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Tzatziki

May 27, 2025 · Leave a Comment

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Collage with a pita chip dipping into tzatziki topped with fresh parsley and olive oil on top, a shallow white bowl topped with olive oil and parsley surrounded by veggies and pitas on bottom, and the words "tzatziki sauce" in the center.

Easy homemade Tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon. Fresh, creamy, and perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling to add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any dish!

Pita chip dipping into a bowl of homemade tzatziki with fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, and pita chips surrounding it.

Tzatziki

Creamy, cool, and full of fresh flavor, this homemade tzatziki is the perfect way to bring a little Mediterranean flair to your meals. It'ss a creamy, tangy Greek condiment that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.

Made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill, it’s the perfect complement to grilled meats, pitas, or fresh vegetables. Whether you’re making gyros at home or just want a healthy dip, this authentic tzatziki sauce recipe has you covered.

It’s quick to whip up and so versatile. You’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times!

What Is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki (pronounced tsa-ZEE-kee) is a traditional Greek sauce or dip that’s made with thick yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill or mint. It’s creamy, tangy, and fresh—all the best things in one little bowl.

Tzatziki is a staple in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and is commonly served with grilled meats like souvlaki or gyros, but it’s also delicious as a dip for veggies, a spread on wraps and sandwiches, or a topping for grain bowls and roasted veggies.

Overhead view of homemade tzatziki in a shallow white bowl drizzled with olive oil and fresh parsley, surrounded by pita chips, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Recipe

  • Healthy & Low-Calorie: Made with protein-packed Greek yogurt.
  • Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes.
  • Versatile: Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce for meats and veggies.

Tzatziki Variations

  • Lemon Juice: For a more authentic flavor, use white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice.
  • Garlic: 1 clove of fresh garlic, minced or crushed, can be substituted in place of garlic powder. I like to use garlic powder in raw sauces and dressings as I feel the flavor marries more quickly and completely than using raw garlic.
  • Dill: Fresh dill really makes this recipe shine, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh.
  • Vegan Tzatziki: Use unsweetened coconut or almond milk yogurt.
  • With Mint: Swap dill for chopped fresh mint for a different take.
  • Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.

How to Use Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is one of those magic condiments that works with just about everything. It’s creamy, cool, and full of fresh flavor, so it adds a little something special to everyday meals without a lot of fuss. Here are some of our favorite easy and delicious ways to use it:

  1. Serve it with gyros or pita wraps. Tzatziki is a classic in Greek gyros! Layer it into a warm pita with grilled chicken (like these chicken gyros), lamb, or beef, plus fresh veggies like tomato, lettuce, and red onion. It also works great in pita pockets or flatbread wraps for a quick lunch or dinner.
  2. Use it as a dip for veggies or chips. Slice up some cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, or serve it with pita chips or naan for a healthy snack or appetizer. It’s a great option for party platters, too!
  3. Add it to grain bowls. Start with rice, quinoa, or couscous, add grilled chicken or chickpeas, some roasted veggies, a little feta, and top it off with a generous scoop of tzatziki.
  4. Serve it alongside grilled meats. Tzatziki makes a great sauce for grilled chicken, steak, pork, or lamb. It adds a creamy, garlicky freshness that pairs perfectly with smoky, savory meats—especially in the summertime!
  5. Swap it in as a sandwich spread. Skip the mayo and spread tzatziki on sandwiches or burgers instead! It adds a bright, tangy flavor that’s especially tasty with turkey or veggie burgers.
  6. Drizzle it on roasted veggies or baked potatoes. Try spooning tzatziki over roasted veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini. It also makes a yummy topping for baked potatoes when you want something lighter than sour cream.
  7. Add it to a mezze platter or cheese board. Include a bowl of tzatziki on your next appetizer tray alongside hummus, olives, feta, and warm pita bread. It’s always a hit!
  8. Make it a light salad dressing. If you’re craving a creamy dressing, just thin out your tzatziki with a splash of lemon juice or a little olive oil. It’s great on Greek salads or cucumber-tomato bowls.
  9. Serve it with falafel or shawarma. This creamy sauce is the perfect match for warm, crispy falafel or spicy shawarma. Use it as a dip or spoon it right into a wrap with your other fillings.
A small glass bowl full of tzatziki with a chicken gyro wrapped in brown paper behind.

More Healthy Condiment Recipes You'll Love

  • Quick Pickled Red Onions - These quick pickled red onions are crisp, tangy, and ready in minutes. Perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more—an easy way to add bold flavor and crunch!
  • Homemade Romesco Sauce - This smoky, nutty Spanish-style romesco sauce is made with roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for grilled meats, veggies, or pasta.
  • Easy Baba Ganoush - This creamy, smoky baba ganoush is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon. It’s a delicious, healthy dip or spread that’s perfect with pita or fresh veggies.
  • Homemade Mayo - Fresh, creamy, and made in minutes—this homemade mayo is so much better than store-bought. Great on sandwiches, in dressings, or as a base for your favorite sauces.
  • Avocado Cilantro White Bean Dip - Creamy avocado and white beans blend with fresh cilantro and lime in this easy dip. It’s smooth, zesty, and packed with protein—a perfect healthy snack or spread!

Tzatziki Video

Shallow white bowl filled with homemade tzatziki topped with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley with a pita wedge in the bowl. There are fresh cherry tomatoes, a bunch of parsley, pita chips, and a linen napkin next to the bowl.

Tzatziki

Easy homemade tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon. Fresh, creamy, and perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling to add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any dish!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Tzatziki Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 24 tablespoons
Calories: 8kcal
Author: Michelle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • ½ cup finely grated cucumber
  • 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Instructions

  • Place the cucumber on a kitchen towel and gently squeeze out a bit of the excess water.
  • In a medium bowl, combine cucumber with all remaining ingredients.
  • Chill before serving.

Notes

  • Garlic: 1 clove of fresh garlic, minced or crushed, can be substituted in place of garlic powder. I like to use garlic powder in raw sauces and dressings as I feel the flavor marries more quickly and completely than using raw garlic.
  • Lemon Juice: For a more authentic flavor, use white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice.
  • Storage: Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can change.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.02mg
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