Creamy, refreshing, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this easy homemade tzatziki recipe is a must-have in your cooking toolkit. Made with Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, fresh herbs, and garlic, this cooling cucumber yogurt sauce comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pita, or grain bowls. It’s also a great dipping sauce to include in a veggie platter or to simply snack on with some pita chips!
Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Recipe
Whether you’re prepping for a summer cookout or building out a healthy weeknight dinner, this Greek tzatziki sauce is definitely a keeper.
- No cooking required – perfect for hot days and low-effort meals
- Versatile – serve it as a dip, spread, or sauce
- Meal-prep friendly – make it in advance and keep it chilled
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
- Healthy and protein-rich thanks to the Greek yogurt base
Part of a Full Greek-Inspired Meal Plan
This easy tzatziki recipe is part of a full weeklong meal plan featured in the Dinner Squad membership. With just a little prep, you can repurpose key ingredients like yogurt marinated chicken and sauces like tzatziki to create:
- Chicken Gyros
- Chicken Skewers
- Yogurt Marinated Chicken and Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- …and so much more!
- Access the full meal plan here.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This tzatziki recipe uses just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch:
- Greek yogurt – full-fat is best for rich, creamy texture
- English cucumber – shredded and squeezed to remove moisture. English cucumber is preferred for its low water content, but you can also use Persian cucumbers. If using another variety, just be sure to squeeze out as much of the water before adding to the sauce.
- Garlic – finely grated for even flavor distribution. An essential aromatic for any flavorful sauce.
- Lemon juice – adds brightness and acidity
- Extra virgin olive oil – rounds out the richness. Use a good quality olive oil if you can help it.
- Fresh dill and parsley – bring freshness and classic Mediterranean flavors
- Salt – to bring it all together
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the cucumber
Finely grate half an English cucumber, then squeeze out the excess liquid using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. Removing the moisture is key to a thick and creamy tzatziki.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cucumber with Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and the freshly chopped dill and parsley.
Step 3: Taste and adjust
Mix thoroughly and taste. Add more salt or herbs to taste.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with extra chopped dill before serving.
How to Use Tzatziki (Ideas & Pairings)
This creamy yogurt cucumber sauce is endlessly versatile. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- As a dip for fresh vegetables or warm pita bread
- As a spread in wraps, sandwiches, or gyros
- As a sauce over grilled chicken, lamb, or falafel
- As a dressing drizzled over grain bowls or roasted veggies
It’s the ultimate fridge staple—cool, herbaceous, and always refreshing.
Make It Ahead: Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Tzatziki can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making this a perfect make-ahead recipe for parties or weekly meal prep.
Want to simplify your weekly dinners? Join Dinner Squad to get meal plans, exclusive recipes, time-saving prep guides, and printable grocery lists—all designed to save you time and money.
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Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Grater
- Medium bowl
- Lemon juicer
- knife
- - Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 1/2 English cucumber shredded
- 1 grated garlic clove or 2 small cloves
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more as needed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus additional for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill plus additional for garnish
Instructions
- Squeeze the shredded cucumber in your hands to get rid of the liquid and add to a medium bowl.
- Add the greek yogurt, grated garlic clove, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, and chopped parsley and dill. Mix and taste. Add additional salt if needed.
- Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and additional dill before serving.
