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How to Make Authentic Greek Tzatziki


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5 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Pam Kanavos
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, and zesty lemon combine in this classic dip. Perfect with pita bread or grilled meats!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 16 ounces (454 g) Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • A few sprigs of dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumber
  2. 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.
  3. Combine Ingredients
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the drained Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, salt, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Mix until well combined.
  5. Chill and Serve
  6. 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.
  7. Storage
  8. Store leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • To reduce the garlic’s intensity, briefly sauté the minced garlic in the olive oil before adding it to the yogurt.
  • For a thicker tzatziki, use full-fat Greek yogurt and let it drain in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes before mixing.
  • If you don’t have fresh dill, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 100
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 10
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 10