Tzatziki (pronounced tsa-tsee-key) is a creamy, cool, and zesty Greek yogurt sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. Made with thick Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint, this sauce is the heart of many Mediterranean dishes. Whether you’re dipping warm pita bread, topping grilled meats, or spooning it over roasted veggies, tzatziki adds a fresh and tangy twist that lifts any meal. This recipe is easy to make, requires no cooking, and is the perfect make-ahead dip for any occasion. Trust me—once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at this crowd-pleasing classic:
| Course | Sauce / Dip |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Greek, Mediterranean |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Calories | ~70 per serving |
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this, just some basic tools. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl – A medium-sized one works best.
- Box grater – For grating the cucumber.
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth – To squeeze water from the cucumber.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy.
- Garlic press or microplane – To mince garlic finely.
- Whisk or spoon – For mixing everything together.
- Cutting board & knife – For chopping herbs and garlic.
Pro tip: If you have a food processor, you can use it for a smoother blend, but hand-mixing gives the best texture.
Ingredients
To make traditional tzatziki sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for richness)
- 1 cucumber (English or Persian, grated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or mint, optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Add a dash of cumin or a sprinkle of paprika for a flavor twist.
Instructions
Making tzatziki is a breeze! Here’s how:
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater.
- Squeeze out excess water from the cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the cucumber until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Essential Note: Draining the cucumber well is key! If you skip this, your sauce can turn watery over time. Always chill before serving to blend the flavors beautifully.
