Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Name: Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I prefer full-fat); 3/4 cup grated unpeeled cucumber (about 2 Persian cucumbers*); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, grated or finely chopped; 1/8 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

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A cool and creamy cucumber yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, grated cucumber and fresh herbs.

Also known as tzatziki, this chilled sauce is great with salmon, pita bread, yogurt flatbread, grilled chicken, roasted potatoes and raw veggies.

a bowl of greek yogurt with shredded cucumber and herbs

This lemony yogurt sauce (or dip!) is an easy way to perk up dinner. My favorite time of year for cucumber yogurt sauce is summer, preferably while eating outdoors with a glass of chilled rosé in hand!

Yogurt + grated cucumber makes this sauce both creamy and light. Don't be stingy with the salt and garlic, and add plenty of fresh herbs. I usually add two types of herbs, dill and mint, but this yogurt sauce is also delicious with parsley or basil.

My favorite food to serve with this yogurt sauce is Mediterranean grilled chicken.

For another chilled sauce option, try this similar recipe for Tzatziki with sour cream.

You should also try horseradish aioli, which is a zippy, creamy sauce that has a slightly spicy kick.

Ingredients

Yogurt: Greek yogurt works best for this recipe because it's thick and creamy. Full-fat tastes best. You can use low or non-fat, but it will be tangier and less creamy.

Cucumber: Persian cucumbers have very few seeds and are less watery than other cucumber varieties, which make Persians a great choice for this sauce. You can use other types of cucumbers, but should scoop out the seeds before grating the cucumber.

Lemon: Adds bright, bold flavor

Fresh herbs: Dill and mint are a classic choice, but this sauce can also be made with basil or parsley. Use one type of fresh herb or blend two.

Garlic: One clove adds noticeable flavor, but you can add more if you love garlic. Make sure the garlic is very finely chopped so it blends into the sauce. A garlic press works well.

Salt: Just a pinch brings out the savory flavor of cucumber sauce.

How to Make Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

This sauce is a cinch to make!

Step 1: Use a box grater to grate the cucumber.

grated cucumber added to a bowl of yogurt

Step 2: Mix grated cucumber into Greek yogurt.

grated cucumber, lemon and garlic added to Greek yogurt

Step 3: Add lemon, garlic and salt.

Step 4: Gently mix in fresh herbs, like dill and mint. You can serve the sauce immediately or make it a few hours ahead of time so the flavors blend more.

For exact measurements and instructions, see the recipe card below.

FAQ

Are cucumber yogurt sauce and tzatziki the same thing?

Yes. The only difference is that tzatziki usually adds olive oil. Tzatziki is a sauce that originated from Southeastern Europe and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Can I make tzatziki without cucumber?

Without cucumber, this is just savory yogurt, which actually still tastes pretty great! Make sure to add plenty of fresh herbs and garlic if you're skipping the cucumber. If you're looking for a creamy sauce without cucumber, you might also want to try horseradish aioli.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt works best because the consistency is thick. Regular yogurt will give the sauce a very runny consistency.

Do I have to use dill?

No, you can use any of your favorite fresh herbs. Try mint, parsley or basil.