Tzatziki (Yogurt & Cucumber Dip)
A thick, creamy yogurt dip served chilled and full of fresh flavor. Tzatziki adds cool richness and brightness to grilled meats, wraps, and mezze plates.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cucumber, grated
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, packed, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional:
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Method:
Start Cooking- Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater.
- Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer. Press gently with the back of a spoon to remove excess liquid. Let it drain for several minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Stir until smooth and thick.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Swirl with olive oil and sprinkle with extra dill if desired.
- Chill before serving. Serve cold. Bon appétit.
Kitchen Tools:
Notes:
From the kitchen
- Draining the cucumber thoroughly is essential for a thick, creamy texture.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best flavor and consistency.
- Letting tzatziki rest in the refrigerator enhances the garlic and dill.
- If it becomes too thick after chilling, stir in a small spoon of olive oil or lemon juice to loosen slightly.
- Add a splash of red wine vinegar for sharper acidity.
- Stir in a small amount of grated lemon zest for brightness.
- Add finely minced fresh mint alongside dill for a layered herb flavor.
- For extra richness, increase the olive oil slightly before serving.
- Serve alongside souvlaki, gyros/doner, grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or warm pita bread.
- It also works beautifully as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
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Nutrition:
Calories: 39 kcal | Carbohydrates: 1 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 0.5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 1 mg | Sodium: 44 mg | Potassium: 63 mg | Fiber: 0.4 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 33 IU | Vitamin C: 3 mg | Calcium: 8 mg | Iron: 0.2 mg
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Tzatziki
WHY WE LOVE IT
Thick yet light, it works effortlessly as a dip, sauce, or spread.
A LITTLE STORY
Tzatziki is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine and an essential part of mezze culture. Its roots trace back to the broader culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire, where yogurt-based herb sauces were common across the region.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name “tzatziki” is widely believed to have evolved from the Turkish word “cacık,” reflecting the shared culinary history of the region.
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