Name: Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 large English cucumber, grated (about 1 1/2 cups packed); 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional); 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cool, creamy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavor, this Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce is the kind of recipe that makes everything on the plate taste fresher. It’s thick enough to cling to crunchy veggies and pita, but light enough to drizzle over grilled meat or spoon onto grain bowls.

If you’ve only ever had store-bought tzatziki, you’re in for a treat. This homemade version uses real Greek yogurt, plenty of grated cucumber, and a generous handful of fresh dill and garlic. You get that classic tangy, garlicky bite with a silky texture that feels restaurant-worthy but takes less than 20 minutes to pull together.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is one of those sauces that pulls double duty as a dip, dressing, and spread—all without feeling heavy. It’s naturally cool and refreshing, which makes it perfect for hot days, game-day snack boards, or any weeknight when dinner just needs a little something extra.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. Keep it on hand to turn simple roasted veggies into a satisfying side, to add creaminess to grilled chicken or salmon, or to make a basic sandwich feel like a café-style gyro. Plus, it’s made with Greek yogurt, so you’re getting protein and probiotics while you snack.

What Makes Tzatziki Sauce Truly Authentic?

Authentic-style tzatziki comes down to a few small but important details. First, you need thick, strained Greek yogurt so the sauce stays rich and doesn’t turn watery. Second, the cucumber has to be salted and squeezed really well—this pulls out excess moisture and concentrates the flavor.

Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil give the sauce its signature punch, while fresh dill (and sometimes mint) brings that soft, herbal lift. Letting the flavors rest together in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is the final key; it transforms a quick mix of ingredients into a well-rounded, restaurant-quality sauce.

Ingredients for the Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Greek yogurt – Thick, full-fat Greek yogurt creates a creamy, velvety base that won’t turn runny. It gives the sauce body and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with lemon and garlic.

Cucumber – Grated cucumber brings that signature cool, juicy freshness. Once it’s salted and squeezed dry, it adds flavor without watering down the yogurt.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is what makes tzatziki so irresistible. It adds warmth and bite, balancing the richness of the yogurt and olive oil.

Extra-virgin olive oil – A drizzle of good olive oil rounds out the texture and adds a fruity, peppery note. It also helps carry all the other flavors through each bite.

Fresh lemon juice – Lemon brightens the sauce, cutting through the creaminess and making it taste extra fresh. It also adds a gentle acidity that keeps the dip lively.

White wine vinegar (optional) – A splash of vinegar deepens the tang and gives the sauce that restaurant-style sharpness, especially if your yogurt is very mild.

Fresh dill – Dill is classic in tzatziki. It adds soft, grassy, almost sweet herbal notes that make the sauce taste unmistakably Mediterranean.

Fresh mint (optional) – Mint isn’t required, but a little adds a cooling, aromatic twist that’s especially lovely with grilled lamb or spicy dishes.

Salt and black pepper – Salt sharpens every flavor and helps draw moisture out of the cucumber, while freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle heat and depth.

How To Make the Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prep and drain the cucumber

Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Sprinkle it lightly with salt and let it sit in a fine-mesh strainer or clean kitchen towel for 10 minutes. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible—this is what keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy.

Step 2: Build the creamy yogurt base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar (if using), and extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and silky. This is where the tangy, garlicky flavor begins.

Step 3: Fold in the cucumber and herbs

Add the well-drained cucumber, chopped dill, and chopped mint to the yogurt base. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined and speckled with green. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Chill for the best flavor

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the garlic, herbs, and lemon to fully infuse the yogurt, giving you a deeper, more balanced flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Before serving, give the sauce a quick stir, then drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and scatter over a few dill sprigs or cucumber slices. Serve it chilled with veggies, pita, or your favorite Mediterranean-style mains.

How to Serve and Store This Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

This batch of tzatziki comfortably serves about 6–8 people as an appetizer or as a generous side sauce for a family dinner. Set it in the center of a platter with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and warm pita wedges for a simple Mediterranean snack board.

Leftovers keep beautifully, too. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it thickens slightly as it chills, just give it a quick stir. If a little liquid separates on top, that’s normal—stir it back in or gently pour it off for an extra-thick dip.

Avoid freezing tzatziki; the yogurt can separate and turn grainy once thawed. For the freshest flavor, make it a few hours before you plan to serve it and keep it chilled until it’s time to eat.

What to Serve With Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce?

Grilled chicken or kebabs

Tzatziki is a natural partner for grilled chicken skewers, kebabs, or simple roasted chicken breasts. Spoon it over the top or use it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Greek-style lamb or beef

Serve it with lamb chops, kofta, or burgers for that classic gyro-inspired combination of rich meat and cool, creamy sauce.

Falafel, veggie patties, or grain bowls

Use tzatziki as a refreshing sauce for falafel, homemade veggie patties, or stuffed into pitas with grains, salad greens, and roasted vegetables.

Roasted or grilled vegetables

Drizzle it over roasted carrots, zucchini, or eggplant, or serve it alongside a tray of grilled summer vegetables for a light but satisfying side.

Pita, flatbreads, and crackers

Keep it simple and set out a bowl of tzatziki with warm pita bread, toasted flatbreads, or crisp crackers for snacking.

Baked potatoes or fries

Swap sour cream for tzatziki on baked potatoes, or use it as a dip for crispy potato wedges or oven fries.

Mediterranean mezze platter

Add it to a platter with olives, hummus, feta, and fresh veggies for an easy mezze-style spread that’s perfect for entertaining.

Want More Dip & Appetizer Ideas?

If this Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce is on repeat in your kitchen, you’ll probably love these other crowd-pleasing dips and starters from Nora Nosh:

Try Creamy Irresistible Crack Dip when you want something rich, cheesy, and addictive for game day.
Make Jalapeno Popper Dip for a spicy, ultra-creamy baked dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
Whip up The Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe for a bright, colorful bean-and-veggie dip that’s perfect for potlucks.
Serve Spicy Sailors Dip when you’re craving something bold and zesty with a little kick.

These easy appetizer recipes are ideal for parties, holidays, or casual snacking nights when you just want something fun on the table.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Love having a go-to dip for parties and weeknight dinners? Save this Easy Authentic Tzatziki Sauce to your favorite Pinterest appetizer or healthy snack board so you can find it any time.

When you make it, come back and tell me how you served it—did you spoon it over grilled chicken, use it as a veggie dip, or tuck it inside a pita wrap? I’m always inspired by the creative ways you turn these recipes into family favorites.

Questions are welcome, too. Drop a comment if you need help adjusting the garlic, making it extra thick, or planning a full Mediterranean-style menu around it.

For even more fresh, flavor-packed dishes and health-boosting drinks, browse my Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest boards and discover your next must-make recipe.