Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (with Fresh Herbs & Yogurt)

Tzatziki is a creamy, refreshing Greek yogurt sauce made with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a dip, spread, or gyro topping, my easy tzatziki sauce recipe is light, tangy, and ready in minutes.

Table of Contents

• Why Tzatziki Is Always in My Fridge
• Why I Love This Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
• Ingredients for My Greek Tzatziki
• Substitutions & Variations
• How to Make Tzatziki Sauce
• How to Store & Make Ahead
• How to Use Tzatziki Sauce
• Final Thoughts
• Connect With Me

Why Tzatziki Is Always in My Fridge

Tzatziki sauce is a staple in my kitchen, especially in the warmer months. It’s fresh, creamy, and incredibly versatile. Whether I’m hosting a backyard BBQ, prepping mezze platters for a summer gathering, or simply looking for a quick, flavorful sauce to dollop on grilled vegetables or pita bread, my homemade tzatziki always delivers.

As someone who loves developing elevated but approachable recipes, tzatziki checks every box: minimal ingredients, packed with flavor, and rooted in the Mediterranean diet. If you’ve only had store-bought, you’re in for a real treat. This homemade version is brighter, fresher, and far more customizable.

Why I Love This Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

This tzatziki sauce recipe is my go-to for a few key reasons:

• It uses Persian cucumbers, which are crisp and low in moisture (more on that below).
• The texture is rich and creamy thanks to plain Greek yogurt.
• Fresh herbs like dill and mint give it that signature Mediterranean brightness.
• It pairs with almost everything, from gyros and burgers to grilled veggies and falafel.

This is the kind of condiment that makes your everyday meals feel special without a lot of effort.

Ingredients for My Greek Tzatziki

• ½ cup grated Persian cucumber (no need to peel)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

Ingredient Notes

• Why Persian cucumbers? I prefer them over English cucumbers because they’re crisp, subtly sweet, and contain less water. That means less draining and more flavor. If using a regular cucumber, be sure to peel and salt it to remove excess moisture.
• Use full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture.
• Fresh garlic gives a bold punch. Be sure to grate it finely using a microplane to ensures it blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Both fresh dill and mint add brightness. Don’t skip them! They’re what makes this tzatziki truly shine.

Substitutions & Variations

• No fresh mint? Use more dill or try parsley for a different twist.
• Don’t love garlic? Use just one clove or roast it beforehand for a milder flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a thick coconut-based yogurt.
• Want to get fancy? Add a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few kalamata olives for presentation.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the grated cucumber, chopped dill, and mint until everything is well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld.

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
• It may separate slightly, just give it a good stir before serving.
• Great for meal prep! Make it at the beginning of the week and use it on sandwiches, bowls, wraps, or grilled meats.

How to Use Tzatziki Sauce

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this creamy, herby sauce:

• Spread it in a pita wrap with grilled chicken or lamb
• Serve it as a dip with veggies or warm pita bread
• Add a dollop to Mediterranean grain bowls or Greek burgers
• Spoon over roasted potatoes or grilled eggplant
• Use as a fresh topping for falafel or kebabs

Final Thoughts

This homemade tzatziki sauce recipe is the kind of go-to staple that elevates everything it touches. It’s creamy, herby, tangy, and packed with flavor from fresh lemon juice, garlic, and those signature Mediterranean herbs. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or spooning it onto your favorite wrap, it’s a fresh, healthy, and incredibly easy recipe you’ll turn to all year long.

Connect With Me

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!