Easy Tzatziki Recipe | Classic Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
- Appetizers & Snacks, Dips & Spreads & Sauces, Greece
Looking for a refreshing and creamy dip to elevate your meals? This easy Tzatziki recipe, made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, and dill, is the perfect choice! Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip that pairs beautifully with pita bread, grilled meats, and vegetables. Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean-inspired meal or a light snack, this homemade Tzatziki sauce is quick to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. Learn how to make the best authentic Tzatziki with simple ingredients in just a few steps!
Ingredients:
- 300 g Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
(1) Prepare the Cucumber:
Peel the cucumber (if desired), grate it using a box grater, and then squeeze out the excess water using a cheesecloth or your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
(2) Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
(3) Chill the Tzatziki Dip:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. For the best flavor, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
(4) Serve:
Serve the tzatziki as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or gyros. Enjoy!
Some Recipe Tips:
Drain the Cucumber Well: One of the most important steps in making tzatziki is to ensure the cucumber is well-drained. After grating, use a cheesecloth, a clean kitchen towel, or your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible. This prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery and keeps it thick and creamy.
Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Authentic tzatziki uses full-fat Greek yogurt for its rich and creamy texture. Low-fat or fat-free options can be used, but they may result in a thinner consistency. If you want a truly indulgent dip, go for the full-fat version.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the tzatziki to chill for at least 30 minutes to a few hours enhances the flavors. The garlic will mellow out, and the flavors of the dill, cucumber, and lemon juice will blend beautifully.
Serve with Variety: Tzatziki is incredibly versatile. Besides pita bread and grilled meats, try serving it with roasted vegetables, falafel, salads, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Make Ahead: Tzatziki can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Storage: Tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Easy Tzatziki Recipe | Classic Greek Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
Course: Appetizers & Snacks, Dips & Spreads & SaucesCuisine: GreeceDifficulty: Easy15
minutesLooking for a refreshing and creamy dip to elevate your meals? This easy Tzatziki recipe, made with Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, and dill, is the perfect choice! Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip that pairs beautifully with pita bread, grilled meats, and vegetables. Whether you're planning a Mediterranean-inspired meal or a light snack, this homemade Tzatziki sauce is quick to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. Learn how to make the best authentic Tzatziki with simple ingredients in just a few steps!
Ingredients
300 g Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, grated and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Prepare the Cucumber:
Peel the cucumber (if desired), grate it using a box grater, and then squeeze out the excess water using a cheesecloth or your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill the Tzatziki Dip:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. For the best flavor, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
Serve:
Serve the tzatziki as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or gyros. Enjoy!
Notes
- Drain the Cucumber Well: One of the most important steps in making tzatziki is to ensure the cucumber is well-drained. After grating, use a cheesecloth, a clean kitchen towel, or your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible. This prevents the tzatziki from becoming watery and keeps it thick and creamy.
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Authentic tzatziki uses full-fat Greek yogurt for its rich and creamy texture. Low-fat or fat-free options can be used, but they may result in a thinner consistency. If you want a truly indulgent dip, go for the full-fat version.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the tzatziki to chill for at least 30 minutes to a few hours enhances the flavors. The garlic will mellow out, and the flavors of the dill, cucumber, and lemon juice will blend beautifully.
- Serve with Variety: Tzatziki is incredibly versatile. Besides pita bread and grilled meats, try serving it with roasted vegetables, falafel, salads, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
- Make Ahead: Tzatziki can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Storage: Tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.