Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

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There are some dips and sauces that just make or break certain dishes.

This is an iconic Greek sauce that is perfect on salads, as a dip, or our favorite: chicken gyros. The flavors are bold, but not overly intense. And it all comes together in a matter of minutes! And it keeps for up to two weeks in the fridge! Simply the best!

A hand using a small spoon to drizzle homemade tzatziki sauce over the end of a chicken gyro that is sitting next to a small jar of the sauce on a white platter.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE TZATZIKI SAUCE

Authentic tzatziki sauce is much easier to prepare than you might think. And you might be wondering, what’s up with the interesting name? Read about the far-reaching history of this iconic sauce here.

The ingredients are simple and straightforward and come together to make a tangy, creamy sauce that is absolutely one of our all-time favorites.

THE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED

The ingredients that comprise made-from-scratch tzatziki sauce are:

  • Shredded cucumber
  • Greek plain yogurt
  • White wine vinegar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fresh dill, chopped
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

EXPERT TIP: For the cucumber, we like to peel the skin, split it down the middle, lengthwise, and then use a small spoon to remove the seeds. At this point, we use the medium-sized holes on the side of a box grater to shred the cucumber. You’ll need to remove the excess water. This can be done by wringing the shredded cucumber in cheesecloth, a kitchen towel, a coffee filter, or even just your hands.

A hand scraping a peeled and seeded cucumber down the side of a box grater with shredded cucumber next to it on a cutting board.

Simply add the ingredients of the homemade tzatziki sauce in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until fully combined.

Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors completely meld.

EXPERT TIP: Tzatziki sauce is healthier than many other types of dressing. We do love going with Greek whole milk plain yogurt for the creamiest of taste and texture, but for an even less caloric version, you could certainly opt for low-fat, or even non-fat yogurt.

A glass bowl filled withe the ingredients of homemade tzatziki sauce with a whisk in it.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE

This sauce, or dressing, is wonderful with so many different types of dishes.

It’s an amazingly vibrant and delicious dressing for a salad. It is similar to Homemade Ranch, but a bit lighter.

It’s also spectacular when served with fresh vegetables and/or chips.

A small jar filled with homemade tzatziki sauce with a small spoon in it, next to two cucumbers and a grey napkin.

But hands down, our most favorite way to eat this dreamy sauce is on our Homemade Chicken Gyros.

The flavors work so beautifully with the gyro and truly put it over-the-top in deliciousness.

Gyros!

Two chicken gyros wrapped in foil on a white platter next to a small jar filled with tzatziki sauce with a spoon in, with checkered napkins nearby.

Ready to make the best dressing and dip this side of the Mediterranean? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a picture, post it on Instagram, and tag @howtofeedaloon and hashtag #howtofeedaloon!

A small jar filled with homemade tzatziki sauce with a small spoon in it, next to two cucumbers and a grey napkin.

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

This Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is so fresh and full of bold flavors. It's easy to put together and is perfect for gyros, salad, fish and as a dip.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dressing
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: easy Greek dressing, how to make tzatziki sauce, Tzatziki
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 36kcal

Equipment

  • Box grater

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber peeled and seeded
  • 1 cup Greek plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp dill fresh, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Shred the cucumber with a box cutter, or pulse a few times in a food processor. You need ¼ to ½ cup.
  • Wrap shredded cucumber in cheesecloth, or towel. Place over bowl or sink, and squeeze to remove as much water as possible. Place in a clean, medium-sized bowl.
  • To the shredded cucumber, add the yogurt, vinegar, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Whisk together until fully combined.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Video

Notes

If you don't have a box grater, you can place half of the peeled and seeded cucumber in a food processor and pulse a couple of times.  Or, use a knife to finely dice the cucumber.
Cheesecloth, kitchen towel, coffee filter, or your hands will all work to help remove the water from the cucumbers. 
We love using whole milk plain Greek yogurt, but low-fat, or even fat-free will work.  But even with the whole milk, as you can see, the dressing is still very low in calories and fat.
The sauce will keep in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and can be frozen for up to 2 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in June 2017, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe, with new tips and photography, and a fabulous new video in June 2020!

 

2 Comments

    • Hi Laura! Woo hoo! We are thrilled you are loving the tzatziki sauce! We love it, too, and put it on everything! Thank you so much for sharing and for the GREAT review! That means so much to us! xoxo Kris & Wesley

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