Cool Greek yogurt and cucumber dip
Tzatziki Sauce
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8
2 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Tzatziki Sauce
Cool Greek yogurt and cucumber dip
★4.7(25)
A refreshing, creamy dip of strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill. This essential Greek sauce cools spicy dishes and elevates grilled meats and pita.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tzatziki is the quintessential Mediterranean condiment—tangy, garlicky, and cooling. Properly draining the cucumber is the secret to a thick, creamy sauce that won't turn watery.
Mediterranean cooking celebrates fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and bold flavors. This recipe embodies that philosophy with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Grate cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze in a clean towel to remove all excess moisture.
- 2
Combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- 3
Stir in chopped dill and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 4
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- 5
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Fresh dillFresh mint
Mint gives a different but equally refreshing flavor
Greek yogurtCoconut yogurt
For a dairy-free version with a milder tang
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Squeezing the cucumber dry is essential—skip this and the sauce will be watery.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, richest result.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Serve cold. Stir well before serving as liquid may separate.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (5mg) · 8 servings
Calories70
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates5g
Fat3g
Fiber45mg
Sugar0g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular yogurt?
- Strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth for 2 hours to thicken it first.
- How do I mellow the garlic?
- Use roasted garlic or let the tzatziki sit overnight in the fridge.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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