Go Back
–+ servings
5 Best Tzatziki Sauce Substitutes (Tested) | EpicureDelight

5 Best Tzatziki Sauce Substitutes (Tested)

No ratings yet
Use the swap ratios below to replace tzatziki in dips, sides, and sandwich spreads.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 batch
Course: Substitutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Best Matches
  • 1:1 Plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, strained) Closest tzatziki body; strain 15–20 min for a thicker spoonable texture.
  • 1:1 Sour cream (full-fat) Creamy and tangy; add lemon juice or vinegar to mimic tzatziki snap.
Good Alternatives
  • 1:1 Thick skyr (plain) Tangy like Greek yogurt; stir well to remove any graininess.
  • 1:1 Labneh Naturally thick and creamy; thin with 1–2 teaspoon water/lemon brine if needed.
Emergency Swaps
  • 1:1 Creme fraîche Slightly richer and less acidic; add a small squeeze of lemon to brighten.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grater (box grater for cucumber)
  • Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
  • Spoon or whisk

Method
 

  1. Pick your substitute based on what you’re missing: if you want the same spoonable thickness, start with strained Greek yogurt, skyr, or labneh.
  2. Match tang: stir in 1–2 teaspoon lemon juice or a splash of vinegar until it tastes like tzatziki.
  3. Match the “cool cucumber” cue: use grated cucumber with paper towels to reduce water, or add finely minced cucumber if you want crunch.
  4. Add garlic and salt last, then rest 5 minutes so flavors meld; adjust texture with 1–2 teaspoon water as needed.

Notes

  • For the closest result, treat cucumber as the texture driver: grate and squeeze to prevent watery dip.
  • If your substitute is thinner than tzatziki, reduce water with straining or a short rest in the fridge.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!