Easy Tzatziki Recipe
This easy tzatziki recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients to create a refreshing sauce or dip. It complements a wide variety of dishes making a perfect pairing for grilled meats, vegetables, wraps or sandwiches.
In This Article
What Is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek recipe from salted, thickened yogurt, that’s mixed with cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs such as dill or mint. Some recipes also include either lemon juice or vinegar.
Tzatziki’s creamy and tangy flavour comes from its star ingredient – Greek yoghurt, which also contributes many notable health benefits to the dish. In particular, its high protein and lower sugar content. However, it’s also a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, some B vitamins as well as a high concentration of probiotic bacteria.
Ingredients Needed For This Tzatziki Recipe
You’ll only need a few ingredients to make this creamy, luscious sauce or dip. The Greek yoghurt really is key so don’t be tempted to substitute it for natural yoghurt. If you can find one, a traditional Greek yoghurt is best. These tend to be the thickest and tangiest that produce a perfect tzatziki every time.
- Greek yoghurt – traditionally tzatziki includes thickened sheep or goat’s milk yogurt, but I use a cow’s milk variety. It’s easier to come by at your local supermarket and I personally prefer the taste.
- Cucumber – provides the cool, crisp and very refreshing notes associated with this dish.
- Dill – adds a distinctive herbal and aromatic flavour that complements the coolness of the cucumber and tanginess of the yogurt.
- Garlic – gives tzatziki its characteristic pungent flavour. You can really add this to your tastes so if you want more or less of it, adjust the recipe accordingly.
- Salt – used to enhance and balance the taste of the other ingredients.
- Olive oil – this is optional, but a little drizzle over the top can be a nice way to present it.
If preferred the dill can be replaced with mint. It will create a completely different flavour profile so consider what you’re serving it with before deciding. If fresh dill isn’t available, it can be replaced with dried dill. This is much stronger in flavour so use less of it to start and add more as needed.
How To Make This Easy Tzatziki Recipe
Many people buy ready-made tzatziki, but it’s one of the quickest and easiest things to whip up at home. And a homemade version means you can use a better-quality Greek yoghurt ensuring your tzatziki will be thick, luscious and full of flavour. Not something that a store-bought version could deliver.
- Grate the cucumber into a bowl, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5 – 10 mins.
- Tip the grated cucumber into a clean tea towel and squeeze to remove any excess liquid, which you can discard. Then tip the cucumber back into the bowl.
- Add the yoghurt, chopped dill, garlic and a pinch of salt to the same bowl then stir until everything is well combined. If you have time, let it sit for 10 mins, give it a taste and adjust salt/dill/garlic to your tastes if needed.
- To serve – drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some extra chopped dill. If making ahead store in the fridge until ready to use and add the oil plus extra dill just before serving.
While this tzatziki is delicious when served straight away it always tastes better the following day to me. The ingredients have had more time to meld together giving you a more complex flavour profile overall. With that in mind, if you have time I do suggest making ahead.
FAQ
This is great as an appetizer simply served with pita bread or veg for dipping. It also delicious dolloped over grilled meat, falafel bowls, and roast vegetables or used as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Tsah-tsee-ki – it’s easier than it looks!
Watch How To Make This Tzatziki Sauce
Easy Tzatziki Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g Greek yoghurt (~18 ounces)
- 1 medium Lebanese cucumber
- 1 – 2 cloves garlic, minced (to your tastes)
- 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra to garnish) see note 1
- ¼ tsp salt (plus an extra pinch)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber into a medium-sized bowl, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5 – 10 mins. (see note 2).
- Tip the grated cucumber into a clean tea towel and squeeze over the sink to remove any excess liquid. Then tip cucumber back into the bowl.
- Add the yoghurt, chopped dill, garlic and a pinch of salt to the same bowl then stir until everything is well combined.
- To serve – drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some extra chopped dill. If making ahead store in the fridge until ready to use and add the oil plus extra dill just before serving (see note 3).
Notes
Nutrition
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