Barefoot Contessa Easy Tzatziki is made with Greek yogurt, hothouse cucumber, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and garlic. This recipe creates a creamy, tangy cucumber-yogurt sauce that’s ready in minutes. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and makes 3 cups.
Barefoot Contessa Easy Tzatziki Ingredients
- 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled and seeded
- 2 (7-ounce) containers Greek yogurt, such as Fage Total
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Easy Tzatziki
- Grate the Cucumber: Grate the unpeeled, seeded cucumber using a box grater.
- Squeeze Out Liquid: Use your hands to squeeze out most, but not all, of the liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix grated cucumber with yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, and garlic.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature. Refrigerate if making ahead.

Recipe Tips
- Use Greek Yogurt: It’s already strained and gives the tzatziki a rich texture.
- Don’t Over-Squeeze: Leave some moisture in the cucumber for freshness.
- Chill for Flavor: Let it sit in the fridge for an hour to deepen the taste.
- Fresh Dill Matters: Use fresh dill for the best flavor—dried won’t be the same.
- Versatile Sauce: Use as a dip, sandwich spread, or sauce for meats.
What To Serve With Tzatziki
This refreshing dip pairs perfectly with pita bread, lamb, grilled chicken, falafel, or raw vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. It’s also great as a topping for gyros or grain bowls.
How To Store Tzatziki
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Not recommended—freezing alters the texture and flavor of the yogurt.
Tzatziki Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 45 (per ¼ cup serving)
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 170mg
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
Greek yogurt is best for texture, but you can use regular yogurt if you drain it overnight.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
No, leave it unpeeled for extra texture and color.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based yogurt and sour cream alternatives.
Is tzatziki gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Can I add mint instead of dill?
Yes, mint offers a refreshing twist on the classic recipe.
Try More Recipes:
- Barefoot Contessa Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy With Onions & Sage
- Ina Garten Pesto Recipe
- Ina Garten Roquefort Chive Sauce
Barefoot Contessa Easy Tzatziki
Description
A quick and creamy Greek-style cucumber yogurt sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater.
- Squeeze out most of the liquid by hand.
- In a medium bowl, combine cucumber with yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, and garlic.
- Season with 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Serve cold or at room temperature. Refrigerate if making ahead.
