Creamy Yogurt Sauce with Garlic, Cucumber, & Herbs
Creamy, tangy, and refreshingly herbaceous, homemade tzatziki is one of those versatile sauces that instantly elevates everything it touches. Whether you’re spooning it onto grilled meats, tucking it into wraps, or using it as a dip for fresh vegetables or pita chips, this Greek classic is a must-have for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Best of all, it comes together in minutes with just a handful of fresh ingredients and tastes even better after a little time in the fridge. You’ll never be satisfied with store-bought again!
If you love the flavors in this Greek yogurt sauce but are looking for more of a salad dressing, definitely check out my creamy Greek yogurt and garlic dressing!
Expert Tips For Perfect Results
- Drain your cucumber: For the creamiest consistency, squeeze excess moisture out of the cucumber after grating.
- Grate the garlic: Grating garlic (versus chopping) ensures it evenly distributes throughout, avoiding any overwhelming bites.
- Chill before serving: Allowing your tzatziki to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors beautifully.
Endless Ways To Enjoy
This creamy garlic yogurt sauce is wonderfully versatile. Try it alongside grilled lamb burgers, chicken kebabs, or use it as a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip for warm pita bread and crisp veggies. It’s also fantastic dolloped on gyros, lamb of any kind, or drizzled over roasted vegetables for a quick, flavorful boost.
Personally, I find it a little thick to spoon onto salads, but if you’re looking for a creamy yogurt-based dressing that is full of flavor, you might enjoy my jalapeño and Greek yogurt salad dressing.
Plan Ahead
Traditional tzatziki can easily be prepared ahead of time—it’s even better after flavors meld overnight. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and consistency. It’ll keep for up to 4 days.
I’m not a fan of freezing cream-based sauces (the texture doesn’t hold up well when thawed), so I’d recommend you enjoy this one fresh.
Whether you’re prepping for a cookout, hosting mezze night, or just looking for a quick, flavor-packed dip to keep on hand, this light and herby tzatziki sauce is the kind of staple you’ll turn to again and again. It’s simple, fresh, and honestly better than anything store-bought.
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Homemade Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Sauce)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt
- 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest, from ½ medium lemon
- 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup cucumber, minced
- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the tzatziki. Combine all sauce ingredients in a large bowl, then whisk to combine. Taste, adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and consistency for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
Nutrition
Photography by Katilin.
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