What to Eat With Tzatziki Sauce: 8 Easy Ideas in 2025

Tzatziki sauce is a creamy, tangy delight that goes beyond just being a dip for veggies or pita. Made from Greek yogurt, cucumbers, and fresh herbs, it adds a refreshing kick to any meal. Its cool, smooth texture perfectly balances the richness of grilled meats or roasted veggies. 

Whether used as a topping, marinade, or dip, tzatziki brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor. This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, like gyros and chicken, but also works great with roasted vegetables, salads, and even as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Keep reading to discover easy and exciting recipes. They’ll help you incorporate tzatziki into a variety of different meals. Whether you're looking for a light snack or a full meal, these ideas will show you how to make the most of this delicious sauce.

All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

1. Greek-Style Lamb Gyros

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Marinate the lamb: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb slices and toss to coat. Let the lamb marinate for at least 10-15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

2. Cook the lamb: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated lamb and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked through.

3. Warm the pita: While the lamb is cooking, warm the pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or oven for a couple of minutes until they’re soft and slightly toasted.

4. Assemble the gyros: Lay the warmed pita bread flat, then top with the cooked lamb, sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber, and a generous spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

5. Serve: Roll up the gyros, slice in half, and serve immediately. Enjoy with a side of extra tzatziki for dipping!

Overview 🔍

Creamy tzatziki sauce perfectly complements the savory, spiced lamb in these gyros. The coolness of the yogurt and cucumber balances the richness of the meat, while the garlic and lemon in the sauce provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, herbed lamb. Together, they make a delicious and satisfying combination that elevates the flavors of each other.

For a lighter version, substitute the lamb with chicken or turkey breast. A vegetarian option could use grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. For those needing a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita or serve the gyros in a lettuce wrap for a fresh, low-carb alternative.

2. Tzatziki Marinated Chicken & Roasted Veg

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl or resealable bag. Pour in the tzatziki sauce, add olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).

2. Prepare the veggies: While the chicken marinates, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer.

3. Roast the vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.

4. Cook the chicken: While the vegetables are roasting, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.

5. Assemble the dish: Once both the chicken and vegetables are cooked, serve the chicken on a plate alongside the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

6. Serve: Enjoy the tzatziki-marinated chicken with the roasted vegetables for a delicious, nutritious meal.

Overview 🔍

The tzatziki sauce infuses the chicken with a refreshing, creamy flavor. The coolness of the yogurt and cucumber contrasts perfectly with the savory roasted vegetables, creating a balanced meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.

For a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh. You can also switch up the roasted vegetables to suit your preferences. Try adding sweet potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of leafy greens, rice, or couscous.

Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein. The tzatziki sauce, rich in Greek yogurt, provides probiotics that promote gut health. Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, making this meal a nutritious option that supports overall health while being low in carbs and high in nutrients.

3. Chickpea Falafel & Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Make the falafel mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth with a few chunks remaining. Add the flour and pulse again until just combined. Refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes to help it firm up.

2. Form the falafel: Once chilled, use your hands to form the chickpea mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.

3. Cook the falafel: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the falafel and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake the falafel at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Prepare the salad: While the falafel cooks, prepare the salad by arranging the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and red onion on a plate.

5. Assemble the dish: Once the falafel is cooked, place a few pieces on top of the salad and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. 

Overview 🔍

This falafel and salad combo is ideal for meal prep. You can make the falafel ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The falafel also freezes well, so you can prepare a larger batch and freeze them. 

It’s an easy recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. Serve the falafel in pita bread or wraps for a more handheld meal. Or pair it with quinoa, couscous, or rice for a more substantial option. 

For a gluten-free variation, swap the flour with chickpea flour and ensure your tzatziki sauce is gluten-free. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the falafel mix. You can also experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables like grated carrot or zucchini to the falafel mixture.

4. Spicy Pork Meatballs

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix everything together until fully combined.

2. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 16-18 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).

4. Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve alongside a side of your choice.

Overview 🔍

These spicy pork meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. You can enjoy them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For a more filling meal, pair them with couscous, quinoa, rice, or pita bread. Try serving them as appetizers with toothpicks for a fun, shareable option at parties.

The cool, creamy tzatziki sauce complements the heat from the spicy pork meatballs. This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds instead of regular breadcrumbs. 

5. Crispy Skin Salmon With Couscous

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare ingredients: Bring salted water to a boil. Slice the onion, dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and chop the peppers and olives.

2. Prepare salad: Juice 2 lemon wedges, then mix the cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, olives, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the salmon and onion: Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and za'atar. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the salmon skin side down with onion slices for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

4. Cook the couscous: Cook the couscous in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then drain and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Finish and serve: Add the marinated vegetables to the couscous, drizzle with olive oil, and season to taste. Serve the couscous with the salmon and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Overview 🔍

This za'atar salmon pairs beautifully with couscous and tzatziki. It’s a fresh, balanced meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. You can serve it alongside a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pita bread for extra crunch. 

You can easily adapt this dish. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, you can substitute the salmon for grilled portobello mushrooms or another hearty vegetable like eggplant. Adjust the seasoning and sides to suit your dietary preferences, and you’ve got a versatile meal that works for everyone.

6. Classic Greek-Style Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the vegetables: Add the tomato, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, mixed greens, and olives to a large bowl.

2. Dress the salad: Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar (if using), then season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine.

3. Finish and serve: Top with feta cheese and serve with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled over the salad.

Overview 🔍

Tzatziki sauce is the perfect creamy contrast to the tangy feta and briny olives. Its cool, garlicky flavor balances the crisp vegetables and adds an extra layer of richness without overwhelming the dish. Whether you spoon it on the side or mix it in, tzatziki lifts this simple salad into something special.

This is a great base to build on if you want to make it more filling or adaptable for different diets. You can easily add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for protein, or bulk it up with quinoa or couscous. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan feta alternative or skip the cheese and load up on extra leafy greens.

7. Tzatziki Beef Burgers

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Make the burger patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and shape into burger patties.

2. Cook the burgers: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C for well-done).

3. Assemble the burgers: Lightly toast the burger buns if desired. Place lettuce on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a cooked beef patty. Top with cucumber slices, tomato, red onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Add the top bun and serve.

Overview 🔍

These burgers are versatile and easy to customize. Try swapping the beef for ground lamb, turkey, or a plant-based alternative if you're looking for a different protein. For a low-carb version, serve the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves or over a Greek-style salad bowl with tzatziki on the side.

Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, making this a satisfying option when you're after something filling. It’s also a great family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and customize to suit different tastes. You can serve these burgers with oven-baked fries, sweet potato wedges, or a side of corn on the cob. 

8. Baked Potato & Tzatziki Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then dry them thoroughly. Prick each potato a few times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. 

2. Bake the potatoes: Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, until the skins are crispy and a knife slides easily into the center.

3. Serve: Once baked, carefully slice open each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon tzatziki sauce generously over the top and add any optional toppings you like. 

Overview 🔍

Baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Adding tzatziki sauce brings a fresh, tangy twist that lightens the dish and complements the soft, fluffy interior. It’s a cozy yet refreshing combination that works well year-round.

You can keep it light with just tzatziki and herbs or bulk it up with proteins like grilled chicken, lentils, or chickpeas. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of feta, olives, or sautéed veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired spin. For more ideas, check out our article on what goes with baked potatoes for tasty and creative serving suggestions.

This is one of the easiest meals to make with minimal prep and hands-off cooking time. Once the potatoes are in the oven, you can relax or prep your toppings. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing without too much effort.

FAQ

What does tzatziki go well with?

Tzatziki pairs excellently with gyros, enhancing their flavors. Beyond gyros, it's a versatile accompaniment for grilled meats, falafel, roasted vegetables, and as a dip for fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers.

Is tzatziki sauce healthy?

Yes, tzatziki sauce is healthy, as it’s heart-healthy and low in sodium. It's made from Greek yogurt, cucumbers, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt, making it a nutritious addition to salads, vegetables, and more.

Can you eat tzatziki by itself?

Absolutely, you can enjoy tzatziki on its own as a refreshing dip or spread. Additionally, it's excellent as a marinade for meats, adding flavor and tenderness.

Do you eat tzatziki with bread?

Yes, tzatziki is delicious with bread, especially pita, serving as a dip or spread. It's also a flavorful alternative to mayonnaise on burgers, enhancing taste with a creamy texture.