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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Dip

A thick, creamy, and refreshing Greek yogurt cucumber dip with garlic, dill, lemon, and olive oil.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 98 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 box grater for grating the cucumber
  • 1 mixing bowl medium
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 kitchen towel or paper towels for squeezing cucumber
  • 1 spoon for mixing and serving

Ingredients
  

For the tzatziki

  • 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber grated and squeezed dry
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For serving

  • 1 small handful fresh dill for garnish
  • 1 small drizzle extra virgin olive oil for topping
  • 1 warm pita, fresh vegetables, grilled meats, or falafel for serving

Instructions
 

  • Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or dill if needed.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  • Stir again before serving, then spoon into a bowl and swirl the top with the back of a spoon.
  • Drizzle with a little olive oil, garnish with extra dill, and serve chilled.

Notes

For the best texture, squeeze the grated cucumber very well before mixing. Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest result. Tzatziki tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.