Creamy, refreshing, and packed with flavor, learn how to make the famous Greek tzatziki sauce at home with just a few simple steps and ingredients!

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This Recipe is written by Lea | Published on January 5, 2025

an easy recipe for tzatziki sauce served in a bowl with olive oil

Tzatziki is a creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil, and it’s a staple in Greek cuisine.

The first time I had tzatziki was alongside chicken souvlaki, which I also have a recipe for, and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s light, tangy, and pairs beautifully with so many dishes.

If you’re making chicken souvlaki, Gyros, some type of Kebab… this sauce is a must!

tzatziki sauce recipe presented in a dish alongside souvlaki lettuce bread tomatoes olives and onions

What you need to make Tzatziki Sauce:

Greek Yogurt
Cucumbers
Olive Oil
Garlic Cloves
Salt

Measurements are posted in the recipe card below the instructions.

list of ingredients to make tzatziki including greek yogurt, salt, olive oil, cucumbers, and garlic

Steps to Make Tzatziki Sauce:

Wash the cucumbers, then grate them using a box grater.
Add the grated cucumber to a sieve, sprinkle with salt, and mix it in.
Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. The salt helps draw out excess water, ensuring your tzatziki stays thick and creamy instead of watery.

Take the grated cucumbers out of the fridge and press out any remaining water. For better results, you can use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze the liquid out, which works more effectively than a sieve (I didn’t have any). Removing the water is key to keeping the sauce’s texture just right.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, and freshly grated garlic. Stir until well mixed.

steps to make tzatziki sauce including sieving cucumbers and mixing them with greek yogurt and garlic

Drizzle olive oil into the mixture and stir well to combine. Serve chilled as a dip, sauce, or spread alongside your favorite dishes.

final touches to tzatziki recipe including adding olive oil and mixing

Tzatziki is traditionally made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice for extra tanginess. Fresh dill is often included for its aromatic flavor, though not every recipe uses it, it’s all about personal preference.

If you want to switch things up, you can add a pinch of black pepper for a hint of spice. Some traditional versions even use vinegar instead of lemon juice for a more classic tang.

Garlic lovers can add an extra clove, and for a touch of heat, sprinkle a little cayenne or paprika on top; you can make it your own while still keeping the traditional essence alive.

Try this Tzatziki Sauce Recipe with my delicious Chicken Souvlaki!

chicken souvlaki sandwich served on a dish next to tzatziki sauce and french fries

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Yields: 1 bowl (about 6 servings)

Ingredients

2 cups Greek yogurt
2 medium cucumbers
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Wash the cucumbers, grate them, and place them in a sieve. Add salt, mix it in, and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.
Remove the cucumber from the fridge and press out any remaining water. For best results, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out the liquid. Add the drained cucumber to a bowl with Greek yogurt and grated garlic, and mix well.
Drizzle the olive oil into the mixture, stir to combine, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.