• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Markie's Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Latest
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Latest
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Latest
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    • A top down photo of a dark blue casserole dish with pasta and diced chicken in creamy sauce, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley and served with two slices of lemon.
      Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Easy One-Pot Dinner)
    • A close-up photo of three slices of apple strudel dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon powder.
      Easy Apple Strudel With Puff Pastry
    • A top down photo of a plate stacked with baked cheesy goods next to a small bowl with butter and decorated with fresh parsley.
      Parmesan Bread Bites (Homemade Recipe)
    • A bowl with cooked beef, carrots, potatoes and onion in a sauce.
      Hearty Beef Brisket Stew
    • A top down photo of two bowls with pumpkin and carrot soup. The bowls are on a dark scratched grey table top, next to a cobalt blue tea towel, and a few pieces of sourdough bread. There is a wooden spatula on top and bunch of fresh parsley in the top right corner of the picture.
      Pumpkin And Carrot Soup (Easy + Cozy!)
    • photo of pesto tuna pasta
      Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe (Easy & Spicy!)
    • A square photo of a plate with stacked chicken kabobs, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.
      Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
    • A photo of a glass with pink milky drink, garnished with sliced strawberry, mint leaves and red and white straw. Behind it, there are a few ripe bananas and in the front, there is a halved strawberry.
      Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Light Milkshake)
    • A close up photo of a glass with iced coffee that is topped with squirty cream, chocolate sauce and chopped hazelnuts. There a few chopped hazelnuts next to the glass, at the bottom right corner of the photo.
      Best Hazelnut Iced Coffee
    • A top down photo of a plate with diced vegetables sprinkled with cheese and decorated with cury parsley. Next to it is a fork and two pieces of broken bread slices.
      Bulgarian Salad (Shopska Salata)
    • A close of photo of a burger with pulled meat, red sauce, coleslaw, sliced tomato and sliced red onion, in a brioche bun with white and black sesame seeds. Behind is another burger, a portion of chips and a glass of beer and a beer bottle.
      Pulled Pork Burger
    • A photo of a bowl of semolina porridge with cocoa powder and melted butter.
      Czech Semolina Porridge (Krupicová Kaše)
    Home » Recipes » Appetisers

    Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream

    Published: Jul 14, 2023 · by Markie · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    Tzatziki sauce with sour cream is easy, delicious & refreshing, and pairs well with grilled meat, cheese, or vegetables. Try it with homemade chicken kabobs and gyro pitta bread. The recipe takes just 5 minutes and is perfect for dipping or as a separate course between meals (meze, appetizer).

    A close up photo of a glass bowl filled with cucumber and cream sauce, standing next to a wedge of lemon and sliced pitta bread.
    Jump to:
    • Why To Love This Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
    • Key Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream
    • Substitutes & Variations
    • Step-by-Step Recipe
    • Top Tips
    • Storage
    • What to Eat with Tzatziki Sauce?
    • More Recipes Like This
    • FAQs
    • 📖 The Recipe

    Why To Love This Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream

    This is a super simple recipe for one of the most popular Greek dishes: tzatziki. The original tzatziki recipe contains Greek yogurt, which has been substituted by sour cream so that you can make it even if you don’t have all of the traditional ingredients on hand. But there is more to it:

    • No Greek yogurt? No problem! Soured cream has got similar texture to Greek yogurt (it is thick and creamy), and both have tangy flavour, so you almost won’t know the difference.
    • No fresh dill? No worries!This recipe uses dried dill which is perfect for use in sauces and dips like this. This also means you can enjoy it all year round – most of the ingredients are available in shops all year.
    • This Greek dipping sauce can be easily scaled up or down – hosting a party or having a dinner for one? Simply adjust the amount of ingredients in the recipe card!
    • Make it in advance – in fact, the longer it sits in the fridge, the better it tastes!
    A top down photo of cooking ingredients: half a cucumber, a small amount of oil, two pinch bowls with seasonings, a bowl of sour cream, and a bowl with two cloves of garlic.

    Key Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce with Sour Cream

    The recipe contains only 6 basic ingredients, some of them are true pantry and fridge heroes:

    • Sour cream makes the body of this dipping sauce and tastes great when paired with herbs such as dill or chives.
    • A small amount of extra virgin olive oil is added to make the sauce thinner. Add as much or as little as you need - sour creams’ consistencies may vary. This oil also provides a delicate olive flavour and boosts this Greek dipping sauce with nutrients and antioxidants.
    • Cucumber gives this creamy Greek dip a texture and crunch. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins (vit A, B, C, D, K), minerals and antioxidants. To make the most of this vegetable, keep the ski on. Cucumbers are very watery, and therefore most tzatziki recipes, including this one, recommend removing the excess water before mixing it with other ingredients.
    • Dill adds a hint of fresh herbal aroma. Usedried, fresh or frozen dill.
    • Raw garlic provides this delicious dipping sauce with its typical pungent taste and odour, and also its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
    • A pinch of salt and black pepper is added at the very end.
    • Optional: lemon juice – to neutralise the taste and smell of garlic.

    Substitutes & Variations

    In case you need to swap some of the ingredients, here are my suggestions:

    • Greek or natural yogurt will make delicious tzatziki (the original recipe contains yogurt). You can also use crème fraiche – it tastes very similar to soured cream.
    • Add sunflower or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
    • Use fresh or dried parsley instead of dill.
    • For convenience, garlic flakes or granules (dried garlic), or garlic paste can replace fresh garlic.
    • Swap lemon juice for white wine vinegar.
    • Use plant-based sour cream for vegan-friendly tzatziki.

    For measurements and method in detail, please find the recipe card at the bottom of this article.

    A collage of four photos showing how to make tzatziki sauce. Top left: a bowl with sour cream, oil, herbs and minced garlic. Top right: The same bowl with all of the ingredints mixed into a smooth sauce. Bottom left: a bowl with grated cucumber. Bottom right: grated cucumber being pressed with a spoon through a sieve. All four photos are overlayed with numbers from one to four.

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    You will find this recipe easy because it only take 3 steps to make:

    1. Mix the sour cream with olive oil, crushed garlic, and dried dill. Allow to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
    2. Grate the cucumber and remove all excess juices.
    3. Combine all ingredients, season with salt and black pepper and serve.

    For detailed instructions and measurements, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

    Top Tips

    Here are handful of tips on how to make this delicious Greek tzatziki with sour cream even better:

    • Allow some time for the cucumber to release most of the excess water. This will help prevent the sauce from splitting.
    • If you can’t wait, remove the middle part (with seeds) of the cucumber with a teaspoon, and grate only the hard part.
    • If you prefer to have your tzatziki without the garlic smell and taste, you can add some lemon juice or white vine vinegar to neutralise the garlic.
    • If adding salt, only add it just before serving, as this will accelerate the release of water and could result in a watery sauce.

    Storage

    You can store fresh homemade tzatziki in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Serve it cold and stir it thoroughly before serving, ensuring all of the ingredients are combined, and the sauce is thick.

    I wouldn’t recommend freezing tzatziki, however, if you have some left over, you can freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw slowly in the fridge (6-12 hours) and serve it chilled. Do not re-freeze again.

    A photo of a bowl of tzatziki topped with fresh parsley, sitting on a place with sliced pitta bread, and in the back, there is a pile of chicken kabobs.

    What to Eat with Tzatziki Sauce?

    Greeks eat tzatziki as an appetizer and as a part of cold meze.

    Tzatziki sauce is used as a dip for gyros (grilled meat wrapped in flatbread), pitta bread, French fries (chips), fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, celery, carrot, peppers).

    This delicious sauce goes well with grilled meats like chicken kebabs, roast chicken, and fish.

    More Recipes Like This

    • Lentil salad with beetroot and feta
    • Sundried tomato tapenade
    • Shopska salad
    • Pasta salad with sundried tomatoes
    • Czech potato salad

    FAQs

    Does tzatziki freeze well?

    Yes, you can freeze tzatziki sauce for up to 2 months. Ensure it is stored in an airtight food container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge.

    Can you freeze cucumber for tzatziki?

    You can freeze grated cucumber. Remove all excess water and freeze the grated cucumber in a freezer bag or food container for up to 3 months. It can be later used for tzatziki sauce, cucumber salad, smoothies, and soups – just allow it to defrost gradually in the fridge (overnight).

    Why does tzatziki get watery?

    Tzatziki sauce is made of ingredients that mostly contain water - this is the reason why the sauce appears to have split (water separates and remains on top), especially after it sits for a while. To prevent it from happening, you can remove any excess water from the cucumber used, or from the Greek yogurt. Add salt just before serving to help stop the cucumber from releasing even more juices. Avoid using low-fat dairy products in tzatziki, as they quickly become very watery.

    How can I thicken my tzatziki sauce?

    You can thicken tzatziki by adding more dry ingredients such (strained cucumber, dried dill, black pepper), and/or by adding a spoonful of full fat (thick) Greek yogurt, or crème fraiche.

    Is tzatziki sauce supposed to be sour?

    Tzatziki should taste refreshing, herby, zesty and indeed slightly sour, as it is made of sour ingredients like Greek yogurt and lemon juice. If you want, you can add ½-1 teaspoon of sugar to balance it out. If it tastes bitter, then the cucumbers and/or lemon may be past their best.

    📖 The Recipe

    A close up photo of a glass bowl filled with cucumber and cream sauce, standing next to a wedge of lemon and sliced pitta bread.

    Tzatziki with Sour Cream

    Markie
    Tzatziki sauce with sour cream is easy & refreshing dip that pairs well with grilled meat, cheese or vegetables. Enjoy the taste of Greece!
    5 from 1 vote
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Resting time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, sauce
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 4
    Calories 110 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 150 ml sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ cucumber
    • 1 ½ teaspoon dried dill, or fresh dill
    • 1 clove crushed garlic
    • 1 pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Mix sour cream with olive oil, dill, crushed garlic and stir until smooth.
    • Wash and grate the cucumber, place on a sieve and remove all excess water.
    • Add the cucumber to the creamy base of the tzatziki, season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

    Notes

    Possible swaps (1:1 ratio unless stated otherwise):
    • Greek yogurt, natural yogurt or crème fraiche,
    • Sunflower or vegetable oil,
    • Fresh or dried parsley,
    • ½ teaspoon dried garlic flakes, ¼ teaspoon garlic granules or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder,
    • White wine vinegar,
    • Plant-based sour cream.
    Top tips & Storage: Please see the article above this recipe card.

    Nutritional Information (Estimates Only)

    Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Keyword cucumber, dill, sour cream, tzatziki
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was! Give a star rating if you enjoyed it, this helps other readers who are looking for recipes like this!

    Share this:

    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Print
    • WhatsApp
    • Reddit

    You may also like

    • a close-up picture of lentil beetroot and feta salad served with Greek style pita bread
      Lentil, Beetroot And Feta Salad
    • A photo of slices of homemade garlic bread.
      Homemade Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread
    • A photo of a portions of quiche and a salad on a plate.
      Smoked Salmon and Broccoli Quiche
    • A top down photo of three canapes with prosciutto, dried tomatoes and herbs.
      Prosciutto Bruschetta - Easy & Delicious Appetizer

    About Markie

    Hi there! I'm a passionate home cook, food blogger and photographer. I enjoy making great food without having to run to the shop every day. I'm here to help you cook easy and delicious meals from classic pantry ingredients. More about me

    Reader Interactions

    Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    a profile picture of Markie

    Hi! My name is Markie and I'm here to help you cook easy and delicious meals from typical pantry & store cupboard ingredients!

    Do you enjoy making great food without having to run to the shop every day?

    Then you're in the right place!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • A photo of a glass with pink milky drink, garnished with sliced strawberry, mint leaves and red and white straw. Behind it, there are a few ripe bananas and in the front, there is a halved strawberry.
      Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Light Milkshake)
    • A photo of a bowl of semolina porridge with cocoa powder and melted butter.
      Czech Semolina Porridge (Krupicová Kaše)
    • A close up photo of oat berry muffins in paper cups.
      Easy Oaty Muffins With Fruit
    • A photo of a batch of dark brown chocolate hot cross buns served with orange glaze and butter.
      Easy Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
    • A close up photo of a red velvet muffin with frosting on top.
      Red Velvet Muffins
    • A photo of someone pouring a syrup over a stack of pancakes with raspberries on the side.
      Fluffy Pancakes Without Eggs (With Self-rising Flour)
    • A photo of a portions of quiche and a salad on a plate.
      Smoked Salmon and Broccoli Quiche
    • a photo of overnight oats served in a jar and some extra oreos on side
      Oreo Overnight Oats without Milk
    • A bowl with cooked beef, carrots, potatoes and onion in a sauce.
      Hearty Beef Brisket Stew
    • A close of photo of a burger with pulled meat, red sauce, coleslaw, sliced tomato and sliced red onion, in a brioche bun with white and black sesame seeds. Behind is another burger, a portion of chips and a glass of beer and a beer bottle.
      Pulled Pork Burger
    • A top-down photo of a table spread with a bowl of red cabbage, and a plate of roast dinner with a roast chicken leg, braised red cabbage and dumplings.
      Slow-Cooked Red Cabbage
    • A photo of a leek and potato soup served with cream, chopped herbs and crusty bread.
      Slow Cooker Leek And Potato Soup

    Follow me

    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Web Stories
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for emails and updates and never miss a recipe again!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    Copyright © 2023 Markie's Kitchen

    About cookies on this website
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT