Creamy, tangy, and packed with briny Mediterranean olives, this homemade tzatziki is the perfect dip, sauce, or spread for any occasion. Made with thick Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a splash of red wine vinegar, this tzatziki sauce balances bright flavors with a rich, creamy texture. Whether you’re serving it with pita, drizzling it over grilled meats, or using it as a veggie dip, this easy Mediterranean olive tzatziki will quickly become a go-to favorite!

Last Updated February 22nd, 2025.

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Why You’ll Love this Greek Yogurt Dip:

Packed with Flavor: The blend of Mediterranean olives, fresh dill, and garlic gives this tzatziki dip a unique twist, brimming with savory, tangy, and herbal notes—perfect for elevating any meal or snack.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, cucumber, and red wine vinegar, you can whip up this easy tzatziki recipe in minutes. It’s a quick, healthy addition to any dish without much prep.
Versatile: This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh vegetables, or pita bread. It’s a perfect Mediterranean dip, spread, or sauce for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home.
Healthy & Refreshing: With the creaminess of Greek yogurt and the freshness of cucumber, this dip is light yet satisfying. It’s full of probiotics, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!

chopped mediterranean olives and dill for homemade tzatziki

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:

Greek yogurt:
- Rich and creamy, Greek yogurt provides a thick base for this olive tzatziki dip that’s both tangy and smooth. It’s also full of probiotics, adding a boost of gut-friendly benefits.
Mediterranean olives (chopped):
- Adds a salty, briny depth with a medley of flavors, enhancing the dip with that classic Mediterranean taste. Choose a blend with Kalamata olives or a similar variety for the best result.
Olive oil:
- Adds richness and a smooth texture while contributing healthy fats. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for maximum flavor.
Fresh dill:
- Offers a burst of herbal freshness with a subtle aniseed-like flavor, perfect for brightening up the dip.
Cucumber:
- Grated cucumber brings a refreshing, hydrating crunch to the creamy tzatziki sauce, balancing the richness of the yogurt and olive oil.
Garlic:
- Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor with a bit of bite, giving the homemade tzatziki its signature savory taste.
Red wine vinegar:
- Provides a tangy, slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the yogurt and oil, giving the dip a refreshing, zesty finish.

gluten free greek yogurt sauce with olives

Dietary Restriction & Allergy Friendly Substitutions:

To make gluten-free:
- This tzatziki recipe is naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to pair it with gluten-free pita (such as BFree Food’s Gluten-Free Stone Baked Pita Breads) , crackers, or fresh veggies.
To make dairy-free:
- Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt. Make sure to choose an unsweetened version to keep the flavor balance intact.
To make nut-free:
- If you’re using a dairy-free yogurt like almond-based, opt for one that is nut-free, such as coconut yogurt, to avoid allergens.
To make vegan:
- Use a plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy yogurt) and ensure the olive oil is pure (some flavored oils may contain additives). This will keep it plant-based while maintaining the creamy texture.
To make low-FODMAP:
- Use a lactose-free Greek yogurt and replace the garlic with garlic-infused olive oil (which removes the FODMAP content but retains the flavor) for a digestion-friendly tzatziki.
To Make Vegan:
- Use an unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative. For a more decadent version of vegan tzatziki, blend in a few spoonfuls of cashew cream for a richer, creamier texture.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño to the tzatziki. It will add a flavorful kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Herb Variations: While dill is herb used in most traditional tzatziki recipes, you can experiment with other herbs like mint or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Olive Variety: For a more tangy flavor, try using green olives instead of Mediterranean varieties. Manzanilla olives also bring a nice sharpness to the dip.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: If you’re out of Greek yogurt, you can substitute with strained yogurt or even skyr (Icelandic yogurt) for a similar creamy texture.
Add Lemon Zest: For extra brightness, add a little lemon zest to the tzatziki. It enhances the freshness and complements the richness of the yogurt.
Add Roasted Red Pepper: Try blending in some roasted red pepper for a smoky variation. It adds both color and a sweet depth of flavor to the tzatziki.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

For the Best Texture:
- After grating the cucumber, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is key to keeping the homemade tzatziki creamy and preventing it from becoming watery. A cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel works great for this!
For Depth of Flavor:
- For the most flavorful tzatziki, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld, allowing the flavors to develop and become more pronounced.
For Extra Freshness:
- Want a stronger cucumber crunch? Add finely diced fresh cucumber along with the grated version for added texture and a refreshing bite.
Choose Your Favorite Olives:
- Mediterranean olives come in a variety of types, including Kalamata, green, or even a blend of both. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite salty, briny flavor that enhances the dip.
How to Serve:
- This easy tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, or flatbreads like pita. It’s also a fantastic topping for roasted potatoes or a delicious salad dressing.
Make-Ahead:
- The tzatziki can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Perfect for meal prep!

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce FAQ’s:

Can I make tzatziki ahead of time?
- Yes! In fact, tzatziki sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Note that separation is normal and can be fixed with a quick stir!
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
- While Greek yogurt provides the best texture and richness for this Mediterranean sauce, you can use regular yogurt. However, your sauce may be slightly thinner, so be sure to strain it if needed to achieve a thicker consistency.
What can I substitute for the olives?
- If you don’t have Mediterranean olives on hand, you can skip them or replace them with chopped cucumbers for a fresher taste. Kalamata olives give a salty, briny depth, but you could also use green olives or another briny variety.
How do I make tzatziki spicier?
- If you like a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers or jalapenos. This will give the homemade tzatziki a vibrant heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make tzatziki without cucumber?
- While cucumber is a traditional and important ingredient in traditional tzatziki, if you don’t have any or cucumber isn’t your thing, you could try substituting it with finely diced zucchini or another mild, hydrating vegetable to maintain the crunchy texture. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the sauce thick.
How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
- Tzatziki can last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. After this, the freshness may begin to fade, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Can I freeze tzatziki sauce?
- Freezing tzatziki isn’t recommended, as it can affect the texture and consistency of the yogurt and cucumber. The sauce may become watery upon thawing and lose its creamy consistency.

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