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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe

Nora Collins
This Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe combines thick strained yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon, and olive oil for a cool, creamy dip with fresh texture. Serve it chilled with toasted pita, vegetables, wraps, or grilled meats.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 8 servings
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Baking sheet or toaster oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups full-fat strained Greek yogurt Ensure it is very thick
  • 1 large English cucumber Peeled and small-diced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Divided for mixing and garnishing
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic Finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill Finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp sea salt Divided for sweating cucumbers and seasoning
  • 1 pack pita bread Cut into triangles and toasted
  • 1 small cucumber Sliced into rounds

Instructions
 

  • Place the diced English cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer, toss with half the sea salt, and let it drain over a bowl for 15 minutes.
  • Press the cucumber against the strainer, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze gently until very little liquid remains.
  • Stir the Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, remaining sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil together until smooth.
  • Fold in the drained cucumber, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the texture firm and the flavors blend.
  • Toast the pita triangles until lightly crisp, then serve the tzatziki with the remaining olive oil, extra dill, and cucumber rounds.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in a tightly covered container for 3 to 4 days and stir gently before serving.
Reheating: Do not heat tzatziki; serve chilled or let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Best Tips: Use very thick strained yogurt and squeeze the salted cucumber thoroughly to prevent a watery dip.
Variations: Replace half the dill with fresh mint, reduce the garlic to one clove, or use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice.
Serving Ideas: Pair with toasted pita, fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, gyros, wraps, roasted potatoes, or Greek salad.
Keyword authentic Greek tzatziki, cucumber garlic dip, Greek yogurt dip, homemade tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean appetizer