How to Make Authentic Greek Tzatziki

Say hello to one of Greece’s most famous dips – the legendary Tzatziki. It is a simple dip that uses only few ingredients: creamy yogurt, crispy cucumbers, some olive oil, lemon juice, and a profound amount of garlic.

Cool and creamy, this tangy garlic dip is the perfect escort to grilled meats and vegetables. It’s commonly used as a condiment in souvlaki (a.k.a., shis-kabob) or gyro as well as a starter served with warm, toasted, pita bread triangles for dipping. Almost no proper Greek meal is served without a bowl of this delicious dip, sauce, condiment, side or whatever you want to call it.

The preparation for an authentic Greek Tzatziki is easy, but as with all great dishes, it too has a dirty little secret. The secret for success lies in the type of yogurt used. Try to use a yogurt often labeled as Greek, or Greek Style. You could use a regular yogurt but the consistency wouldn’t be right. Greek Yogurt is a thick, creamy, tangy yogurt that will keep your dip from running; whereas a regular yogurt will not be as thick, and would require additional time for straining.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Classic Greek Flavor: This is the same tzatziki you’ll find in Greece—cool, creamy, and packed with garlic.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this dip comes together in minutes.
• Perfect for Grilled Meats & Vegetables: The tangy yogurt and fresh cucumber balance out rich, smoky flavors.
• Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein and probiotics, making it a wholesome addition to your meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Greek Yogurt: Thick, creamy, and essential for the perfect texture.
• Cucumber: Must be drained properly to avoid excess moisture.
• Garlic: A generous amount adds that signature tzatziki kick.
• Olive Oil: Brings richness and smoothness to the dip.
• Lemon Juice: A must in almost every Mediterranean dish.
• Salt & Dill: Just a touch of salt and a few sprigs of dill to round everything off!

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Box Grater: For shredding the cucumber.
• Cheesecloth or Clean Kitchen Towel: To squeeze out excess cucumber moisture.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining all ingredients.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For mincing garlic and chopping dill.

Important Cooking Tips:

• Drain the Cucumber Well: Excess water will thin the tzatziki, so squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing.
• Let It Chill: Allow the tzatziki to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the best taste—avoid pre-minced jarred garlic for optimal flavor.
• Adjust the Consistency: If your tzatziki is too thick, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to loosen it up.

Planning Ahead:

• Make in Advance: Tzatziki tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so prepare it ahead of time for the best flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It keeps well for several days, making it a great make-ahead dip for snacks or meals.

Storing, Freezing, Reheating:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as yogurt-based dips tend to separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.
• Refreshing Leftovers: If the tzatziki thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a little olive oil or lemon juice to loosen it before serving.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A: You can, but it won’t be as thick. If using regular yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess liquid.

Q: How do I make tzatziki less garlicky?
A: Reduce the garlic or let the dip sit overnight—this mellows the raw garlic flavor.

Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but use only half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q: What if my tzatziki turns out too runny?
A: Make sure the cucumber is fully drained, and use full-fat Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.

Q: Is tzatziki keto-friendly?
A: Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for keto and low-carb diets.

Q: What are some variations I can try?
A: Add a touch of mint for a refreshing twist or mix in some crumbled feta for extra richness.

Substitutions and Allergies:

• Dairy-Free: Use a thick plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt). Look for one with minimal added sugar for the best results.
• Low-Garlic: If raw garlic is too strong, try roasting the garlic first for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• No Dill: Substitute fresh mint or parsley for a different herbal note.

Beverage Pairings:

• Greek White Wine: A crisp Assyrtiko wine pairs beautifully with the garlicky dip.
• Lemon-Infused Sparkling Water: A refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
• Ouzo or Raki: Traditional Greek anise-flavored spirits.

Step by Step Guide to Making Authentic Greek Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

• Peel the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise.
• Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds, then grate the cucumber using a box grater.
• Place the shredded cucumber in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents a watery tzatziki.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the drained Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, salt, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon.
• Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Top with dill, and optionally additional olive oil when serving.
• Serve as a dip for pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.

Step 4: Storage

• Store leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Make Authentic Greek Tzatziki

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• Author: Pam Kanavos
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups 1x

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Description

The delicious classic Greek dip made with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

16 ounces (2 cups) Greek yogurt

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and shredded

Pinch of kosher salt

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons lemon juice

A few sprigs of dill

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

• Peel the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise.
• Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds, then grate the cucumber using a box grater.
• Place the shredded cucumber in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents a watery tzatziki.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the drained Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, salt, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon.
• Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Top with dill, and optionally additional olive oil when serving.
• Serve as a dip for pita bread, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.

Step 4: Storage

• Store leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

If you prefer a smoother tzatziki, blend all the ingredients in a food processor for a few seconds.

Using full-fat Greek yogurt provides the creamiest texture.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Chilling Time: 30 mins
• Category: Side
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp
• Calories: 35
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 2.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 1g