Greek Tzatziki Recipe
Get a taste of the Mediterranean with this cool, creamy Greek Tzatziki Recipe! It’s perfect served with grilled meats, pita bread or veggies, and it comes together in just 10 minutes!
I love Mediterranean food year round, but summer is one of the best times to enjoy it because it’s packed with fresh summer produce and it’s bursting with flavor.
My Greek chicken souvlaki is one of my favorite things to throw on the grill, and it has to be accompanied by this cool, creamy Greek tzatziki recipe.
This classic Greek recipe consists of thick Greek yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, garlic, fresh lemon juice, dill and olive oil, and it’s amazing served as a sauce with grilled meats, burgers, or as a dip for veggies and pita chips.
It’s versatile, so easy to prepare, and is the ultimate summer recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- This easy Greek tzatziki sauce is cool, creamy and bursting with fresh flavor.
- It’s a healthy, high protein snack or condiment that 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.
- It’s a great make ahead recipe for entertaining or meal prep.
Recipe ingredients
- Greek yogurt. Be sure to use full fat plain Greek yogurt for ultra creamy tzatziki. Fage is my all time favorite brand.
- Cucumber. English cucumber is my favorite variety to use because it’s seedless. Simply grate the cucumber, salt it, and allow it drain for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the Greek yogurt. This step should not be skipped as it will prevent the tzatziki dip from becoming watery.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic adds great flavor, but you may use a teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
- Lemon juice. For best results, use fresh lemon juice as bottled does not have the same fresh flavor.
- Dill. Fresh dill really makes this recipe shine. Fresh oregano or mint are good substitutes.
- Olive oil. Authentic tzatziki recipes include olive oil, which is either mixed into the yogurt or simply drizzled over the top. While it’s optional, it provides a rich, silky texture and it balances out the acidity in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make this authentic tzatziki recipe
This authentic tzatziki recipe is so easy to make. It includes just a few ingredients and comes together in about 10 minutes.
Pro tip: It’s important to salt and drain the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Grate the cucumber.
- Toss the grated cucumber with a pinch of salt and place in a fine mesh sieve for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze the excess water from the cucumber and place in a medium bowl.
- Place the Greek yogurt, lemon, dill, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir to combine. Drizzle with olive oil or mix the olive oil into the tzatziki.
Recipe FAQs
Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip or sauce made with plain Greek yogurt, cucumber, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and dill.
Plain Greek yogurt is the best choice for this Greek tzatziki recipe as it is nice and thick, creamy in texture and a tangy flavor. Use full fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture.
Watery tzatziki results from inadequately drained cucumber. Be sure to salt the grated cucumber lightly and drain in a colander for 5-10 minutes, then squeeze out any excess liquid prior to adding it to the yogurt.
It will keep for up to 3-4 days in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Serving suggestions
Greek tzatziki sauce is a versatile dip, sauce or spread that may be served as follows:
- Serve as a dip with crunchy veggies and pita chips or pita bread
- Dollop over grain salads such as Greek quinoa salad.
- It’s a great sauce for Greek chicken souvlaki and grilled turkey burgers. It also works great with as a garnish for grilled vegetables.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: It’s important to salt and drain the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- Use full fat Greek yogurt for the best tzatziki!
- 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
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Greek Tzatziki Dip
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt use 5% Greek yogurt for richer taste
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill add up to 1 tablespoon more as desired
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the grated cucumber with a pinch of salt and place in a fine mesh sieve for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze the excess water from the cucumber and place in a medium bowl.1/2 cup grated cucumber
- Add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic and salt and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 lemon, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Place the tzatziki sauce in a serving bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Serve and enjoy!1 tablespoon olive oil
Notes
- Pro tip: Use full fat Greek yogurt for the best tzatziki! Drain the yogurt in a cheesecloth lined sieve over a bowl overnight in the refrigerator for extra thick and rich 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 Recipe”
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!
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 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! 🙂
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!
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. 🙂
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! 🙂
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! 🙂
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 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! 🙂
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!
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 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 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!
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 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! 🙂