Discover the secrets to making Homemade Tzatziki, a refreshing Greek yogurt dip perfect for any occasion. Learn how to prepare, serve, and store it with our easy step-by-step guide. Enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors of this classic Mediterranean delight in your own kitchen.

Grant and I embarked on a journey that felt like stepping through the pages of history—our pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan. This adventure came at a magical time, just after we got engaged, weaving a tapestry of experiences with my mom and her friend.
Amidst the mosaic of cultures and cuisines, we discovered that the essence of tzatziki, a staple Greek dip, transcends borders. Variations of this yogurt and cucumber sauce graced many of our meals, highlighting the shared culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and the Middle Eastern cuisine.
But what exactly is tzatziki? For those unacquainted with this delightful dip, tzatziki (pronounced tuh-zee-kee) is a creamy, refreshing blend of yogurt, cucumber, garlic and sometimes, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Its simplicity contradicts its versatility, indicating that despite appearing simple, it's quite versatile.
This yogurt cucumber sauce compliments everything from grilled meats to fresh vegetables. Beyond its role as a condiment, tzatziki invites us to explore the rich tapestry of Greek food and its echoes across the Middle East, serving as a delicious testament to the region's intertwined history and culture.
If your curiosity about tzatziki is more practical, perhaps wondering, "How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?" Here's the quick answer you're looking for: When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover tzatziki can keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. This brief lifespan underscores tzatziki's fresh, preservative-free nature, making it a vibrant addition to your culinary repertoire but one best enjoyed within a few days of preparation.
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Why You Will Love This Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Healthy and Fresh: This tzatziki recipe champions simplicity, using only the freshest ingredients to create a dip that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make: Say goodbye to store-bought tzatziki sauce and hello to homemade excellence. Our easy recipe is not only superior in taste but also incredibly quick to whip up, making it a delicious and healthy addition to almost any meal.
- Versatile: Whether you're dressing a salad, spreading it on a sandwich, dipping your favorite veggies or drizzling over grilled meats, this tzatziki serves as the perfect dip, sauce, condiment, or salad dressing. Its adaptability makes it a must-have in your culinary arsenal.
Ingredients
- English Cucumbers: The star of the show, English cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and acts as the base for our tzatziki. Its high water content is balanced by salt to draw out moisture, ensuring a thick, creamy dip.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient, salt not only seasons the tzatziki but also helps draw moisture out of the cucumber, preventing a watery sauce.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: The backbone of tzatziki, Greek yogurt lends a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making the sauce both rich and refreshing.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a punch of flavor, introducing a slightly spicy and aromatic quality that elevates the tzatziki to new heights.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brings a bright, citrusy note, cutting through the creaminess of the yogurt and balancing the sauce's flavors.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil contributes a smooth, rich mouthfeel and a hint of fruity undertones, enriching the tzatziki's complexity.
- Fresh Dill or Mint: Fresh herbs like dill or mint offer a burst of freshness, adding a layer of depth with their distinct, vibrant flavors.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A final seasoning of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice, perfectly rounding out the tzatziki's taste profile.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Easy Tzatziki Recipe
Prepare the Cucumber
- Trim and cut the cucumber in half lengthways. Scoop out the seeds using a teaspoon.
- Use a box grater to coarsely grate the cucumber.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over the grated cucumber, toss together and set aside for a couple minutes. (The salt will help to draw out some of the moisture.)
- Scoop the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth (or a clean tea towel) and squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. (Please don’t skip this step, otherwise you will be left with a watery tzatziki.)
Make the Tzatziki
- Mix together the grated cucumber, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and fresh herbs in a medium sized bowl.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Cool and Allow the Flavors to Develop
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
- When ready to serve, give your tzatziki a good stir and scoop into a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil, garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm pita and your favorite fresh veggies.
Chef’s Tips
- Strain Your Yogurt: For an even thicker consistency, consider straining your plain Greek yogurt in a sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours, or overnight. This step, while not required for our recipe, can enhance the texture, ensuring your tzatziki has the best flavor and consistency.
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve a creamier, richer tzatziki. The extra fat content contributes to the dip's luxurious texture and depth of flavor, making it far more satisfying.
- Grate Your Cucumber by Hand: While a food processor might seem convenient, grating your cucumber by hand with a box grater provides the best texture. This method allows for more control over the consistency, ensuring your tzatziki isn't burdened with excess water.
- Strain the Cucumber Thoroughly: After grating, ensure to sprinkle salt over the cucumber and let it sit to draw out the excess moisture. Then, squeeze the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to remove as much water as possible. Skipping this step can result in a watery tzatziki, diluting the flavors.
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or mint is not just an optional add-in; it's a game-changer for your tzatziki. These herbs add a burst of freshness and elevate the overall taste, contributing to a more authentic and vibrant dip.
Substitutions or Additional Add Ins
- Lemon Juice Substitute: If you find yourself out of lemons, white vinegar or red wine vinegar can serve as a suitable substitute. These vinegars offer a similar tangy kick, ensuring your tzatziki maintains its signature zest.
- Dried Dill or Mint: If fresh herbs aren't available, don't hesitate to use dried dill or mint as a substitute. While the flavor intensity varies between fresh and dried, they still impart the essential herby taste tzatziki is known for. For an adventurous twist, sprinkle in some za'atar, adding a Middle Eastern flair that complements the dip's Mediterranean roots.
- Add Sour Cream: Mixing in sour cream with your Greek yogurt can introduce a richer, creamier texture to your tzatziki. This combination enhances the dip's body, offering a slightly different but equally delightful tangy flavor.
- Make It Vegan: For a vegan-friendly version, opt for plant-based yogurt alternatives. There are several options available that mimic the texture and tanginess of traditional Greek yogurt, ensuring your tzatziki remains a crowd-pleaser, regardless of dietary preferences.
What To Serve With This Homemade Tzatziki Recipe
- Appetizer Ideas: Elevate your starter game by serving tzatziki as part of a Mezze platter, accompanied by tabbouleh, warm pita bread, pita chips, hummus, olives, and stuffed grape leaves. This delicious dip adds a refreshing and flavorful start to any meal. For a lighter option, serve tzatziki with a crudité platter featuring fresh vegetables like carrots, baby tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, and radishes for dipping.
- Falafel: Transform your falafel experience by adding this delicious tzatziki as a sauce in bowls, gyros, burgers, or sandwiches. The creamy sauce complements the crispy falafel, enhancing its flavors and adding a moist texture.
- Salads and Grain Bowls: A dollop of tzatziki or a version thinned down with a little water can serve as a unique, creamy salad dressing, adding a tangy twist to salads and grain bowls.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Pair tzatziki with Greek lemon potatoes, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, fries, or Briam (Greek roasted vegetables). Its cool, creamy texture is a perfect complement to the rich flavors of roasted or grilled veggies.
- Sandwiches, Wraps, and Burgers: Spread tzatziki on pita sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for an added layer of flavor. This creamy sauce elevates simple sandwiches to new culinary heights.
- Grilled or Roasted Meat: Tzatziki is a match made in heaven for roasted lamb, pork, chicken, meatball souvlaki, Koftas, or Greek chicken kebabs. The sauce's coolness contrasts beautifully with the warmth of grilled or roasted meats.
- Fish and Seafood: Whether it's grilled, baked, or seared salmon, white fish, shrimp or calamari, tzatziki acts as a refreshing, creamy sauce that complements the delicate flavors of fish and seafood beautifully.
Storage instructions
Fridge: Ensure your leftover tzatziki dip stays fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir to mix any separated liquids back into the creamy base.
Not Freezer Friendly: Freezing tzatziki is not recommended. Due to its high dairy and water content, freezing can cause the yogurt to separate or curdle and the cucumber to become watery, leading to a significant texture and flavor loss upon thawing.
FAQ
A: Leftover homemade tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorful during this time. Always give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated liquids.
Making your own Homemade Tzatziki is a delightful way to bring a piece of the Mediterranean to your table. This guide has provided you with the steps to prepare a Greek yogurt dip that's both nutritious and full of flavor, perfect for dipping, spreading, and dressing up your favorite dishes. It's a simple pleasure that promises to add a fresh twist to your meals.
We encourage you to dive into this recipe for homemade tzatziki and share your culinary adventures with us. Let's continue to discover the vibrant tastes of Mediterranean cuisine together. Don’t forget to experiment, enjoy, and spread the love of food.
PrintHomemade Tzatziki (how long does it last in the fridge)
- Total Time: 10 - 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 - 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the secrets to making Homemade Tzatziki, a refreshing Greek yogurt dip perfect for any occasion. Learn how to prepare, serve, and store it with our easy step-by-step guide. Enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors of this classic Mediterranean delight in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
1 medium sized English Cucumber, grated
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt
1 - 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
½ Lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A small handful of Fresh Dill or Mint, finely chopped
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumber - Trim and cut the cucumber in half lengthways. Scoop out the seeds using a teaspoon. Use a box grater to coarsely grate the cucumber. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over the grated cucumber, toss together and set aside for a couple minutes. (The salt will help to draw out some of the moisture.) Scoop the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth (or a clean tea towel) and squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. (Please don’t skip this step, otherwise you will be left with a watery tzatziki.)
2. Make the Tzatziki - Mix together the grated cucumber, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and fresh herbs in a medium sized bowl. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
3. Cool and Allow the Flavors to Develop - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
4. Serve and Enjoy - When ready to serve, give your tzatziki a good stir and scoop into a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil, garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm pita and your favorite veggies.
Notes
Storage: Fridge - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 - 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 - 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 422.1 mg
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.1 g
- Protein: 8.9 g
- Cholesterol: 12.4 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
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