This authentic Greek Tzatziki recipe is super easy to make and pairs great with all kinds of meat, grilled vegetables, baked potatoes or simply with bread.
If you've ever been to a Greek restaurant, you'll be familiar with this creamy and fresh sauce. There is hardly a way around it in Greek cuisine 🙂
Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic. It is served on its own as a starter or snack (Meze) with warm Pita bread or alongside with popular Greek meat dishes, such as Souvlaki or Gyros.
I'm in love with this traditional Greek dipping sauce since early childhood. I can just eat it by itself! ❤️ TZATZIKI ❤️
What You Need
Tzatziki needs only a few simple ingredients and is whipped within minutes. Detailed measurements can be found on the bottom of the page in the recipe card 👇.
3 Key Ingredients
The right choice of yogurt is important for a good Tzatziki. It has to be thick and creamy, the yogurt should also be plain (no added sugars or flavors).
Greek yogurt is the best choice for this recipe and is usually available in any grocery store. It is strained yogurt and has therefore a thicker consistency in comparison to other yogurts, which are more moist.
Aside from Greek yogurt, you'll need an English cucumber and most importantly, fresh garlic. Depending on how much you like garlic, feel free to adjust the amount given in the recipe below.
Seasonings
Yogurt, cucumber and garlic are the three key ingredients, but to make an authentic Greek Tzatziki, you'll also need vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
I use red wine vinegar, but apple cider or raspberry would work as well.
How to Make Greek Tzatziki
The preparation of this delicous creamy Greek yogurt sauce will only take you a few minutes.
- Peel and grate the cucumber.
- Drain the grated cucumber to remove excess moisture. This will prevent your Tzatziki from turning too liquid. I just use a strainer and squeeze the grated cucumber with my hand.
- Fill the yogurt in a bowl and add the minced or grated garlic. I always use a garlic press.
- Lastly, add the cucumber, vinegar, salt, pepper and olive oil and mix all ingredients well.
Cover your Tzatziki and let it rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow all ingredients to develop their full flavor before serving.
How to Serve It
Greek Tzatziki is a great addition for grilled meat dishes, such as Souvlaki or Gyros and serves well as a dipping sauce with baked potatoes or grilled vegetables.
I personally prefer Tzatziki served in combination with other Greek Mezedes (Snacks or Appetizers). If you are familiar with the concept of Spanish Tapas, Mezedes are very similar. Instead of one main meal, you have a variety of snacks and appetizers to share.
Popular Mezedes are Olives, Calamari, Fried Eggplant, Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolmades), Baked Feta Cheese, Pita bread, Greek Salad and so many more...
Storage & Safety
Freezing this Tzatziki Sauce is not recommended. However, it will last approximately 2 days, when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Do not leave the Tzatziki Sauce outside of the fridge for extended periods of time.
See guidelines at USDA.gov for instructions on the safe handling of fresh ingredients.
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Tools
- Grater
Ingredients
- 18 oz greek yogurt
- 1 Cucumber
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Peel and grate the cucumber.1 Cucumber
- Drain the grated cucumber to remove excess moisture. This will prevent your Tzatziki from turning too liquid. I just use a strainer and squeeze the grated cucumber with my hand.
- Give the yogurt into a bowl and add the minced or grated garlic. I always use a garlic press.18 oz greek yogurt, 2 cloves garlic
- Lastly, add the cucumber, vinegar, salt, pepper and olive oil and mix all ingredients well.1 Cucumber, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
Jeannie
this goes perfect as a dip! super easy and tasty too.
Sue
This is just the best sauce, for just about everything!