• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Pantry/Kitchen Basics

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

5
/5
1 hour 10 minutes
7 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 08/02/2021

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

This cool and creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is perfect on all kinds of grilled meats, but also with spiced toasted pita wedges and crunchy fresh vegetables! #tzatziki #greek #sauce #yogurt
This cool and creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is perfect on all kinds of grilled meats, but also with spiced toasted pita wedges and crunchy fresh vegetables! #tzatziki #greek #sauce #yogurt
This cool and creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is perfect on all kinds of grilled meats, but also with spiced toasted pita wedges and crunchy fresh vegetables! #tzatziki #greek #sauce #yogurt

This cool and creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is perfect on all kinds of grilled meats, but also with spiced toasted pita wedges and crunchy fresh vegetables!

This is part of a series of recipes here on the site that I’m calling “Back to Basics“.  In this series you’ll find recipes that are common building blocks for beginner cooks, as well as homemade versions of pantry/store-bought staples, such as cream of mushroom soup, cocktail sauce, garlic bread, etc.  With easy to follow instructions, detailed notes, and step by step photos, you’ll be on your way to being a master in your kitchen in no time! 

spoonful of tzatziki sauce
Pin this recipe for later!

If you’ve ever had a gyro and wondered what that amazing cool and creamy sauce was… it was tzatziki!

Luckily, it’s really easy to make yourself, using simple, easy to find ingredients. And it stores well for about 4 days, so you can enjoy it almost all week long.

Tzatziki is ultra creamy, tangy, herby and cool. Not only is it fabulous on meats, like grilled chicken, but I like to use it as a dip for vegetables and pita chips.

It’s also great as a spread for sandwiches. Talk about versatile!

How to make homemade tzatziki sauce?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

step by step how to make tzatziki sauce
  1. Strain yogurt. This makes for a thicker sauce, but isn’t 100% required, as long as you don’t mind a thinner sauce.
  2. Salt and drain cucumber. This adds flavor, but also draws the excess moisture out, so you don’t end up with a watery sauce.
  3. Stir to combine. Once everything is strained, mix it all together in a bowl.
  4. Chill. This allows all the flavors to really come together.
  5. Make pita wedges. This is optional, but one of my favorite ways to enjoy tzatziki, so I’ve included my recipe and directions for that below as well.

Helpful Tip!

I really recommend using a seedless or English cucumber for this recipe. The skin is thinner, less bitter, and the seeds (if any) are also much more digestible. Straining the cucumber is also pretty important; I don’t recommend skipping it. Otherwise the cucumber can weep liquid into the sauce over time.

dipping pita wedge into tzatziki sauce

Variations of this recipe

  • Sour cream – if you’re not a fan of greek yogurt, you can make this using full fat sour cream. I found lower fat or fat free sour cream required more straining since there was more liquid.
  • Dried herbs – I really prefer the taste of fresh dill in this sauce, but if you don’t have any or can’t find any, dried dill weed will work in a pinch. I would use about half of the amount, since dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
  • Shredded – instead of dicing the cucumber, you can shred it on a box grater.
  • Peeled – if you don’t like cucumber skin, feel free to peel it before dicing and using in the recipe.
  • Non-strained – if you don’t have time to strain the yogurt, you can skip that step, but try to pour out as much of the liquid from the container as possible. Otherwise you’ll end up with a watery, sloppy tzatziki.
spoon in a bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce

FAQ’s

What does tzatziki sauce taste like?

This classic sauce tastes creamy, tangy, herby, and a little garlicky.

What do you use tzatziki sauce on?

Probably the most popular way to use tzatziki sauce is on a gyro, but it’s great on all kinds of grilled meats! I also like to use it as a dipping sauce for pita chips, fresh veggies, or as a spread on a sandwich.

Is this sauce authentic?

I make zero claims when it comes to this recipe’s authenticity, this is just my way of making tzatziki.

Making tzatziki sauce ahead of time

By nature, this recipe is a make ahead recipe since it needs to chill for about an hour.

But it can be chilled ahead longer than that, just don’t go longer than 3-4 days.

tzatziki on pita wedge

Storage

Tzatziki sauce should be refrigerated in an airtight container and eaten within about 4 days.

Other Greek-Inspired Recipes:

greek lemon chicken and rice skillet
One Pan Lemon Greek Chicken and Rice
forkful of spinach and feta turkey meatball
Feta and Spinach Turkey Meatballs
roasted greek potatoes
Crispy Greek Roasted Potatoes
big greek salad in white bowl
Classic Greek Salad
mixing bowls

My Favorite Mixing Bowls!

I love these mixing bowls for two main reasons: the non-slip bottoms make mixing easier, and the airtight lids mean you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container to refrigerate!

Get on amazon

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

spoonful of tzatziki sauce

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

5 from 7 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 86
Servings: 8 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This cool and creamy Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is perfect on all kinds of grilled meats, but also with spiced toasted pita wedges and crunchy fresh vegetables!

Ingredients

Tzatziki Sauce

  • 2 cups full fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 seedless or English cucumber minced
  • 2 cloves garlic very finely minced
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh is best
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
  • extra cucumber and herbs for garnish (optional)

Spiced Toasted Pita Wedges (for dipping – optional)

  • 5 slices pita bread
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • pinch of dried oregano
  • pinch of ground sumac or smoked paprika

Instructions

  • Add yogurt to a large piece of cheesecloth, and place over a colander set inside a bowl for about 30-45 minutes.  Keep refrigerated while it’s draining.  This ensures a thicker sauce. *if you don't have a cheesecloth, add the yogurt to a fine mesh sieve*
  • Add minced cucumbers to a mesh sieve placed over a bowl, and sprinkle with 1 tsp of the salt.  Stir and let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Fold a paper towel in half and press down gently but fairly firmly on the cucumbers, to get out as much liquid as possible.  This ensures you don’t have a watered down sauce.
  • To a mixing bowl, add yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, olive oil, black pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp salt.  Stir well to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but sauce will keep for about 4 days.
  • While the sauce is chilling, slice each slice of pita bread into 6 triangles.  Arrange on a baking sheet.  Preheat oven to 350°F.  Brush each triangle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sumac and oregano to taste. 
  • Bake for 6-8 minutes, until pita is crisp at the edges.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  1. Recipe makes about 2 – 2 1/2 cups.  I estimated about 1/4 cup per person, giving you about 8-10 servings.  Of course, the exact amount per person is completely up to you.
  2. I buy my cheesecloth from amazon, but you can find it in grocery stores as well.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!

You May Also Like...

  • This easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce is made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in about 15 minutes! Once you try homemade, you won't ever want to buy enchilada sauce again. #enchiladasauce #enchiladas #homemade #pantryrecipe #mexican
    Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
  • Making your own Homemade Cocktail Sauce is SO easy. Just mix together and chill, and you'll have the best-tasting zesty cocktail sauce you've ever had!#cocktailsauce #sauce #shrimpcocktail #shrimp #homemaderecipe #easyrecipe
    Homemade Cocktail Sauce
  • This recipe for Homemade Marinara Sauce is ready in about 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and is freezer friendly. So much better than anything from a jar, it's perfect on pasta, as a dipping sauce, and more! #marinara #italian #homemade #pastasauce
    Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
  • This easy Balsamic BBQ Sauce uses a handful of ingredients, and has a beautifully tangy/sweet/savory flavor combination! Perfect for slathering on grilled meats, vegetables, burgers, or as a dipping sauce! #bbqsauce #barbecue #balsamic
    Balsamic BBQ Sauce
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Sandra says

    Posted on 8/5 at 7:43 pm

    This is now a staple sauce at my house! It was so good!

    Reply
  2. Krystle says

    Posted on 8/4 at 11:01 pm

    This is amazing. We love using it on gyros!

    Reply
  3. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says

    Posted on 8/4 at 4:17 pm

    This Homemade Tzatziki Sauce looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!

    Reply
  4. Beth says

    Posted on 8/4 at 2:17 pm

    I love this sauce! Perfect for our gathering today for my birthday and everyone is just going to love this recipe! Very excited to share this recipe!

    Reply
  5. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says

    Posted on 8/4 at 10:11 am

    Oh my, this looks incredibly delicious!! My favorite sauce!!

    Reply
  6. katerina @ diethood.com says

    Posted on 8/4 at 10:10 am

    YUM! This looks like an amazing sauce! I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  7. Erik says

    Posted on 8/3 at 6:08 pm

    Love to pair this with some pita bread. Yum!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2023 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top