From-scratch Tzatziki Sauce dish

A bowl of tzatziki sauce on a plate with pita, olives, and cucumber slices.

Learn how to make Tzatziki Sauce with just a handful of simple ingredients, including Greek yogurt, bright citrus, fresh herbs, and plenty of garlic. This silky concoction bursts with tangy goodness and takes just a few minutes to whip up!

Rich and full of flavor, this simple tzatziki is the reliable addition to salads, wraps, and all your go-to meals!

What Is Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki is a silky yogurt dip or sauce that features yogurt, cucumber, gallery, and fresh herbs. Traditional Greek tzatziki is made with sheep or goat’s milk yogurt. However, Greek yogurt works just as well for speedy from-scratch varieties.

This from-scratch tzatziki sauce features all the original ingredients with a few additions like sour cream and vinegar. As a result, it’s even tangier than store-bought varieties and features a thick, silky consistency you’ll love!

With minimal prep time, it’s ready with a total time of just a few minutes. You’ll always want to keep a batch on hand.

What Is Tzatziki Sauce Made Of?

As mentioned, classic tzatziki recipes use sheep or goat’s milk yogurt. However, we use Greek yogurt to replicate the same taste and texture.

Then, we add a few additions for even more flavor. Here’s an overview of the ingredients you’ll need:

Cucumbers – We recommend using Persian cucumbers as they have small seeds and thin skin. However, English cucumbers also work well.
Yogurt – Using full-fat, plain Greek yogurt is key to creating a rich, silky consistency.
Sour Cream – This adds an extra layer of creaminess and a satisfying tang. Full-fat sour cream is finest, but low-fat varieties can be substituted.
Lime Juice – Adds a bright, refreshing flavor. Freshly squeezed is finest!
Garlic – Adjust to taste.
Vinegar – 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar is all you need. A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor of the tzatziki dip.
Herbs and Seasonings – Salt, white pepper, chopped dill, and chopped fresh mint.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

Prepare the cucumbers. Use a box grater to grate the cucumber into small pieces. Then, transfer them to a thick paper towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out any excess water.
Combine the ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl. Mix to combine.
Chill. Transfer the dip to the fridge to chill. Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving, if desired, and enjoy!

A hand dipping pita bread into a bowl of tzatziki sauce.

Ways to Use From-scratch Tzatziki Sauce

Learning how to make tzatziki is the gift that keeps on giving because it’s such a versatile recipe! We love to use it as a simple dip with carrots, celery sticks, or pita bread.

Or, you can enjoy it as a condiment with pita wraps, falafel, kofta, couscous salad, and all your go-to recipes. The options are truly endless!

Storage Options

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to four days. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving!

Common Questions About This Simple Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Do I need to peel the cucumber?

It’s up to you! Peeling gives a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds a bit of color and crunch.

How do I keep tzatziki from being too runny?

The key is draining the cucumber and using thick yogurt. After grating the cucumber, use a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it in.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use a thick dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based Greek-style yogurt. Just note: the flavor will be slightly different, so you might want to adjust the garlic, lemon, or herbs to balance it out.

What kind of yogurt should I use?

Go for full-fat Greek yogurt if you can—it’s extra silky and gives the sauce that signature thick texture. You can use non-fat or 2%, but the flavor and richness might be slightly lighter.

More From-scratch Dips, Sauces, and Spreads

We are always in the mood for delectable dips, savory sauces, and spreads! If you are too, take a look at some of our other irresistible recipes!

A bowl of tzatziki sauce on a platter with pita bread, olives, and cucumbers.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Chill Time: 5 mins
Total: 10 mins

Learn how to make tzatziki sauce with just a handful of ingredients in minutes to add tangy, refreshing flavor to all your go-to recipes! Email

Ingredients

2 medium Persian cucumbers grated (approximately 1/2 cup grated)
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
1/2 tablespoon lime juice
1 medium clove garlic grated
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup fresh chopped dill
1/4 cup chopped mint optional

Instructions

Grate the Persian cucumbers using a box grater until there is approximately 1/2 cup of grated cucumber. Place the grated cucumber on a thick paper towel or cheesecloth, and gently squeeze out excess water.2 medium Persian cucumbers
In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, sour cream, lime juice, grated garlic, white distilled vinegar, sea salt, chopped dill, and chopped mint (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream, 1/2 tablespoon lime juice, 1 medium clove garlic, 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill, 1/4 cup chopped mint
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served.
Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.