced mint leaves
- ¼ tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp cucumber liquid see notes
- 3 tbsp lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon zest about 1 lemon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
PREP THE CUCUMBER
- Grate or process the cucumber into small uniformed pieces.
- Put the finely grated or processed cucumber over a strainer or cheesecloth. Sprinkle kosher salt over the cucumber to help release any excess liquids. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, squeeze the cucumber to help release any liquid (you want to squeeze as much as you can out). Save 2 tbsp of the cucumber liquid.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
- In a medium-sized bowl, add the yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, mint, oregano, garlic powder, cucumber liquid (see notes), salt and pepper. Mix well (the more you mix, the thinner–but more concentrated the flavor will be).
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Serve with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetables, or over juicy meat.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Kerri says
I just love this! This sauce was a big hit with my family and it was so easy to make!
Holley says
I love tzatziki and spend a fortune at the store for it. This homemade recipe is delicious and so cost effective!
Kushigalu says
Simple, delicious, flavorful sauce recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Anjali says
This homemade tzatziki sauce was so delicious!! So much better than the store bought version and so easy to make!
Suja md says
I just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. And this was such a pleasing experience!
Can says
I love Tzatziki sauce, though we call it cacik (jajick). Great recipe! It is great with meat dishes.