Tzatziki
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Gluten-free Greek

Tzatziki

A cool, bright Greek yogurt sauce with crisp cucumber, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and dill. Draining the cucumber keeps the texture thick and spoonable for dipping, drizzling, or serving alongside grilled foods.

20 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel, sprinkle with a pinch of the salt, and let it drain for 10 minutes. Press or squeeze firmly until very little liquid remains.
Grated cucumber being drained for thick tzatziki AI-generated image
2
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and remaining salt. Mix until evenly distributed and creamy, about 30 seconds.
3
Taste the sauce and adjust with a little more salt or lemon juice if needed. The finished mixture should be thick, cool, and balanced between tangy, garlicky, and herbal flavors.
4
Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, allowing the garlic and dill to infuse the yogurt. For the best flavor, serve within a few hours of mixing.
5
Stir once, transfer to a serving bowl, and finish with a small drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve chilled or slightly tempered with pita, grilled foods, or vegetables.
Bowl of finished Greek tzatziki with cucumber and dill AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Draining the cucumber prevents watery sauce, while full-fat Greek yogurt provides a creamy base that carries the sharp garlic, lemon, and grassy dill.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving; a small amount of liquid on the surface is normal.

How to reheat it

Do not reheat. Serve chilled or let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition / serving

165kcal
11.81 gprotein
7.97 gcarbs
9.85 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026