Authentic Tzatziki Recipe – Creamy Greek Yogurt Dip

Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip made with creamy Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This refreshing and tangy sauce is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is often served as a dip, spread, or side dish. Whether you’re enjoying it with grilled meats, pita bread, or fresh vegetables, tzatziki adds a cool and flavorful element to any meal.

This Tzatziki Recipe is easy to make at home and requires just a few simple ingredients. The combination of creamy yogurt and crisp cucumber creates a delicious balance, while the garlic, lemon juice, and dill add a punch of flavor. With minimal prep and a short resting time, you can whip up this authentic Greek dip in no time.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the perfect tzatziki sauce, including step-by-step instructions, preparation tips, nutritional information, and more!

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Tzatziki Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 5 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
• Course: Appetizer, Dip, Side Dish
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 80 per serving

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Equipment Needed

To make this authentic tzatziki recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Fine grater or garlic press
• Box grater or food processor (for grating the cucumber)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Spoon or spatula
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board

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Ingredients

To make the perfect tzatziki sauce, you’ll need these fresh and flavorful ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for the best texture and creaminess)
• 1/2 English cucumber (grated and drained)
• 1–2 garlic cloves (finely minced or grated)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon white or red wine vinegar (for extra tanginess)

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Instructions: How to Make Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

1. Wash and dry the cucumber. If using an English cucumber, there’s no need to peel it. For regular cucumbers, peel the skin to avoid bitterness.
2. Grate the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor.
3. Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
4. Set the drained cucumber aside.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

5. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
6. Stir in the chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. If using vinegar, add it now for extra tanginess.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Develop

7. Cover the bowl and let the tzatziki sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making the dip even more delicious.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

8. Before serving, give the tzatziki a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Garnish with extra olive oil, fresh dill, or a few cucumber slices for presentation.
10. Serve chilled with pita bread, fresh veggies, grilled meats, or as a spread in wraps and sandwiches.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg

Tzatziki is a healthy dip packed with protein from Greek yogurt, antioxidants from garlic and dill, and hydrating properties from cucumber. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made keto-friendly by using full-fat yogurt.

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Serving Suggestions

Tzatziki is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various dishes, including:

• Grilled Meats: Serve as a dipping sauce for chicken souvlaki, lamb gyros, or grilled shrimp.
• Pita and Bread: Spread on warm pita bread or as a dip for naan, crackers, or lavash.
• Vegetables: Enjoy with raw veggies like carrots, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers.
• Burgers and Wraps: Use as a refreshing spread in burgers, falafel wraps, or sandwiches.
• Mediterranean Platters: Add tzatziki to a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and feta cheese.

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Tips for the Best Tzatziki Recipe

• Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: This ensures a rich and creamy texture. Low-fat yogurt will result in a thinner consistency.
• Drain the Cucumber Well: Removing excess water prevents the sauce from becoming too runny.
• Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and dill for the best flavor.
• Let it Rest: Allowing tzatziki to sit in the fridge enhances the flavors. If you have time, let it rest for a few hours or overnight.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the garlic, lemon juice, and dill based on your preference.

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How to Store Tzatziki Sauce

• Refrigeration: Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as yogurt can separate and lose its creamy texture.

If the tzatziki thickens over time, simply stir in a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

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Variations of Tzatziki Sauce

• Minty Tzatziki: Replace dill with fresh mint for a slightly sweeter and more refreshing taste.
• Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño for heat.
• Avocado Tzatziki: Blend in mashed avocado for an extra creamy and nutrient-rich dip.
• Vegan Tzatziki: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew yogurt for a dairy-free version.

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Conclusion

This Tzatziki Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors. With its creamy texture, refreshing cucumber, and tangy garlic-lemon balance, this Greek yogurt dip is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using it as a dip, sauce, or spread, tzatziki is an easy and healthy addition to your meals.