Tzatziki Vs. Tartar Sauce: What’s The Difference?

Tzatziki and tartar sauce are fairly similar in appearance.

Both sauces are thick, creamy white sauces with green flecks distributed throughout the sauce  

These sauces are served cool and have a refreshing taste, they are either used as dipping sauces or fillings for a variety of foods.

However, when it comes to the flavor, ingredients and uses of these two sauces, there are some key differences between the two of them.

Difference between tzatziki and tartar sauce

The main difference between these two sauces is that tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek sauce that is Made from yogurt, while Tartar sauce is A mayonnaise based French sauce  

Ingredients

Tzatziki sauce is yogurt-based sauce while tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce 

Traditionally this dip is made with strained sheep or goat milk yogurt  

The green flecks in the sauce in tzatziki is from the cucumber  

Tartar sauce is mayonnaise based. It also features pickled ingredients such as capers, jalapenos, roasted red peppers, and onions.   

The specks of green distributed round the sauce which are from the herbs.

Flavor

Tzatziki sauce has a refreshing taste from the cucumbers. It also has a tangy flavor  

Tartar sauce has a complex flavor profile; it is slightly sweet, but also tangy  

Use

Tzatziki is often used as a dip or sandwich filling.

It is served with appetizers, or it can be paired together with meats and vegetables in sandwiches such as gyro and souvlaki 

Tartar sauce is a versatile sauce Accompanies different fried foods especially fried seafood dishes 

What is tzatziki sauce?  

A traditional Greek sauce. It can also be found in middle Eastern and southeastern European cuisine 

This sauce is made from yogurt, cucumber, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs such as mint, parsley and dill 

Nuts could also be included into the sauce 

To make this yogurt-based sauce. Sheep or goat milk yogurt is used,

Greek yogurt could be used in place if sheep or goat milk yogurt is not available.

The yogurt is strained using a cheesecloth. As the excess liquid drains, it becomes thicker.

Tzatziki sauce is creamy and full of flavor and there are regional variations in recipe of this condiment  

This sauce is typically used as a table sauce.

Traditionally, it is served together with appetizers. It can be Served as a dip, a dressing for salads, or as a filling for gyro or Souvlaki.

The sauce is also great for spicy food  

What is tartar sauce?  

A mayonnaise-based sauce French sauce.

Tartar sauce typically consists basically of mayonnaise and pickles. 

There are many variations of this sauce, and so many other ingredients can be added to make this dish.  

Dill relish or sweet relish could be used. It may also feature pickled ingredients such as capers. 

Peppers, onions, Lemon juice and different spices could be used for this dish. 

Tartar sauce is seasoned with parsley, dill, chives, tarragon, garlic, sometimes hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce are added to make this sauce  

The flavor could also vary based on choice of ingredients 

Tartar is Served cold. It could be used as a dip for fish and chips. It can also be used with other seafood including calamari and shrimp.  

This sauce can also accompany vegetables.  

Tartar sauce is easy to make at home, although it can easily be found in grocery stores.

Scroll to Top