Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (10 Minutes!)

I love using tzatziki to add something special to even the simplest dishes, from grilled chicken or beef kofta to grain bowls, tomato avocado zucchini salad, a plate of crisp veggies, or even potato wedges. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together in no time, and your guests will never know!

This version stays true to the classic Greek flavors but leaves plenty of room for creativity. Whether you love extra garlic, skip the mint, or make it dairy-free, this tzatziki sauce recipe is easy to customize to fit your taste. Just don’t skip the cucumber squeeze! It’s my secret to a thick, creamy sauce that doesn’t turn watery.

This homemade tzatziki sauce is one of those simple condiments that instantly elevates any meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Fresh Flavor: The combo of yogurt, garlic, lemon, and herbs is creamy, tangy, refreshing, and completely irresistible.
• Quick + Easy: With just a bit of grating and mixing, you can have a delicious sauce ready to use in 10 minutes flat.
• Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients, this homemade tzatziki sauce sneaks in nutrients and is naturally low in carbs.
• Versatile: Use it as a dip, spread, sauce, or dressing!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld.

Given that the ingredient list for this tzatziki sauce recipe is short and sweet, the quality of the ingredients you choose really matters!

• Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are best, because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin than other varieties. Be sure to squeeze out the excess water to avoid a watery sauce!
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain, whole-milk Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and richest taste.
• Garlic: Buy whole garlic cloves, and grate them yourself for the best flavor. Garlic intensifies as it sits. So, I recommend starting with one clove and adding more as needed.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! This acidity adds brightness to the sauce, balancing some of the richness. Greek yogurt varies in tartness. So, begin with a little lemon juice, and add more as necessary.
• Fresh Dill + Mint: Dill is classic in any tzatziki sauce recipe and is a must-have, in my opinion. That said, mint is optional but adds extra freshness.
• Olive Oil (Optional): A drizzle on top adds richness and looks beautiful when serving.

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Personally, I love the simplicity of this homemade tzatziki sauce recipe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up! Make this sauce your own with a few simple swaps:

• Dairy-Free: Use a thick, unsweetened Greek-style almond milk yogurt like Kite Hill, COYO, or a plain cashew milk yogurt such as Forager. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be tasty! 
• Herb Swap: Skip the mint if you’re not a fan, or try parsley instead. Or, if you can’t find fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill and mint instead.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream for added richness.
• More Tang: Add extra lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar.
• Spicy: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Different Cucumber: If you can’t find Persian cucumbers, use English cucumbers instead. Just avoid hothouse cucumbers. Their waxy, thick skin makes them unpleasant to chew on when added to this sauce.