Homemade Tzatziki Recipe (2024)

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October 14, 2018
Updated July 8, 2019

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Homemade Tzatziki is one of my favorite dips! Greek yogurt is mixed with freshly grated cucumber, dill, oregano, garlic, and lemon zest. Top it with a quick glug of olive oil for an easy tzatziki sauce like no other!

When I was in Greece, pita bread and tzatziki were my breakfast lunch and dinner (also, Greek salad). I couldn’t stop myself. I worked for that summer bod’ leading up to my vacation, so it was time to treat myself!

I swear, I could sit down with tzatziki dip and a spoon and go to town. It is one of my favorite things ever! I use it as a gyro sauce, pita dip, on grilled meat… basically in any way I can.

Let’s be real for a second. If you’re like me, you’re looking for a tzatziki recipe for one of two reasons. One, you are making an appetizer or Greek food for a party or dinner. Two (the category I usually fall into), you bought Greek yogurt during your last “I’m going to eat healthier” grocery store run and you just realized it was about to expire, so you’re looking for a way to use it. Well my friend, you found the answer.

This is the ultimate party appetizer. Serve it alongside your favorite dippers like pita bread, veggies, and crackers for a delicious appetizer. I love serving this homemade tzatziki recipe along with bacon wrapped brussel sproutsand meatballs when I am entertaining!

Fun fact: tzatziki is usually associated with Greek cuisine, but it is actually used in a lot of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking too!

Like with Greek salad, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in this homemade tzatziki recipe. Using fresh dill, lemon, and cucumber really make this dip better than anything you can buy at the store!

If you’re looking for a healthy tzatziki recipe, this one can be easily adapted by using low fat Greek yogurt. Serve it with your favorite veggies like carrots, cucumbers or celery!

What Is Tzatziki?

Other than delicious? Tzatziki is a classic Greek staple, made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and olive oil.

Other herbs are sometimes added to Tzatziki sauce, such as mint, thyme, or parsley. I find that the classic combo of lemon and dill goes absolutely perfect with the freshness of the cucumber in this tzatziki recipe!

Tzatziki is traditionally used as a dip, and a sauce for things like gyros and grilled meat. If you’re ever making grilled chicken, try marinating it in tzatziki sauce. You can thank me later!

How To Make Tzatziki Sauce

Begin by grating the cucumber. I like to slice my cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon first, because most of the water is found there.

Use the large side of a standard block grater to grate the seeded cucumber. Place the grated cucumber into a bowl lined with paper towels. Using additional paper towels, press the cucumber as much a you can to remove all of the juices.

You don’t want any liquid left in the cucumber or the tzatziki will come out runny. Keep pressing until you have gotten all of it!

Once you have drained the cucumber well, place it into a bowl. Add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh chopped dill, oregano, and minced garlic.

Serve it topped with a sprinkle of dill and a quick glug of olive oil. I almost always enjoy homemade tzatziki with pita bread, but tortilla chips, bread, veggies, or crackers all make great tzatziki dippers!

I find that tzatziki sauce tastes the best the next day once all of the flavors have a chance to sit overnight.

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Rate this Recipe

4.16 from 20 votes

Homemade Tzatziki

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Bailey

Greek yogurt mixed with freshly grated cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon zest. Add a quick glug of olive oil for an easy tzatziki sauce like no other!

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Tried this recipe?I'd love to hear what you think. Leave a comment and rating below!

Ingredients

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/2 English cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Slice cucumber in half lengthwise. Scoop seeds out with a spoon and grate into a bowl lined with paper towels. Press cucumber to release as much liquid as possible, set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, oregano, minced garlic, and shredded cucumber.
Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with additional dill.

Calories: 91kcal

Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it below!

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31 thoughts on “Homemade Tzatziki”

Ruth
February 16, 2019 at 10:03 am

This recipe is amazing! Thank you!
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  February 16, 2019 at 12:14 pm
  
  So glad you love it Ruth!
  Reply
Mary Beth
February 23, 2019 at 9:46 am
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How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  February 23, 2019 at 12:26 pm
  
  Hi Mary, homemade tzatziki lasts about 3 days in the fridge. The cucumbers will release moisture as it sits, so you may need to scoop some of the liquid out before serving it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Michelle LeBlanc
April 7, 2019 at 7:20 am

I love this recipe!!! I lived in Greece for 3 years and Tzaziki is my absolute favorite with everything. Thanks for sharing.
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  April 8, 2019 at 9:47 am
  
  Hi Michelle, so glad you loved it! I lived off of tzatziki while I was in Greece too!
  Reply
Dawn
April 9, 2019 at 6:00 am

Do you peel the cucumber?
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  April 9, 2019 at 4:45 pm
  
  Hi Dawn, I don’t usually peel the cucumber in tzatziki. It softens in the yogurt while providing a light refreshing crunch. Enjoy!
  Reply
Rebecca
May 2, 2019 at 10:14 am

What do you serve this with? Pita bread? Chips? If so what kind.
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  May 2, 2019 at 12:21 pm
  
  Hi Rebecca, tzatziki is great with pita bread, veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and celery. I also love enjoying it with tortilla chips and in gryos. Enjoy!
  Reply
Yetta
May 4, 2019 at 8:26 am

On visiting a taverna in Larnaca, Cyprus we had Tzatziki made with cubed cucumber (very small cubes). It was really, really good. It is also rather nice to have some texture. Done this way; there is no need for any squeezing.
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  May 4, 2019 at 10:48 am
  
  That sounds delicious, I will have to try it!
  Reply
Deb
June 30, 2019 at 4:05 pm

Hi Bailey,
I love tzatziki, too, so I am happy to have your recipe. Quick question:. In your narrative, you mentioned oregano, but it is not included in the ingredient list. Now, oregano is not one of my favorite herbs, especially in an uncooked dish, so I won’t be heartbroken if it is not to be included, but I just wanted to clarify. Thanks much for your help.
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  June 30, 2019 at 4:24 pm
  
  Hey Deb! I do use oregano in this recipe, so I updated the recipe card. Thanks for catching that! If you don’t want to use it, you should be fine. I would compensate with a little extra lemon juice or cucumber to make up for the flavor. Let me know how it turns out!
  Reply
Christina
July 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm

I feel like an idiot but what kind of Greek yogurt? 5% 0% non fat? I do not eat yogurt but I do love tzatziki!
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  July 3, 2019 at 5:18 pm
  
  Hey Christina! I use full fat Greek yogurt, as the thick creaminess is perfect for tzatziki. If you’re looking for a healthier option, non fat works too. Enjoy!
  Reply
LuLu
August 18, 2019 at 12:17 pm

Can you use this on top of fish tacos?
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  August 18, 2019 at 6:13 pm
  
  I feel like the dill and lemon flavors would be perfect on fish tacos. Let me know how they turn out!
  Reply
Codie
October 9, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Hi! I’m looking forward to trying this. Can the leftover sauce be frozen?
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  October 10, 2019 at 9:50 am
  
  Hi Codie! You can freeze the leftovers, but may lose a little crunch from the cucumbers. The acidity in yogurt does help to preserve a little bit of it. If you notice a little water when defrosting, just sop it up with a paper towel before serving.
  Reply
Sandi
June 12, 2020 at 8:17 am

Hi great recipe just one question I don’t have fresh dill so can I use dried?
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  June 13, 2020 at 1:18 am
  
  You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon. Enjoy!
  Reply
Andrea
July 6, 2020 at 12:27 pm

Do to Covid I don’t have fresh dill so I substituted dried dill and used fresh oregano which I have tons of. A slight twist from the original recipe but still delicious – especially if you like oregano!
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  July 6, 2020 at 12:55 pm
  
  So glad you loved it Andrea!
  Reply
Anne H.
October 4, 2020 at 6:01 pm

Excellent recipe. I added a couple of spoonfuls of chive & onion cream cheese. Everything is good with cream cheese.
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  October 12, 2020 at 5:02 am
  
  So glad you loved it Anne!
  Reply
Deborah Webb
January 22, 2021 at 7:12 am

I like mint in my tzatziki so I am going to replace the oregano with mint. Wish me luck!!
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  January 22, 2021 at 12:50 pm
  
  Excited to hear how it turns out Deborah!
  Reply
James McGee
May 18, 2022 at 7:26 pm

Bailey, I agree that traditional tzatziki is great as a dip with grilled pita or fresh baked nan. I also prefer more of a “tzatziki salad”, using near paper thin [whole] slices of [english] cucumber. Do you have a recipe that might resemble your cucumber onion vinaigrette salad, yet the entire flavor (plus extra-crunch from all the cukes) screams TZATZIKI? I want enough yogurt/dill/garlic and olive oil to remain creamy while coating the huge pile of madoline-sliced cucumber. I hope you might have something in your repertoire. Thanks, James
Reply
1. Bailey @ The Gay Globetrotter
  July 25, 2022 at 12:18 pm
  
  Hi James, I don’t have a recipe on the blog that is exactly what you’re looking for. Try using a mandolin for the cucumber like in the cucumber vinegar salad, and tossing it in the tzatziki. I would suggest letting it sit for an hour, and omitting the shredded cucumber in the tzatziki.
  Don’t forget the pita bread, now I am hungry!
  Reply
Marilyn
May 30, 2023 at 12:22 pm

Easy and yummy!! It was great for our Greek salad with fresh naan. I love being able to use the fresh dill straight from the garden.
Reply

FAQs

What is tzatziki sauce made of? ›

What is tzatziki? Tzatziki is a salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made of strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Authentic Greek tzatziki is most often made with sheep or goat yogurt, but my tzatziki recipe calls for regular full-fat Greek yogurt.

Tell Me More ›

Is tzatziki made from yogurt or sour cream? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint.

See Details ›

Is homemade tzatziki good for you? ›

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips. Thus, you can opt for tzatziki dips over other dips.

What is a good substitute for tzatziki sauce? ›

Add coconut yogurt to a large mixing bowl and add strained cucumber, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil (optional). Stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt for overall flavor, garlic for zing, lemon for acidity, or dill for herbiness.

How long does homemade tzatziki last? ›

Tzatziki sauce should be kept in a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator when you're not using it. As long as it's stored properly, you can expect homemade tzatziki to last about three to four days. This will depend on how fresh the yogurt was when you made the sauce.

Explore More ›

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

However, if you want to eat without worrying about your health, hummus is a great dip that goes with a lot of foods like fish, chicken and falafel. Tzatziki goes well with traditional Greek foods like gyros, and it also is healthier, with a lot less sodium.

Tell Me More ›

Why does my tzatziki taste bitter? ›

Your main ingredient – the cucumber – is often the culprit. To avoid this, make sure that you choose the right variety: English and Persian cucumbers have very little, or no, bitterness. Also sample a slice before grating and avoid using the ends as this is where the bitter compounds will be most concentrated.

What is a substitute for Greek yogurt in tzatziki? ›

"I wanted a tangy Tzatziki sauce, but didn't have any plain yogurt on hand. This recipe is made with sour cream instead of plain yogurt, and tastes WONDERFUL!"

Know More ›

Does tzatziki contain mayonnaise? ›

Mix together cucumber, yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic in a serving bowl; season with salt and pepper.

View Details ›

Can you eat tzatziki every day? ›

Its blend of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs delivers key nutrients, which are proposed to support heart health, gut health, and may even lower diabetes risk. If you add tzatziki to your meals, you can boost everyday dishes while savouring the many potential health benefits tzatziki brings.

How long does tzatziki last in the fridge? ›

Tzatziki will last about four days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. While you can freeze it, it will change a bit in regards to texture and consistency when it comes time to thawing it out.

Learn More Now ›

Is tzatziki anti inflammatory? ›

Yes! Tzatziki sauce is perfect healthy snack, especially thanks to protein-packed greek yogurt, shredded cucumber and anti-inflammatory garlic. It's as simple as it sounds: yogurt cucumber sauce!

What do Greeks eat with tzatziki? ›

While the recipe can vary from region to region in Greece, it is served with the mezes, or small plates appetizer portion of the meal, and can remain on the table as a condiment with roasted meats and vegetables. Street foods like gyros or kabobs are always garnished with tzatziki.

How do you thicken homemade tzatziki? ›

You can thicken it by placing a piece of cheesecloth over the top of a wide mouthed jar and holding it in place with some rubber bands. Fill the cheesecloth with your sauce, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The excess water will drain out and the sauce will be thicker.

Read On ›

What's the difference between tzatziki and dill dip? ›

The only difference is that a Tzatziki Sauce has a tablespoon of lemon juice and a couple of cloves of minced garlic added to these same ingredients I used below. The ingredients need for this Cucumber Dill Sauce for so simple. It's just cucumber, Greek yogurt, milk and chopped fresh dill.

Find Out More ›

What does tzatziki sauce taste like? ›

Cucumber Freshness: Tzatziki is typically made with grated or finely chopped cucumber, which adds a refreshing, slightly sweet taste and a subtle, light and crisp texture. Herbaceous: Fresh dill adds the signature vibrant, citrus-like taste, with a slightly grassy undertone.

Keep Reading ›

Is it OK to eat tzatziki? ›

It's incredible popular in Greece where it's slathered on top of just about everything. You can serve it up with crudités or pita as an appetizer / snack or serve it alongside some skewered chicken, veggies, fish or meat as a dip for a main course. It's bright and tangy and perfect for summer.