You know those sauces so good you find yourself looking for excuses to put them on everything? Tzatziki is THAT sauce for me. I’ve been known to stand in front of the open fridge, dipping random leftovers into it at midnight like some kind of yogurt-obsessed gremlin. No judgment, please! This cooling, garlicky Greek Tzatziki Herb Sauce is basically Mediterranean magic in a bowl – it somehow manages to be both rich and refreshing at the same time.

Tzatziki has been cooling down Mediterranean meals for centuries – its name comes from the Turkish word “cacık,” though similar yogurt-cucumber sauces exist throughout the Middle East. Making it from scratch is one of those cooking transformations that feels like cheating – it’s so simple yet SO much better than anything you can buy at the store.

The secret is definitely in the cucumber – taking the time to properly drain it keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy rather than watery. And between us? I’ve been known to eat it by the spoonful when no one’s looking. It’s basically a protein-packed snack, right? At least that’s what I tell myself!

Greek Tzatziki Herb Sauce

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Cooling Greek Tzatziki combines creamy yogurt with crisp cucumber, aromatic herbs, and pungent garlic for a refreshing contrast to grilled meats and vegetables.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 Cups 1x
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

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• 1 English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
• 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
• 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

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Instructions

1. Grate cucumber, then place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend

 

Notes

• Makes about 2 cups

This cool, creamy Greek Tzatziki Herb Sauce is traditionally served with grilled meats like souvlaki or gyros, but its uses are virtually endless! It makes an incredible dip for warm pita bread or fresh vegetables, a perfect topping for falafel or roasted eggplant, and even works as a tangy sandwich spread.

For a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner, grill chicken that’s been seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and oregano, then serve with tzatziki, a simple tomato-cucumber salad, and warm pita. It’s fresh, satisfying, and feels like a vacation in Greece without the airfare!

The sauce gets even better after a few hours in the refrigerator as the flavors meld, so it’s perfect for make-ahead meals. It will keep for about 4 days in the refrigerator, though you might notice the garlic flavor gets stronger over time. If you’re making it ahead for company, you might want to go a bit lighter on the garlic initially. If you find your tzatziki separating a bit after storage, just give it a good stir before serving. For an extra-special presentation, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs right before serving.

Has this Greek Tzatziki Herb Sauce become your go-to sauce for weeknight dinners? Or have you discovered an unexpected use for tzatziki that I need to know about immediately? Share your Greek sauce adventures in the comments – I’m always looking for new excuses to eat more of this magical yogurt concoction!