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Greek Tzatziki

Prep10 minutes
Chill30 minutes
Total40 minutes
Serves4 servings
Fresh, creamy Greek tzatziki sauce made with thick yogurt, crisp cucumber, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs. This authentic 10-minute recipe creates restaurant-quality sauce perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over Mediterranean dishes.

Equipment

  • Box Grater
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients  

  • ½ c. — Cucumber, peeled + finely grated
  • 1 c. — Greek Yogurt, whole milk
  • 1 tbsp. — Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
  • ½ tbsp. — Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 clove — Garlic, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp. — Sea Salt
  • 1 tbsp. — Fresh Dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp. — Fresh Mint, finely chopped

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Instructions 

Prepare the cucumber

  • Grate the peeled cucumber (½ c.) using the large holes of a box grater (avoid small holes which create an unpleasantly gritty texture). Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl and sprinkle with salt (¼ tsp ). Let drain for 10 minutes, but don't squeeze out all the liquid — reserve some cucumber juice for extra flavor.

Create the garlic base

  • In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic (1 clove) with the olive oil (½ tsp.) first. Mix well and let sit for 2-3 minutes to soften and round out the garlic's sharp taste.

Mix the sauce

  • Add the partially drained cucumber (½ c.) keeping about 1 tbsp. of the cucumber juice, Greek yogurt (1 c.), lemon juice (1 tbsp.), remaining salt (¼ tsp), fresh dill (1 tbsp.), and fresh mint (1 tbsp.) to the garlic-oil mixture. Stir until well combined, creating that signature bright finish from the herb combination.

Chill and serve

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with pita bread, vegetables, or as desired. Stir before serving if separation occurs.

Notes

Ingredient Tips
  • For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt for rich, thick texture
  • The dill and mint combination creates a brighter flavor than using just one herb
Technique Tips
  • Grate cucumber using large holes on box grater – small holes create gritty texture
  • Keep about 1 tbsp cucumber juice for extra flavor instead of draining completely
  • Mix garlic with olive oil first to mellow the sharp bite
Storage Tips
  • Tzatziki can be made up to 2 days ahead; flavors improve with time
  • Some liquid separation is normal after refrigeration – simply stir before serving
  • Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 264mg, Potassium: 179mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 466IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 88mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Jamie Sandstedt
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Sauces, Dips & Salsas
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 62

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