Best Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Posted Apr 22, 2020, Updated Apr 16, 2024
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The best Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe! This homemade tzatziki sauce is made with Greek yogurt, sour cream and fresh dill. It’s thick and creamy (not watery) and so delicious.
This Greek Tzatziki Sauce recipe is one of my all-time favorites! I have a serious love for Mediterranean food (like baked falafel, Greek chicken, Greek meatballs, and chicken kebabs – YUM)! Since we don’t go out to eat very often, I have worked hard over the years to create homemade versions of my favorite restaurant fare.
Tzatziki Sauce is one of my favorite “condiments” and our recipe is better than any tzatziki I’ve ever had in a restaurant. It is made with Greek yogurt, sour cream and fresh dill!
It’s thick and creamy (not watery) and so delicious! It perfectly compliments Mediterranean dishes, and makes a great party dip! Plus it’s so easy to make that my 10 year old daughter makes it every week for our entire family.
Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe: IngredientsSubstitutions
This is a recipe that I have made so many times and it is absolute perfection as-is. However here are a few possible substitutions:
- Greek yogurt/sour cream. I have made this recipe with all these ingredients from fat free to full fat, and it always turns out amazing. Obviously, the higher the fat content the richer and creamier the taste will be!
- White Balsamic Vinegar. Any other light colored vinegar works well in this recipe, but white balsamic is my favorite!
- Garlic powder. Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder. If you love loads of garlic feel free to add more until your heart’s content.
- Dill. My favorite is using fresh dill straight from the garden, but dried dill works great as well!
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
This Tzatziki sauce recipe takes a little bit of planning. However, it is easy and so so worth it! The first thing you I recommend is removing as much water possible from the water from the cucumbers and yogurt. I always start the water removal process first thing in the morning, because less water results in a creamier, thicker, more delicious tzatziki.
easier/quicker option
You can skip draining the water out of the yogurt and sour cream. Instead, shred the cucumbers and squeeze the water from the cucumber with paper towels or a tea towel. We do this often. Some water will leak out as it’s stored, but you can drain it off or mix it in.
Strain the water from the Greek yogurt & Sour Cream
Both Greek yogurt and sour cream have a natural liquid content that could lead to watery tzatziki. That’s why (when you have time) I suggest straining the water from the Greek yogurt & sour cream.
To do this, put a coffee filter inside of a strainer, put the strainer over a bowl (make sure it’s not touching the bottom of the bowl and that you have space for the water to collect), then put the yogurt/sour cream mixture on top. Put it in the refrigerator to drain as long as you can.
Remove Water from Cucumber
The biggest contributor to watery tzatziki is the cucumber, which is why it’s important to try to remove as much water out of the cucumber as possible.
To release the water from the cucumber, de-seed the cucumber then grate it. I suggest using a metal spoon to scoop the seeds out of the cucumber.
Put the grated cucumber it in a colander over a bowl. Then sprinkle it with sea salt (to draw out the water).
Leave the cucumber on the counter at room temperature to drain. While it’s draining, press on it from time to time to help push out the water.
After most of the water has been pressed out of the shredded cucumber, transfer it to a tea towel and squeeze the remaining water out. You can also use thick paper towels for this step instead of a tea towel.
Assemble the Tzatziki Sauce
Once the water has been drained from the ingredients, it’s time to assemble the tzatziki sauce. Begin by combining all the ingredients except for the cucumber in a medium bowl.
Then, stir the prepared cucumber into the mixture.
Chill
Chill the Greek tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Store
Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve
Serve with your favorite mediterranean recipes. Here are some suggestions:
Tzatziki sauce is a delicious topping for baked falafel, grilled Greek chicken, chicken kebabs and Greek meatballs. With a side of greek salad, chickpea salad, and tabbouleh of course.
It’s also a great, healthy dip for vegetables and pita bread or naan bread!
Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe FAQs
No, I don’t recommend freezing this homemade tzatziki. Freezing then thawing will change the texture in an unfavorable way.
Here are some of my serving suggestions (some of our favorite Mediterranean recipes):
Eat alongside this baked falafel recipe with this tabbouleh recipe.
Serve as a sauce for grilled Greek chicken and this hummus chicken.
Use it as a dip for vegetables and pita bread or naan bread for a party.Â
Enjoy leftovers as a replacement for salad dressing or use it as a topping on the best Greek Salad recipe.
Serve it with these Greek meatballs.
Yes, since this sauce is made with Greek yogurt and sour cream, it needs to be refrigerated to remain fresh.
I consider this a healthy condiment, as it’s made with mostly Greek yogurt which is high in protein and cucumbers.
No, leave the skin on just be sure to wash it thoroughly before grating.
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Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cucumber (unpeeled and seeded)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dill (minced fresh, or freeze dried)
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Remove Water from Yogurt/Sour Cream (Optional)*
- Place a fine mesh strainer on top of a smaller bowl (to catch the water as it drains). Be sure that the strainer does not touch the bottom of the bowl and that there is at least 1-2 inches between them.
- Put a coffee filter on top of the strainer.
- Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt and ¼ cup sour cream together. Carefully scoop it onto the coffee filter/strainer and place it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Remove Water from Cucumber*
- De-seed and grate your cucumber. Put it in a colander over a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
- Let it sit on the counter for at least 2 hours, occasionally pushing out the excess water.
Assemble the Tzatziki
- When you’re ready to make the sauce: squeeze out all excess water from cucumber by pushing it out while in the colander. Then get some thick paper towels, put cucumber in them and ring it out.
- Put yogurt & sour cream mixture in a clean, dry mixing bowl. Add all ingredients except cucumber.
- Once combined, stir in the cucumber and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let flavors blend.
- Serve with your favorite Mediterranean food like falafel or gyros.
Video
Notes
- Greek yogurt/sour cream. I have made this recipe with all these ingredients from fat free to full fat, and it always turns out amazing.Â
- White Balsamic Vinegar. You can use any light colored vinegar such as apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, etc.
- Garlic powder. Fresh minced garlic can be used in place of garlic powder.Â
- Fresh Dill. If necessary you can substitute freeze-dried dill.Â
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Close to the Tzaziki recipe I was given from a Greek friend. One change I would make is using garlic cloves minced instead of garlic powder. Minimum 3 cloves per batch depending on how much garlic you like, the more cloves used the more heat it produces. Going to make some this week, I dip naan bread, French/Italian/Pumpernickel bread, tortilla chips, veggies, use it on baked potatoes, steak, chicken and pork chops. Such a yummy versatile dip and accompaniment to most foods, enjoy!
Hey Leanne!! I agree, if you are a garlic lover using minced garlic is definitely a great substitution! My 3 kids and my pregnant self don’t love super garlicky things {gasp}…so I usually opt for a touch of powdered garlic for flavor over minced garlic! Really, my last pregnancy forever changed my tastebuds! 😉 So you are absolutely right, if you love garlicky tzatziki then add minced garlic until your heart’s content! 😉
Tzatziki is a must in the summer with all the fresh cucumbers, this recipe looks awesome! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
Miz Helen
I can’t WAIT until our garden starts producing cucumbers!Yay! I love summer and the fresh produce it brings! 🙂
I love Tzatziki! Got a party coming up in a few weeks and you’ve inspired me to whip up a bstch with some veggie stick!
OooOo! I hope your party guests enjoy it!! 🙂 You’ll have to let me know how it goes over! 😉
I loveee tzatziki and yours looks perfect!
I hope you have the most amazing vacation!
Thank you so much Kristy! I’m totally nervous about traveling with the three kids…but I cannot WAIT to unplug and enjoy whatever adventures come our way!!! 😉
Oh! I have been looking for a good Tzatziki recipe. I’ve pinned this one for later. I feel like it might make an appearance at a father’s day bbq soon!
Thank you Lauren! It’s the perfect companion for grilled chicken seasoned with oregano, lemon juice, salt & pepper! Kind of like makeshift grilled chicken gyros! 😉
Mmmm, I love tzatziki and haven’t had some for a long time. Definitely will have to try this.
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
I agree! Tzatziki is great on just about anything! 🙂
YUM! I absolutely love tzatziki..I seriously could just eat it on its own! That’s one of the main reasons why I love gyros so much. I’ve never made my own before but this seems easy enough. Thanks for sharing!
Gretchen I LOVE gyros!!!! I remember always being slightly grossed out by them (a spinning hunk of meat? LoL) until I tried one…and oh my goodness! We used to drive 1.5 hrs. to our favorite restaurant just to get their gyro because they were that amazing…and you can’t have gyros without tzatziki! 🙂
What a pretty dish to serve. Pinned & Yummed
Thank you so much Pamela! 🙂
I love Tzatziki. I’m looking forward to making this for healthy lunch club at work and at home! Stopping by from the #SHINEbloghop
Isn’t it great?! So versatile and tastes great on so many different foods! 🙂 I hope you, and your healthy lunch clubs, enjoys it thoroughly! 🙂 <3
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe at the #RecipeSharingParty! I hope to see you next week. Pinned and Yummed. Please visit #OverTheMoon on Sunday or #ThursdayFavoriteThings for more sharing fun! Don’t forget to Comment your link #’s so I can be sure to visit and you get a chance to be featured!
Thank you so much! 🙂 Have a great day!