Easy Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip) (2024)

This easy tzatziki is a Greek yogurt dip that is tangy, fresh and delicious. It’s the refreshingly perfect summer cucumber dip in hot weather.

Easy Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip) (1)

Table of Contents

What is tzatziki?

This Tzatziki is just like traditional Greek yogurt containing ingredients; Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice and mint. I added 1 garlic clove, which is not traditional but in my opinion, adds an extra dimension of flavour.

Ingredients

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Mint, Lemon & Cucumber
The perfect partners for flavour & freshness in this Greek cucumber dip. Add finely chopped mint and The most important element of the tzatziki sauce is the grated cucumber for me. Together with a squeeze of lemon, they make the recipe so bright and refreshing.

Greek Yogurt
I make this tzatziki recipe less calorific by using 0% fat yogurt, but this is a matter of preference. Just be sure to stick to unsweetened Greek yogurt, rather than any sweetened natural yogurt.

Garlic
Breaking the rules here but trust me, 1 raw, minced clove just adds a little garlicky kick that is subtle but effective.

Other recipes to try using tzatziki dip; Sweet Chilli Halloumi Wrap and Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower Tray Bake

How to make tzatziki sauce?

  1. Start by grating the cucumber. Use your hands to squeeze the excess liquid out of the cucumber. No need to add loads of pressure to try and remove all of the liquid, a little bit of moisture adds extra freshness (Image 1).
  2. Combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated cucumber, minced garlic in a large mixing bowl (Image 2).
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3. Finely chop the mint (Image 3).

4. Add the mint to Tzatziki and then mix together after seasoning with lots of salt and a pinch of black pepper (Image 4).

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5. Now all the tzatziki yogurt is mixed together and is ready to serve (Image 5).

6. You can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve with some toasted flat breads and dig in! (Image 6).

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Tips and Tricks

Grate the cucumber and let it sit in a sieve for about 10-15 minutes to release some of the excess liquid, then squeeze out any remaining moisture using a clean kitchen towel.

Use fresh garlic cloves and crush or finely mince and smooth into a paste before adding them to the yogurt. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for its intensity

Fresh herbs like mint add a great flavor to tzatziki. Finely chop some mint leaves and mix them into the yogurt. You can also use other herbs, depending on your taste preference.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the tzatziki to brighten the flavours and add a touch of acidity. Start with a small squeeze of lemon and adjust according to your taste.

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Here are some healthy salad recipes to try that would go well with the tzatziki: Panzanella Salad and Healthy Tortellini Pasta Salad

FAQs

How long can I keep this in the fridge for?

You can store it in the fridge for 4-5 days. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a little separated when you open the container you’re storing it in. Just give it a stir and enjoy!

Can I freeze it?

Yes you can! Freeze for up to 3 months, however the texture of the yogurt may change once thawed, becoming slightly watery. II would recommend you freeze the tzatziki without the cucumber, since cucumbers tend to become mushy when frozen.

What kind of yogurt should I use to make the Tzatziki?

Greek yogurt is traditionally used for tzatziki because of its thick and creamy texture. You can use either plain full-fat Greek yogurt, although I used zero fat to reduce the calories.

Is tzatziki gluten-free?

Yes, tzatziki is gluten-free as it is primarily made with yogurt, cucumbers, mint and lemon.

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Try some other chocolatey recipes for afters;Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Baked Oats andChocolate Swirl Custard Toast

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If you tried this Easy Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip) recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x

Easy Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip)

by Mimi Harrison

Print

5 from 9 votes

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

£0.50

Appetizer, Snack

Greek

Freezable

Servings: 4

Easy Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip) (12)

MetricUS Standard

This easy tzatziki recipe is made in less than 5 minutes. It’s the perfect refreshing Greek yogurt cucumber dip.

Ingredients

  • ½ cucumber grated (£0.45)
  • 500 ml (0% Fat) Greek yogurt (£0.85)
  • ½ lemon juiced (£0.25)
  • Handful of mint stems removed & finely chopped (£0.50)
  • 1 clove garlic minced (£0.75/3)=(£0.25)

Cupboard Essentials

  • Black pepper
  • A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Method

  • Start by grating the cucumber. Use your hands to squeeze the excess liquid out of the cucumber. No need to add loads of pressure to try and remove all of the liquid, a little bit of moisture adds extra freshness.

  • Combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated cucumber, minced garlic and finely chopped mint in a large mixing bowl.

  • Season with lots of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Optionally top with a little extra virgin olive oil and dig in!

Notes

  • Grate and drain the cucumber to remove excess moisture before adding it to the yogurt.
  • Crush or finely mince fresh garlic cloves to enhance the flavour of the tzatziki.
  • Add fresh herbs like mint or other preferred herbs to enhance the taste of the yogurt mixture. Additionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness and acidity, adjusting according to personal preference.

Nutrition

Servings: 4 servings

Fat: 7g

Calories: 66kcal

Carbohydrates: 11g

Protein: 0.4g

Easy Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip) (2024)

FAQs

What is a popular Greek sauce made of yogurt and cucumber? ›

Tzatziki is made simply with yogurt, drained cucumber, olive oil, fresh herbs (usually mint or dill), garlic, lemon juice and salt. It's a refreshing chilled sauce, dip or spread.

How to make tzatziki sauce thicker? ›

I use the largest holes on a box grater to give my final sauce texture and plenty of green flecks. Next, squeeze the water out of the grated cucumber. This step is essential for making a creamy tzatziki – if you skip it, the water from the cucumber will cause your sauce to separate.

How to shred cucumber for tzatziki? ›

How To Make Tzatziki. Begin by seeding the cucumber. Simply cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, and then use a small spoon to scrape the seeds out. Next, shred the cucumber on a box grater or in a food processor.

What are 5 dishes that you could put tzatziki on? ›

Ways to use tzatziki from Jamie's 5 Ingredients Mediterranean
  • Lemon-tzatziki chicken.
  • Gorgeous greek chicken with herby vegetable couscous & tzatziki.
  • Grilled lamb chops with fattoush.
  • Crispy barbecued side of salmon with cucumber yoghurt.
  • Souvlaki (Wicked kebabs)
  • My special vegan kofte.
  • Sizzling lamb lollipops.
Sep 8, 2023

What do Greeks eat with tzatziki? ›

At the very least, serve it with some carrots, bell peppers, and other fresh veggies of your choice, but you can use it in many more ways with everything from the obvious gyros to pan-seared salmon, lamb rack, all sorts of kebabs including vegetable skewers, or even to top your baked potato!

Is Greek yogurt tzatziki good for you? ›

Tzatziki is not only a tasty, multi-use sauce, it's also a smart food pick. Its blend of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs delivers key nutrients, which are proposed to support heart health, gut health, and may even lower diabetes risk.

Why does my tzatziki taste bitter? ›

How do you get the bitter taste out of tzatziki sauce? Your main ingredient – the cucumber – is often the culprit. To avoid this, make sure that you choose the right variety: English and Persian cucumbers have very little, or no, bitterness.

Why is my tzatziki sauce watery? ›

The best way to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce is to get the excess moisture out of the grated cucumber before it's added to the sauce mixture. To remove excess water from the cucumber, squeeze it over the sink once it's been grated.

What to dip in tzatziki sauce? ›

Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrot sticks, radishes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery sticks taste better when dipped in healthy tzatziki sauce. I like to have fresh veggies already chopped up in my refrigerator and this delicious Greek dip made to snack on whenever I'm hungry.

How to dry out cucumber for tzatziki? ›

1. Put the chopped cucumbers in a large colander and toss with a large pinch of salt. Put the colander in the sink and let the cucumbers sit for 20 minutes, then gently pat dry with a paper towel.

What is the difference between tzatziki and cucumber raita? ›

Both are eaten as dips or as an accompaniment to a main dish. Their consistencies are different. Raita is made with plain yogurt and tzatziki is made with thicker Greek yogurt. Raita is thinner while tzatziki has a thick consistency.

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips.

How long does tzatziki sauce last in fridge? ›

Tzatziki sauce should be kept in a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator when you're not using it. As long as it's stored properly, you can expect homemade tzatziki to last about three to four days. This will depend on how fresh the yogurt was when you made the sauce.

Does tzatziki have garlic in it? ›

Tzatziki is made of strained yogurt (usually from sheep or goat milk) mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dill or mint or parsley.

What is the most popular sauce in Greece? ›

Tzatziki. Tzatziki is mainly used as a dip, but it's also a famous dipping sauce that accompanies meat dishes, crackers, pita, and other meze dishes. It is also most famously known for its place in gyros. In Greece, restaurants often bring homemade tzatziki to your table with bread as an appetizer.

What is Greek sauce with yogurt and cucumbers crossword? ›

Tzatziki Sauce-- Greek Cucumber/Yogurt Sauce.

Is cucumber raita the same as tzatziki? ›

Both are eaten as dips or as an accompaniment to a main dish. Their consistencies are different. Raita is made with plain yogurt and tzatziki is made with thicker Greek yogurt. Raita is thinner while tzatziki has a thick consistency.

What is another name for tzatziki sauce? ›

Tzatziki
Alternative namesCacık, tarator
CourseAppetiser, side dish, meze
Serving temperatureCold
Main ingredientsStrained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, sometimes lemon juice, dill, mint, parsley, thyme
VariationsWith strained or diluted yogurt and other herbs and vegetables
3 more rows

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