What is tzatziki sauce made of?

Traditional tzatziki is made from strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill or mint. Draining the cucumber well is what keeps the sauce thick instead of watery.

What is the best tzatziki recipe?

The best version uses full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, well-drained cucumber, and fresh (not dried) garlic and dill for the brightest flavor. Chilling it for at least 30 minutes before serving makes a real difference too.

Yes — it's a light, protein-rich sauce built mostly from Greek yogurt and cucumber with no added sugar, roughly 45 calories and 3 grams of protein per serving, making it a lighter option than mayonnaise or sour cream-based dips.

How long does homemade tzatziki last in the fridge?

It keeps for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the flavor actually improves after the first few hours.

What do you eat tzatziki with?

It's classic alongside gyros, souvlaki, and grilled chicken or lamb, but it's just as good as a dip for pita and vegetables, or a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Can you make tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, it's actually better made ahead — prepare it up to a day in advance so the garlic and dill have time to fully flavor the yogurt.

Why is my tzatziki watery?

This almost always means the cucumber wasn't drained long enough. Salt it, let it sit in a strainer for a full 15 minutes, then squeeze out the liquid firmly before mixing it in. If you love this one, you have to try its Cypriot cousin, talatouri — same creamy base, but made with mint and lemon instead of dill and vinegar. And if you're in the mood for something sweet after all that garlic, my 2-ingredient Greek candy is worth a look too.

Easy Tzatziki Recipe (Authentic & Ready in 10 Min)

Description

This easy tzatziki recipe is thick, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor. Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill, it’s the perfect homemade Greek sauce for grilled meats, pita, vegetables, wraps, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large English cucumber, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Grate the cucumber and toss it with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Transfer the cucumber to a fine strainer and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean towel.
In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add the drained cucumber and chopped dill to the yogurt mixture.
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Always drain the cucumber well to keep the tzatziki thick and creamy. Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the best texture, and chilling before serving allows the flavors to fully develop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 45
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: easy tzatziki recipe, homemade tzatziki, greek yogurt sauce, greek dip, cucumber yogurt sauce, tzatziki sauce