How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (Easy Greek Cucumber Sauce)

Name: How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (Easy Greek Cucumber Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber; 2 cups Greek yogurt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 2 tablespoon olive oil; Juice from ½ a lemon or 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you love Greek food and Mediterranean flavors, this homemade tzatziki sauce is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s creamy, fresh, and incredibly easy to make, and once you try it, you’ll never reach for a store-bought version again.

Tzatziki sauce in a white bowl with fresh dill and a lemon

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

When I recently shared this Savory Snack Plate recipe, the dip featured in the center of the plate was Tzatziki Dip (aka Tzatziki Sauce). You can certainly buy it premade from the store, but it’s truly so easy to make at home!

I’ve been a fan of Greek food since we lived in Idaho many, many years ago and we frequented a Greek restaurant there in Boise.

This easy tzatziki sauce is made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, but the flavor is on a whole different level. Cool cucumber, tangy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and garlic come together to create a creamy sauce that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or serving alongside your favorite meals.

What Is Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki (pronounced tuh·zee·kee) is a classic Greek sauce made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. You’ll often see it served with gyros, grilled meats, or pita, and it’s sometimes called gyro sauce because it pairs so perfectly with them.

The key to great tzatziki is texture. Thick, full-fat Greek yogurt creates a creamy base, while the cucumber adds freshness without watering everything down as long as it’s properly drained. The result is a cool, tangy sauce that’s refreshing and satisfying all at once. This Greek tzatziki sauce recipe is easy and delicious!

Why Make Tzatziki Sauce at Home?

Homemade tzatziki comes together in about 15 minutes, and the flavor is far better than anything you’ll find pre-made. When you make it yourself, you control the garlic, the herbs, and the seasoning, and everything tastes brighter and fresher. Homemade really is the best tzatziki!

This is one of those recipes where simple ingredients really shine. A little prep and some chill time turn everyday staples into something special.

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this traditional Greek sauce.

English cucumber (or Persian cucumber or other seedless cucumber) – other varieties of cucumber have too much water!
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh dill, finely chopped (or fresh mint)
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper

Note: English cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and less moisture, which helps keep the sauce thick and creamy.

Find the complete recipe with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

This easy tzatziki sauce recipe is put together in 15 minutes or less, then chilled and ready to eat in an hour!

Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. A food processor can also be used or even a knife and a cutting board if that’s what you have. No need to remove the seeds of the cucumber if using an English cucumber.
Place the grated or chopped cucumber in paper towels, cheesecloth, or a fine-mesh strainer and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing any excess water helps prevent a watery sauce.
In a large bowl, Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Add drained cucumber and mix again.
Taste sauce, then add salt and pepper to taste.

shredded cucumber added to Tzatziki sauce

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop. It’s even better the next day.
Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. The thick texture is what gives tzatziki its signature creaminess.
Drain the cucumber really well. This is the difference between thick, restaurant-style tzatziki and a watery sauce.
Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh dill or mint makes a noticeable difference.
Adjust the garlic to taste. Use less for a mild flavor or add more if you love garlic.
Mint can be used instead of dill for a fresh twist, or you can use a mix of both.
For a smoother sauce, grate the cucumber finely. For more texture, leave it slightly chunky.
For extra tang, a small amount of crumbled feta cheese can be added, even though it’s not an ingredient in an authentic Tzatziki recipe.
In a pinch, sour cream can be used instead of Greek yogurt but then it’s not really authentic Greek Tzatziki.

What to Serve with Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki pairs well with a lot of Mediterranean dishes including lamb or chicken gyros, pita bread or pita chips, grilled meats and kebabs, falafel, fresh veggies, sandwiches and wraps, baked potatoes, and roasted vegetables.

It’s a versatile sauce you’ll find yourself using in all kinds of ways. For me, it’s my favorite dip for this Savory Snack Plate. Or for some delicious Greek Egg Rolls:

greek egg roll being dipped into Tzatziki sauce

Storage Instructions

Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavor actually improves as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option.

FAQ

Can You freeze tzatziki?

Freezing isn’t recommended. The yogurt can separate and the cucumber releases water when thawed, which affects the texture. This sauce is best enjoyed fresh.

Why This Tzatziki Recipe Works

This recipe keeps things simple and focuses on technique, especially draining the cucumber and letting the sauce rest. Those two steps make all the difference and turn basic ingredients into a sauce that tastes fresh, creamy, and authentic.

Do I have to peel the cucumber for Tzatziki sauce?

If you’re using an English cucumber or Persian cucumber, the skin is thin and tender and works perfectly in tzatziki. I usually leave it on for extra color and a little texture. But you could certainly peel it if you want to.

This homemade tzatziki sauce is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and proof that a little effort goes a long way in the kitchen. Once you try it, store-bought just won’t compare.

More Delicious Recipes