The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

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Homemade Tzatziki sauce is flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible!

This is the best tzatziki recipe I’ve ever enjoyed. I’ve never found anything at the grocery store that even compares. This tasty dip can be used in so many ways. I love to serve it with falafel or on a gyro, but it is often our favorite dip to make for dipping veggies and crackers.

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why this recipe is so great
  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make Tzatziki sauce
  • What to serve with Tzatziki sauce
  • Best Way to Store Tzatziki
  • Tzatziki Recipe

Why this recipe is so great

This is one of those super simple recipes that not only tastes great, but it’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients.

  • Simple: Only five wholesome ingredients (well, six if you count salt) come together to create this creamy, satisfying, flavor packed sauce.
  • Versatile: Every time I make it, I find different recipes that are only complimented by the addition of tzatziki. Although this is an recipe which people typically think should only go with Greek food, it’s a fantastic dip for vegetables or crackers, or spread on sandwiches.
  • Healthy: Fresh vegetables and herbs with protein packed Greek yogurt is not only delicious but it’s quite satisfying.

Ingredients needed

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

  • Cucumber – I prefer to use a large English cucumber
  • Greek yogurt – I used to buy plain full fat yogurt but have switched to nonfat and it is unbelievably creamy and delicious
  • Lemon juice – one good sized lemon will due
  • Garlic – minced super fine
  • Fresh dill – there’s simply nothing better
  • Salt – needed to balance out the tart from the lemon and yogurt
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How to make Tzatziki sauce

Full ingredient list and detailed step by step instructions are listed in the recipe card below, but here is a summary.

  1. Prepare the cucumber. Cut the ends off, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop the seeds out. Grate the entire cucumber (I find the food processor is easy) and then toss it with the salt.
  2. Remove excess moisture. You’ll set this mixture in a strainer for about 15 minutes to allow some of the moisture to escape. Before adding the cucumber to the remaining ingredients, you’ll squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  3. Mix! The final step is simply to mix all of the ingredients together and you’re done! Of course, give it a taste and add more of anything that it needs.
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What to serve with Tzatziki sauce

The recipe people generally think of when they see tzatziki is falafel or a gyro. I mean, when you dine at a Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this sauce.

But Tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile. The consistency is more similar to a dip, in my opinion. I’ve used tzatziki sauce with:

  • All kinds of meat including beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood. It is seriously fantastic when served with any of these.
  • Chips, vegetable sticks, and warm pita bread. It makes a great dip that is much healthier than so many other options out there.
  • Baked potato topping. Skip the sour cream and replace it with tzatiki for extra protein.
  • On top of burgers and sandwiches. This is where that garlic punch really stands out.
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Best Way to Store Tzatziki

Because there is so much cucumber in this recipe, it shortens the shelf life when compared to plain Greek yogurt. Any kind of vegetable will naturally release moisture over time, so I think this dip is best when consumed immediately or within the first few days.

Tzatziki will last longer than that, but you’ll have to give it a good stir before enjoying and the consistency will likely change.

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Tzatziki

Prep10 minutes mins

Time to drain cucumber15 minutes mins

Total25 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Author Krissy Allori

The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (11)

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Tzatziki sauce can either be boring and bland or it can be flavorful and delicious. This recipe is so easy to make and tastes incredible! Just a few simple ingredients as well as tips and tricks to get the best consistency. You will love this delicious dip recipe.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt start with one and add more to taste
  • 2 cups Plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced

Instructions

  • Prepare cucumber: Cut the ends off the cucumber. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Grate remaining cucumber and toss with salt in bowl. Set salted grated cucumber in strainer over bowl or in sink and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible and discard liquid. Ideally you want about 1 cup of grated cucumber for the Tzatziki.

  • Mix sauce: Combine drained grated cucumber with remaining ingredients in large bowl. Mix to combine, taste, and add additional salt, lemon juice, or dill, if desired.

Notes

Too sour? Add more salt.

Too salty? Add more lemon juice.

Too bland? Add more garlic and/or dill.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 7g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 800mg, Potassium: 157mg, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 35IU, Vitamin C: 3.7mg, Calcium: 82mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

This recipe was originally published in July 2014 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don’t worry – the recipe hasn’t changed!

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Hi! I’m Krissy.

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The BEST Tzatziki Sauce Sauce Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Why is my tzatziki sauce bitter? ›

This is because tzatziki sauce is not meant to be bitter. However, if your tastes bitter, there are chances that you used too much lemon juice, or the quality of other ingredients wasn't good enough. For this reason, it is suggested that you always use high-quality and fresh ingredients to enjoy the right flavor.

Why is my tzatziki sauce sour? ›

Some Greek yogurt brands are very tangy so you may wish to use less lemon juice. Also, some lemons can be very tart. Start with 1/2 a lemon and add more if needed. If your sauce is too tart, you can fix this by adding a little sweetener.

What is good dipped in tzatziki? ›

You'll love how easy and versatile this Greek sauce is, you can serve it with some pita chips and fresh veggies or use it over your gyros, kebabs, with fish, or to dip your fries, or to jazz up some mean dinner bowls! So many possibilities!

How many days is homemade tzatziki good for? ›

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.

What neutralizes bitter taste? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

How to reduce tartness of Greek yogurt? ›

Add Fresh Fruit

The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the tartness of the yogurt. Fresh fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

How do you make tzatziki thicker? ›

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.

Which is healthier, tzatziki or sour cream? ›

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.

How long will 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.

How do Greek people eat tzatziki? ›

Greeks usually eat tzatziki with bread, it is also used for the famous souvlaki wrapped in a pita and ofcourse in gyros. Almost all Greeks love dipping bread and Greek fries in tzatziki that is served at every traditional restaurant.

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

Tzatziki is a terrific lower-calorie alternative to higher-calorie dips, such as hummus and sour cream. It's readily available in grocery stores, but also straightforward enough to make at home.

Is tzatziki better for you than hummus? ›

Health-wise, tzatziki contains only 54 calories per a 45 gram serving; it also comes with only 8 grams of carbohydrates and a negligible amount of sodium. Which to Pick? If you make your determination based on health concerns, then hummus is clearly the less healthy dip, with high sodium being a particular concern.

Can you eat tzatziki everyday? ›

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.

Is Trader Joe's tzatziki good? ›

VERDICT: Trader Joe's tzatziki had a lovely, refreshing taste and a mellow garlic flavor that I found simply irresistible.

Can I freeze tzatziki? ›

You're in luck! I've made this one myself and it is delicious. Enjoy it fresh or you can freeze it as well. I've frozen it in a container, placed plastic wrap over the sauce so that it is touching the sauce and then place the lid on top.

How do you fix a sauce that is too bitter? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

How do you counteract bitterness in sauce? ›

Easy Ways to Reduce Bitter Taste in Any Food
  1. 1 Balance out bitterness with some fat.
  2. 2 Cover the flavor with sweetness.
  3. 3 Sprinkle some salt over your food.
  4. 4 Try a pinch of baking soda.
  5. 5 Squeeze in some vinegar or lemon juice.
  6. 6 Add some spice to your foods.
  7. 7 Cook with herbs to cut through the bitter taste.
Apr 10, 2024

Why is my Greek yogurt bitter? ›

Using too much starter can crowd the bacteria, creating a thin consistency and a bitter flavor. Overcultured yogurt may also taste bitter. Check the culturing temperature to verify it is within the appropriate range.

How do you know if tzatziki has gone bad? ›

Spoilage: Taste and smell are reliable indicators of spoilage; any sour or off odors are a clear sign the sauce should be discarded. Always inspect tzatziki for signs of mold or an unusual change in texture before consumption to ensure it's healthy to eat.

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