April 24, 2023

Greek Tzatziki

This is a recipe for authentic Greek Tzatziki that is perfect as a dip, on a Buddha bowl, or sauce on your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dish.

What is tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a yogurt-based dip made with grated cucumbers, garlic, fresh herbs, such as dill, mint, and/or parsley, olive oil, and salt.

I learned how to make this tzatziki while traveling in Greece. It was a fun experience learning how to make an authentic Tzatziki sauce with fresh ingredients.

Tips for authentic Greek tzatziki

The Greek Kitchen recommends using a full fat Greek yogurt. If you don’t have access to full fat Greek yogurt, they instructed us to take a mixing bowl and clean piece of cloth, such as a thin cotton tea towel, and place it over the top of the bowl and fasten it with an elastic band. Then add the yogurt on top of the cloth and leave it overnight in the refrigerator. By the morning, the water will have separated, and you’ll have a thick yogurt.

What to serve with tzatziki

It’s the perfect accompaniment to pita bread, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, or as a dip with your favorite meats and vegetables. Try this tzatziki recipe with the Roasted Rosemary Potatoes or the Chickpea Quinoa Burger.

This is an image of the Greek spread at the Greek Kitchen in Athens, Greece. This image contains Greek Tzatziki, dolmades, and more.

Tzatziki Ingredients

1 cup strained, full fat Greek Yogurt
1 medium cucumber, peeled and grated
2 garlic cloves, grated
Finely chopped fresh herbs (dill, mint, or parsley)
Extra virgin olive oil
White wine vinegar
Salt
Fresh cracked pepper

How to make tzatziki sauce

Peel and grate the cucumber and set aside in a strainer over a bowl. Lightly salt the cucumber to allow the moisture to drip into the bowl for about five minutes.

Meanwhile, add the yogurt to the bowl and add the grated garlic.

Finely chop your herbs. You can add dill by itself or also add mint to the mix. Flat leaf parsley also adds a great flavor to tzatziki. Then slowly add the herbs to the yogurt and gently mix.

Gently squeeze the grated cucumber to remove any excess moisture into the bowl. Then add the cucumber to the bowl with the yogurt and mix until it is evenly combined.

Add a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, a splash of white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and fresh cracked pepper and gently mix.

This is an image of the Greek tzatziki freshly mixed with fresh herbs, minced garlic, and grated cucumbers.

Want More dips and sauces?

This is an image showing the creamy texture of the tahini dressing in a clear bowl with a spoon.

Greek Tzatziki

This Greek Tzatziki is the perfect complement to your Mediterranean-inspired dishes. This is an authentic recipe made with fresh ingredients!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Course condiment

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

1 cup strained full fat Greek Yogurt
1 medium cucumber peeled and grated
2 garlic cloves grated
1 tbsp. Finely chopped fresh herbs dill, mint, or parsley
Extra virgin olive oil
splash of White wine vinegar
Salt to taste
Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

Peel and grate the cucumber and set aside in a strainer over a bowl. Lightly salt the cucumber to allow the moisture to drip into the bowl for about five minutes.
Meanwhile, add the yogurt to the bowl and add the grated garlic.
Finely chop your herbs. You can add dill by itself or also add mint to the mix. Flat leaf parsley also adds a great flavor to tzatziki. Then slowly add the herbs to the yogurt and gently mix.
Gently squeeze the grated cucumber to remove any excess moisture into the bowl. Then add the cucumber to the bowl with the yogurt and mix until it is evenly combined.
Add a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, a splash of white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and fresh cracked pepper and gently mix.