Greek Tzatziki
Get a taste of the Mediterranean with cool, creamy Greek Tzatziki! It’s perfect served with grilled meats, pita bread or veggies, and it comes together in just 10 minutes!
**This post was originally published in June 2014. The photos and text have been updated to include step by step instructions.
I love snacking, so I’m always trying to find healthier ways to do it. Some of my favorite snacks include white bean hummus, healthy banana snack cake, peach mango smoothie, and this refreshing Greek Tzatziki!
This recipe is guaranteed to leave you feeling cool as cucumber this summer. 🙂
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s creamy, refreshing and bursting with fresh flavor.
- There are only 5 ingredients and it comes together in about 10 minutes.
- This recipe is extremely versatile! It may be used as accompaniment for meats, a topping for bowls or as a dip for pita chips and veggies.
- This is a great make ahead recipe for entertaining or meal prep.
Recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Greek yogurt. For best results, use plain full fat Greek yogurt for ultra creamy tzatziki.
- Cucumber. The cucumber may be diced or grated. If you’d like to remove excess moisture from the cucumber prior to adding it the yogurt mixture, place it in a dish towel and squeeze to remove the liquid.
- Dill. Fresh dill is key in the recipe as it adds optimum freshness and flavor.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic adds a lot more flavor, and the sharp bite will mellow as the tzatziki stands.
- Lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice is not recommended as it simply doesn’t provide the bright fresh flavor that fresh lemons do.
How to make this recipe
This tzatziki recipe couldn’t be easier to make! It only contains 5 ingredients and comes together in 10 minutes.
- Place all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
Serving suggestions
This is a versatile dip, sauce or spread that may be served with the following:
- Crunchy veggies and pita chips or pita bread
- Grain salads such as Greek Quinoa Salad or Pearl Barley Salad,
- Grilled meats such as Chicken Souvlaki or Turkey Burgers
- Grilled vegetables
- Gyros by Christina’s Cucina
- Veggie sandwich
FAQs
What is tzatziki?
It’s a Greek yogurt based sauce or dip that’s a staple in Greek cuisine. It includes cucumbers, garlic, lemon and dill, and it’s served with gyros, grilled meats or as a dip for pita bread, chips or veggies.
How do you pronounce tzatziki?
It’s pronounced “zat-zee-kee“. The “t” and “z” are rolled together to make a light “z” sound.
How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
It lasts for 3-5 days in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
How do I know if it’s gone bad?
The best way to tell if tzatziki has spoiled is to smell it. The yogurt will have a sour smell similar to spoiled milk.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, low in carbohydrates and sugar. It’s a much healthier alternative to mayo-laden dressings and dips like ranch.
If you’re following a low fat diet, swap out the full fat Greek yogurt for 2% or non-fat.
Recipe notes
- Use full fat Greek yogurt for the best tzatziki! If following a low fat diet, substitute with low fat or non fat yogurt.
- Be sure to use fresh dill and garlic in this recipe for maximum flavor.
- Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The yogurt will separate, simply stir and enjoy!
More Greek recipes you’ll love!
If you make this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and rate it, or tag me at @flavorthemoments on Instagram!
Greek Tzatziki Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber chopped into small dice (peel if desired)
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
- Serve as a dip with veggies and pita chips or as a sauce with grilled meats or gyros. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use full fat Greek yogurt for the best tzatziki! If following a low fat diet, substitute with low fat or non fat yogurt.
- Be sure to use fresh dill and garlic in this recipe for maximum flavor.
- Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The yogurt will separate, simply stir and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
54 Comments on “Greek Tzatziki”
I have the same problem with Whole Foods. It’s a good drive away, but whenever I am down that road I feel compelled to stop. My husband will ask what do you need from there. My response is always nothing, just want to look around and see what I find 😀 I love Tzatziki sauce. Next to pita bread it is the best part of a gyro. Great recipe! Thanks Marcie. Pinning!
Whenever my husband is there, he always asks me if I need anything, too. I generally tell him nothing as well, lest I send him all over the store. haha I think the tzatziki does make the gyro — it wouldn’t be the same without it! Thanks for the pin, Cindy, and have a great day! 🙂
Whole foods most definitely has the BEST salad bar – and their cookie bar is just mesmerizing! 🙂
I’ve never had a tzatziki dip before and clearly I am missing out! This would be awesome with falafel.
I can’t even go near the cookie bar — I go crazy! You’re so right, Shashi, tzatziki would be great with falafel! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
I am such a sucker for Whole Foods! The nearest one is about a half hour away from me, so whenever I’m in the area, I always have to stop there and browse…and for a good hour! This dip look delicious! I’ve had tzatziki dips before, but never made one on my own. Love how easy this is! Pinned!
Whenever I go to Whole Foods with my husband I always keep him waiting — I can’t be rushed in there! 🙂 This dip is ridiculously easy, which is what I love about it. Thanks for the pin, Gayle, and have a great Monday!
I love tzatziki, reminds me of holidays in Greece- I actually made some yesterday for dinner and it tasted so amazing! Definitely got to try out your recipe!
I didn’t realize how much I missed tzatziki until I made this — it makes everything taste better! It certainly reminds me of my time in Greece, too. 🙂
I think it does count as a hobby, Sherri! 🙂 The dill really adds a nice dose of fresh flavor in the tzatziki — I love it! Hope you’re having a great Monday. 🙂
I had to type tzatziki SO many times and misspelled it at least half the time…ugh! Next post will have words that are easier to spell. 🙂 This dip is the best way to use up cucumbers, and boy does it go fast. Happy Monday, Mary Frances!
It’s definitely a hard word to spell, but I love tzatziki dip. The fresh dill really makes it for me. I love the salad bar at Whole Foods too and really have to stay away from the cookies!
The fresh dill in the dip does it for me, too! There are too many things that are a trap for me in Whole Foods, and yes, the cookies are one of them. Have a great night, Christin! 🙂
Yep. I go to Whole Foods at least twice a week. When I lived near one…it was almost every day. Thank you for sharing this gorgeous dip Marcie! We love tzatziki…and we need to make it more!
I’m so glad I don’t live closer to Whole Foods — it’s bad enough at the regular supermarket. I really need to make tzatziki more too — it really perks everything up! Thanks, Monet, and have a wonderful night! 🙂
It’s cool with a fresh side of cool – I love that line : ) Oh man I love whole foods. I cannot ever go in when I’m really hungry though … I will buy EVERYTHING! haha And I love this tzatziki dip – perfect for summer snacking!
Whole Foods is a horrible place to be hungry! I’ve done it, and my salad bar bill was crazy expensive, not to mention what else I bought. Tzatziki is definitely my go-to dip this summer! 🙂
My absolute favor dip ever. I even use it as a dressing. Yum
Tzatziki is great as a sauce or dressing — it just makes everything better! 🙂
Wow I am great fan of tzatziki!! Love it in hot summer weather and homemade chips?!! Awesome!
Tzatziki is definitely the best summer dip, and practically guilt-free! The homemade chips were my favorite way to eat it. 🙂
Love Whole Foods but unluckily (or luckily) we moved away and don’t live near one any more but when we did oh man – SO dangerous haha. Awesome recipe Marcie! We love tzatziki and can’t wait to try this – pinning 🙂
Whole Foods is dangerous….like Costco! You just might be lucky that you don’t live near one. 🙂 Thank you, Kelly, and I appreciate the pin!
I love tzatziki although I’ve never tried making it myself! yours sounds delicious & i love all of the accompaniments, too! While I’m here, I’d love to invite you to come share your recipe PINS to my Pinterest party. 🙂 You link up your pins & I repin them to a massive group board of active pinners! It’s called #tastytuesdays & I’d love to have you stop by!
Thank you for stopping by, Anyonita, and I will definitely stop by your party! 🙂
Mmmmmm love tzatziki! In fact, now I need to get Greek food for lunch, because I can’t get this off my mind! Yum!
I don’t have too many good Greek food options near me, so I’m forced to make it in-house! Hope you got that Greek lunch, Chris. 🙂
I’m still in high school, and there’s a Whole Foods right nearby… so of course that’s where I go ALL THE TIME! My addiction is unreal. I love tzatziki and this looks so refreshing and delicious 🙂
It’s so nice that you have Whole Foods nearby so you can pick up something fresh and healthy! I totally understand your addiction. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, Medha!
I love Tzatziki Sauce. I’ve only made it a few times, but every single time, I think “why don’t I make this more often!”. This recipe looks awesome Marcie! And as far as Whole Foods – I don’t have one near me, or I think I’d be spending more time there too! 🙂
That’s exactly what I think every time I make tzatziki — why don’t I make this more? It’s wormed it’s way into my mainstay dips this time — it’s too easy and too good to forget about. Have a great night, Kristi! 🙂
This is one of my favorite dips Marcie and I love your recipe! Pinned!
Thank you, Deb, and I appreciate the pin! Have a great evening. 🙂
This dip sounds glorious! Love the cucumber in it! I just might need to make this all summer long! 🙂
It’s definitely the most refreshing dip in the summer heat! Thanks, Jocelyn! 🙂
I’ve never made my own tzatziki but it’s definitely on my list to try. This one looks so fresh and creamy! As for your Whole Foods addiction, I’m with you. We don’t have one where I live so last year when I travelled to Minneapolis, I visited Whole Foods everyday. The food that I bought back in my suitcase was ridiculous!!
It sounds like you made the most out of your Whole Foods trips too! 🙂
I’m such a fan of tzatziki dip – I think it’s the combo of fresh lemon and dill that I adore! I’m not sure why I don’t make it at home, so I am definitely going to try your recipe out.
Thanks Nicole! 🙂
I absolutely love tzatziki, especially the homemade kind, for some reason the store-bought ones always taste watery and bland. Yours looks absolutely PERFECT, Marcie! I will definitely be eating this straight from a bowl with a shovel! YUM! Pinning! Cheers!
I agree — the store bought varieties don’t taste as fresh! Thanks Cheyanne! 🙂
I mean, screw the meat, I would eat this with a spoon as a snack! OK, so I would eat it with meat too, but I adore anything with dill so tzatziki is my all-time favorite dip. I can’t wait to make this and dunk everything I can find in it!
I hear you…I don’t need the meat, just the souvlaki! 🙂 The fresh dill is what truly puts this over the top!
We were JUST thinking about doing a Greek themed dinner and talking about making tzatziki. I’ll definitely give your recipe a try!
Yay! I can’t wait to hear about your dinner! 🙂
Tazatziki is my all-time favorite, especially in the summertime because of cooling the cucumber and yogurt are together. Love your simple flavor-packed version!
I don’t make tzatziki often enough! I have cucumber coming out my ears right now so this is the perfect thing to make at the moment. 🙂
Tzatski dip is one of my favorites and I can’t get over how unbelievably gorgeous this looks, Marcie! This would be SO good with chicken skewers!
Thank you so much Sarah! This is the perfect time of year to enjoy bowl after bowl!
One of our favourites! So delicious, and so many ways to use this – yum!
I can never get enough of this! Thank you Alexandra. 🙂
We love tzatziki here, Marcie – it’s so refreshing, and pairs perfectly with meats. We sometimes even eat it as a dip – perfect with some veggies or crackers. Thanks for sharing your recipe, it looks perfectly delicious!
Thanks Katerina, and I’m glad to hear that you love it as much as I do!
Tzatziki goes perfectly as a refreshing accompaniment with grilled lamb or chicken.
It certainly does!