Easy Tzatziki Sauce
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There’s something extra creamy and comforting about using sour cream in tzatziki — and honestly, I might like it even more than the traditional yogurt version. This Sour Cream Tzatziki Sauce is cool, tangy, and full of fresh flavor from shredded cucumber, garlic, dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
It comes together in minutes and goes with just about everything — pita chips, raw veggies, grilled chicken, salmon, gyros… you name it. We make it on repeat around here, and it disappears fast.
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When I first tested this recipe, I started with Greek yogurt since that’s the traditional base. But after a taste test, I just wasn’t loving it. (I’ll be honest — I’ve never been a big yogurt fan.) My husband wasn’t sold either, so I swapped in sour cream for the next round — and I was hooked! It turned out super creamy with just the right tang.
I’ve been serving this sour cream version for years now, and my friends always rave about how fresh and delicious it is. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy, but comes together in just a few minutes.
Plus, I almost always have sour cream in the fridge, but rarely yogurt. And I love that I can grab fresh herbs and cucumbers straight from our little garden. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor — just the way I like it.
Simple Ingredients
Recipe Notes
- Sour Cream – I use full-fat for the creamiest texture, but Greek yogurt works here too if that’s what you have.
- Fresh Dill – Use fresh if you can, but dried works too! (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh)
- English Cucumber – No peeling needed. Just shred and squeeze out the moisture.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon really brightens up the sauce. You can swap in vinegar if you need to.
- Garlic – Start with one clove and add more if you’re into that garlicky kick.
A full list of ingredients is in the recipe card below.
How to make Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
Prepare the cucumber: Using a box grater, shred an English cucumber until you have 3/4 cup of cucumber. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze all of the water from the cucumber.
Pro Tip – Use a fine mesh strainer to get rid of excess liquid.
Add everything to a food processor: Add sour cream, shredded cucumber, garlic, fresh dill, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil.
Mix: Pulse until everything is mixed.
Chill and Serve: Let the tzatziki sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can come together. Then grab the pita chips and dig in!
Tips for the Best Tzatziki Sauce
- You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if that’s what you have on hand, it’ll still be thick, tangy, and delicious.
- Squeeze out as much water from the cucumber as possible. This keeps the sauce from turning watery. A paper towel, cheesecloth, or clean dish towel all work great for this step.
- A food processor makes mixing a breeze, but you can also just stir it all together in a bowl — no special equipment required.
What to Serve with this Easy Sour Cream Dip
Tzatziki is one of those sauces that somehow goes with everything. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Grilled Salmon – The creamy, herby flavor of the sauce is so good with salmon or just about any grilled fish.
- Fresh Veggies – Keep it simple with crunchy raw veggies like celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and baby carrots. Perfect for snacking!
- Pita Chips or Warm Pita Bread – You can’t go wrong here. Scoop, dip, repeat.
- Gyros – The classic combo! Pita, meat, lettuce, tomato, red onion… and a big spoonful of tzatziki to pull it all together.
- Greek Meatballs – Serve as an appetizer or main dish with tzatziki on the side for dipping.
- Shawarma – If you’re making chicken or beef shawarma, this sauce is the perfect cool contrast to all those bold spices.
- Fries or Tots – Don’t knock it ’til you try it. Tzatziki as a fry dip is next-level good.
- Salad Dressing – Thin it out with a little lemon juice or water and drizzle it over your favorite greens.
FAQ
Yes! Use 1 tsp dried for every 1 tbsp fresh.
Yes, this sour cream version is naturally low-carb.
If you’re using English cucumber, it’s optional — the skin is thin and mild.
More Homemade Sauces I Love
Recipe
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10-Minute Easy Tzatziki Sauce
Equipment
- Food Processor optional
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Shredded Cucumber
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2-3 Tablespoon Fresh Dill
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Using a box grated, shred an English cucumber until you have 3/4 cup of cucumber. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or cheese cloth and squeeze all of the water from the cucumber. You may need to do this a couple times to get rid of any excess moisture.¾ cup Shredded Cucumber
- Add everything to a food processor: To the bowl of a food processor add sour cream, shredded cucumber, fresh dill, salt, black pepper, lemon juice and olive oil.1 cup Sour Cream, 2-3 Tablespoon Fresh Dill, 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Mix: Pulse until everything is mixed.
- Serve: Add sauce to a serving bowl.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Notes
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store your tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days — just give it a quick stir before serving.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing tzatziki. The sour cream tends to separate once thawed, and the texture gets watery.
I love this dip with Salmon and cucumbers. Thanks for the tip on other things to serve it with! So helpful. I’ll try it with fries.
I love how fresh this sauce tastes – like spring/summer. Made with yogurt is my favorite and more traditional – less guilt inducing than other sauces. YUM!
So easy yummy!
Made this with Salmon – turned out super ! Thank you !!
Where’s the measurements ?
All of the measurements are in the recipe card towards the bottom of the post. I hope you make the recipe soon!
Delicious and easy. I served this as a side dish to a Mediterranean meal with friends and got so many comments. Everyone loved this sauce. This is a keeper
Thank you
Thank you, Sunny! I love any excuse to eat tzatziki sauce. I’m so glad you enjoyed the sauce.
use English cucumber taste better
Yes, I agree they are a great option. There’s a note in the blog post about why I like them the best! I hope you enjoy the recipe!