Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (2024)

Home » Vegetables » Cucumber » Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce)

5 from 11 reviews

//By Alexandra Stafford onJune 16, 2020 (updated May 29, 2023) Jump To Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (1)

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt- and cucumber-based condiment, typically seasoned with herbs such as mint and dill, garlic, and lemon. I grew up eating it with this chicken souvlaki, but I find it to be a nice match for both meat and vegetarian dishes alike:

  • Roasted Eggplant Salad (a favorite summer meal!)
  • Mushroom and Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers (an old favorite!)
  • Falafel Burgers (a new favorite!)
  • Smoky Grilled Chicken with Schug (perfect for summer entertaining)
  • Spiced Tomato and Chickpea Salad (a meal in itself)
  • Cauliflower Steaks with Walnut-Caper Salsa (so pretty, so tasty)

The process of making tzatziki is simple: grate cucumbers, drain them in a sieve (if you wish), then mix them into Greek yogurt along with a minced clove of garlic, minced herbs, fresh lemon juice, and salt.

Until recently, I never drained the cucumbers, but taking the time to do so has a twofold benefit:

  1. It prevents the tzatziki from becoming too liquidy. If you like a tzatziki with a thick consistency, draining the cucumbers is important. If you don’t mind a thinner tzatziki, skip this step.
  2. Draining the cucumbers gives you a few tablespoons of fresh cucumber juice, which you can use to flavor water along with some mint, honey, and lemon OR which you can use in a co*cktail (such as a cucumber-gin gimlet … more very soon!)

Here’s the play-by-play: Gather your ingredients:

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (2)

Grate the cucumbers coarsely using a box grater.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (3)

Set the cucumbers in a sieve to drain.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (4)

Meanwhile, chop up some herbs and a clove of garlic.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (5)

Combine Greek yogurt with the drained cucumbers, herbs, garlic, fresh lemon and salt.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (6)

Tzatziki is best served shortly after making it, but it will keep in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (7)

I typically serve tzatziki with grilled meat, such as this chicken souvlaki or this smoky grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables, such as this roasted eggplant salad (a favorite!), but it’s good on its own, too. Smear it over a platter, drizzle some olive oil over top, and serve it with pita chips. Yum.

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (8)
Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (9)

Print

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (10)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Alexandra Stafford
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups
Print Recipe

Save Recipe

Description

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt- and cucumber-based condiment, typically seasoned with herbs such as mint and dill, garlic, and lemon. I grew up eating it with this chicken souvlaki, but I find it to be such a nice match for roasted vegetables, such as this eggplant salad, and vegetable burgers, such as these mushroom and sweet potato veggie burgersor these falafel burgers.

Ingredients

  • 1 large or 3 small cucumbers (about 810 oz)
  • 1cup plain Greek yogurt, I like the fa*ge 5%
  • 1clove garlic, minced
  • 23 tablespoons minced herbs, such as mint and/or dill
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh-squeeze lemon juice (from about 1/2 a lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Grate the cucumber coarsely on a box grater. Transfer to a sieve and set over a bowl to drain. Squeeze the cucumber a little bit to encourage the moisture to drain out. Let drain for at least 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir the cucumber into the yogurt, along with the garlic, herbs, lemon, and salt. Taste. Adjust with more salt and lemon to taste.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Stir
  • Cuisine: Greek

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Appetizers Gluten-free Sauces and Dressings Fall Spring Summer Cucumber Herbs Special Diet

« Previous PostHow to Make Schug (Skug, Zhug, Zhoug) Sauce

Next Post »How to Make Fresh Homemade Pita Bread

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (11)

Buy My Cookbook!

Recipes for no-knead loaves and meals to savor every slice.

Buy now »

Want to Chop Like a Pro?

Get your free 8-video tutorial

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

    23 Comments on “Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce)”

  1. Dennis YannakosReply

    Thanks for the recipe! It’s delicious!

  2. DonnieReply

    Simple but terrifically tasty! The mint makes it… increased the garlic to 3 cloves and added 1 tsp of dried dill with 2 tbsp of chopped mint! Delicious! Thanks!

    • alexandraReply

      Oh yay! Wonderful to hear this, Donnie! I would totally be down with 3 cloves of garlic here … love it. Thanks for writing!

  3. VivecaReply

    I could eat this by the spoonful! Made this tonight to go with your falafel burgers. They are ready for the boiler…

    • alexandraReply

      Wonderful to hear this, Viveca! Hope the falafel burgers turned out well 😍

  4. PriscillaReply

    This was so yummy! I used a bunch of herbs straight from the garden – mint, parsley, basil, and chives. I made it with Kite Hill vegan yogurt. I think my yogurt was thinner than Greek yogurt, so my tzatziki was a little watery, which was not a big deal b/c I just poured off the liquid. I think next time I will try to strain my yogurt beforehand. I will definitely make this again. I’ve been vegan for so long that I can’t remember ever even eating tzatziki before so thanks for opening my eyes to how good it is (and how easy it is to make it vegan).

    • alexandraReply

      Wonderful to hear this, Priscilla! I still have not tried Kite Hill yogurt. I must soon! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

  5. SabrinaReply

    thank you, have eaten Tzatziki so many times but have never made it, (or for that matter gyro meat, a serious endeavor), so thank you, and also good to know about draining the water from the cucumber to keep it from becoming too liquid

    • alexandraReply

      😍😍😍

  6. Ella MonteReply

    Mouthwatering! thanks for the recipe

    • alexandraReply

      Wonderful to hear this, Ella!

  7. ChantalemarieReply

    Really outstanding. All the other times I have made tzatziki it has been watery or bitter. This is neither if those things. Was good the next day too!

    • alexandraReply

      So nice to hear this, Chantalemarie. Thanks for all of your lovely comments today 💕💕💕💕💕💕

  8. Christine MurrayReply

    Best tzatzkik sauce I’ve ever made. The mint surprised me but it adds a great twist. I made this to accompany the souvlaki but could use it so many ways.

    • alexandraReply

      I love this with so many things, including roasted or grilled vegetables!

  9. RachelReply

    I make this all the time! I plan on making it this weekend actually. This might be helpful for lactose intolerant people- I buy sheep yogurt from the store and it works perfectly! It tastes amazing. I always add a ton of dill and mint, yum!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      So nice to hear this, Rachel 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thanks so much for writing and sharing the sheep yogurt tip… so helpful for others. I’ll try to find some soon.

  10. emilyReply

    I have a question! Did there used to be a slightly different tzatziki recipe attached to the chicken souvlaki recipe which used a little bit of minced red onion?

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Yes! I used to do: yogurt + finely diced onion + mint + lemon… maybe a little garlic, salt, pepper. I used to not even add the cucumber. The old version is delicious, too! Just different.

  11. HeidiReply

    Ali- have you tried making homemade yogurt? It’s super easy – I make it once a week and primarily use it for savory applications. I love substituting leftover whey in some of your recipes ( for the liquid) and have had good results- but I’d love any insight in using yogurt whey for breadmaking. Happy to send you a starter strain or steer you in the right direction to get started!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      You are too sweet! Thank you for your generous offer. I did make yogurt once or for a short period of time I should say, but I stopped and then never re started. If I thought I could maintain it, I would take you up on your offer, but I can’t even keep my houseplants alive at the moment 🙂 But I will be in touch as soon as I feel I am ready. Thank you!

  12. Lynne RoeReply

    Simple and quite tasty as a veggie dip. Must try it with some roast chicken, etc.

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Great to hear, Lynne!

Tzatziki (Greek Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce) | Alexandra's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Is cucumber raita the same as tzatziki? ›

Both are eaten as dips or as an accompaniment to a main dish. Their consistencies are different. Raita is made with plain yogurt and tzatziki is made with thicker Greek yogurt. Raita is thinner while tzatziki has a thick consistency.

Is tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint. Traditionally, it is made from strained sheep or goat's milk yogurt, but a full-fat Greek yogurt works just fine in this dip.

What is a popular Greek sauce made of yogurt and cucumber? ›

Tzatziki is made simply with yogurt, drained cucumber, olive oil, fresh herbs (usually mint or dill), garlic, lemon juice and salt. It's a refreshing chilled sauce, dip or spread.

Does Costco have tzatziki sauce? ›

Hannah Tzatziki Greek Style Yogurt Dip, 32 oz | Costco.

Is tzatziki healthier than ranch? ›

Tzatziki is a much healthier choice than ranch dressing. It's lower in calories and fats but still offers key nutrients and vitamins.

Is tzatziki made from yogurt or sour cream? ›

Tzatziki sauce is a creamy cucumber sauce that is most often made with simple ingredients including, Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil and lemon juice. We've created the most delicious Easy Tzatziki Sauce made with sour cream instead of full-fat Greek yogurt.

What do Greeks eat with tzatziki? ›

A platter of salted raw tomatoes and cucumbers becomes an instant salad when topped with tzatziki as a dressing. Bread is smeared with tzatziki and topped with grilled meats or vegetables for a crostini or bruschetta style snack that pairs well with Greek wines, like these Artichoke and Eggplant skewers.

How long does Greek yogurt tzatziki last? ›

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.

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

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.

How long does 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 to cut cucumber for tzatziki? ›

Peel cucumbers and slice into long quarters. Then, using a spoon, remove all the cucumber seeds. Dice the cucumbers. Dice the cucumber and drain with a sieve to remove the excess liquid.

Does Trader Joe's have tzatziki dip? ›

Trader Joe's Avocado Tzatziki is a super dip for veggies or chips. It's perfect for pita. And it's surprisingly scrumptious on salads and in sandwiches.

Is store-bought tzatziki healthy? ›

It's got more protein and fewer calories than hummus or sour cream. You don't have to spend time perfecting homemade tzatziki to gain those health benefits, either, because the best store-bought tzatziki sauces won't compromise quality for taste. There's no reason to!

Does Aldi's have tzatziki sauce? ›

ALDI Park Street Deli Cucumber Dill Tzatziki Dip Same-Day Delivery or Pickup | Instacart.

Is raita similar to tzatziki sauce? ›

Both generally involve some sort of herbaceous element: for tzatziki that means dill, mint, or parsley; cilantro often makes an appearance in raita recipes. Raita is more likely to include a spicy element. (Cumin, cayenne pepper, and ginger are common.)

How is raita different from tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki, though traditionally made with strained sheep's or goat's milk yogurt, often has thick Greek yogurt as a base, per The Mediterranean Dish. On the other hand, raita uses regular yogurt or dahi (also known as Indian yogurt or curd) — depending on the recipe – as the vehicle for aromatic vegetables and spices.

Can I substitute tzatziki for raita? ›

One difference is in the texture of the two sauces. While tzatziki is made with thick Greek yoghurt, raita is often a bit runnier. Raita is also a more versatile sauce with a wide variety of flavours and textures, while tzatziki is less open to interpretation.

What is cucumber raita called? ›

Here in the west a classic cucumber based side dish is tzatziki from Greece. Tzatziki is a delicious dip. However, in this post, I want to shine the spotlight on tzatziki's Indian equivalent: Kheera ka raita (cucumber raita). Both have similar ingredients but the tzatziki tends to be thicker.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 6490

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.