Cool, creamy, and refreshingly tangy—tzatziki is the Greek yogurt-based sauce that brings everything it touches to life. With crisp cucumber, punchy garlic, and a squeeze of lemon, this dip-slash-spread is perfect with grilled meats, pita, roasted veggies, or simply by the spoonful.
It’s light yet bold, easy to whip up in minutes, and keeps well in the fridge. Once you’ve made it fresh, the store-bought versions just won’t cut it anymore.
⏱ Prep Time 10 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 0 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 6 (about 1 cup) ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Easy ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before each use.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture)
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber (peeled, seeded, and drained)
- 1–2 garlic cloves (finely minced or grated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate cucumber using a box grater. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel or paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Stir until smooth and well mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- Use thick Greek yogurt to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Add more garlic if you like it bold, or less for a milder flavor.
- Don’t skip draining the cucumber—it’s the secret to a thick and creamy sauce.
Nutrition Info (approx. per 2 tbsp)
- Calories: 40
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
- Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
- A: You can, but strain it through a cheesecloth for 2–3 hours first to thicken.
- Q: Can I make it vegan?
- A: Yes—use unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt and skip the dairy.
- Q: What do I serve it with?
- A: Pita bread, grilled meats, falafel, roasted veggies, or even as a salad dressing.
Made a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness? Snap it and tag your dip game with #the_food_pedia on Instagram! 🥒🧄✨
