This homemade tzatziki sauce recipe is a creamy condiment with its roots in Greece and Turkey. It is best served cold and works well alongside appetizers and entrées alike. Easily made vegan and dairy-free. From my book The Vegetarian Family Cookbook.
I was first introduced to tzatziki sauce in my early 20s during a trip to Amsterdam. I’ve craved the refreshing taste of this sauce ever since!
Tzatziki is simply one of the best recipe creations in existence. The flavors are tangy, bright, and refreshing, yet rich and complex at the same time. It suits a wide variety of dishes and is nutrient-dense to boot! What's not to love?
Jump to:
🥒 What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a light and creamy yogurt-based condiment used as a sauce or a dip. It has both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern roots and different variations can be found in many cultures. It's typically served alongside appetizers or as a side dish itself.
🧂 How-to Use Tzatziki
- Alongside your favorite Mediterranean dishes.
- As a dip for fries.
- Serve with a charcuterie spread alongside crisp veggies, crackers, cheeses and olives.
- Slathered on your favorite veggie burgers or sandwiches.
- Use as a salad dressing for a Greek salad.
- Serve as a side to vegan moussaka.
- Dip this air fryer falafel or Lebanese falafel recipe into it.
- As a side for pita chips, pita bread, or sliced bell peppers.
- Drizzle onto fresh vegetables or roasted vegetables.
- +MORE!
🔪 How-to Make Tzatziki
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Most certainly! I prefer cashew-based yogurts with this recipe, but oat milk-based and coconut-based yogurts work well, too.
This tzatziki recipe keeps well for up to one week in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Yes! Excess moisture is usually the result of using grated cucumber that hasn't been drained well enough. To prevent this, ensure your cucumber is well drained by squeezing it until no liquid drains out. This is a must for the best possible results!
🍳 More Condiments You Will Love
📖 Recipe
Easy Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber
- 11/2 cups plain Greek yogurt or regular full-fat yogurt for vegan or dairy-free use cashew-based yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber into a mixing bowl, then squeeze and drain out as much excess liquid as you can using your hands or a cheesecloth.
- Add the yogurt, dill, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to the cucumber. Mix to combine.
- Serve right away or keep stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Jill says
Fantastic tzatziki recipe, thank you so much for sharing!
Charla says
I've never tried Tzatziki sauce before but now I'm excited to make it.
Mairead says
I love falafel and this is always my go to recipe for the perfect yogurt dipping sauce to pair with them.
Liza says
What a great recipe! This really is the BEST tzatziki sauce, and I love making it with Greek yogurt. Another winner from Mon and Spoon and Yum!
Jamie says
This tzatziki sauce was so flavorful and just like the one at the restaurant! So delicious!
Tara says
Oh yum! Such a delicious and creamy sauce. I love that you included options to make it vegan and dairy-free.