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How to Make Tzatziki

How to Make Authentic Greek Tzatziki


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5 from 8 reviews

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

Description

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


Ingredients

Units Scale

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


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