Tzatziki
A classic Greek yogurt and cucumber dip, essential for any meze platter. This thick, refreshing dip is packed with fresh cucumber, pungent garlic, and fragrant dill, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of lemon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cucumber: Wash the cucumber. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the cucumber into a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt and toss to combine. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
⏱️ 35 minutes - 2
Drain the cucumber: Gather the grated cucumber in the colander and firmly squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands. Alternatively, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring it out thoroughly. The drier the cucumber, the thicker your tzatziki will be.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Prepare the garlic: Mince the garlic cloves very finely or use a garlic press. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can mince it and let it sit in the lemon juice for 10 minutes before adding it to the dip.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, the squeezed-dry cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Season and chill: Season the tzatziki with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, or adjust to your taste. Stir well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to chill thoroughly. This chilling step is crucial for the best flavor.
⏱️ 1 hour (minimum chilling time) - 6
Serve: Before serving, give the tzatziki a final stir. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a side to grilled meats.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the thickest tzatziki, ensure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber.
- ✓Use good quality, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- ✓Chilling the tzatziki for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully, significantly improving the taste.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic) before serving to suit your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Mint Tzatziki: Substitute fresh mint for dill for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño for a little heat.
- Extra Garlicky: Increase the garlic to 4-5 cloves, or roast the garlic first for a sweeter, milder flavor.