Greek

Authentic Greek Tzatziki

Name: Authentic Greek Tzatziki
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 english cucumber, grated; 1.5 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt; 2-3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp vinegar (white, red wine, or white wine); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

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Look no further than this family recipe straight from Athens for the BEST authentic Greek Tzatziki. It requires only a few quality ingredients and just 15 minutes of your time.

Greek Tzatziki is a thick and creamy dip (not a sauce) made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. NEVER dill or lemon juice, just ask YiaYia.

It’s loaded with antioxidants, protein, and calcium making it a fairly healthy snack choice.

I love to meal prep it at the beginning of the week, so I can easily use it for Pita Wraps, Chicken Souvlaki, or Greek Meatballs.

Contents hide

1 HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE TZATZIKI?

2 WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?

3 HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC GREEK TZATZIKI

4 WHAT TO EAT AND SERVE WITH GREEK TZATZIKI?

5 IS GREEK TZATZIKI HEALTHY?

6 STORING INSTRUCTIONS

7 RECOMMENDED TOOLS

8 RECIPE FAQ’S

9 MORE GREEK RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

10 STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO

11 Authentic Greek Tzatziki

HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE TZATZIKI?

Tzatziki is pronounced tsah-see-key.

If you’ve ever struggled while trying to say it, you’re not alone.

The countless articles online that discuss how to pronounce tzatziki are indicative of that.

So, it’s totally understandable if you can’t pronounce it properly and don’t feel intimidated by that.

If all else fails, just ask for the thick yogurt-cucumber dip.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?

English cucumber – it’s authentic to leave the cucumber unpeeled. English (aka Hot House) cucumbers work best.

Greek yogurt – full-fat plain Greek yogurt is best (usually above 3.5% fat).

It’s authentic to place the yogurt in a cheesecloth in order to strain all liquid out for a thick dip that’s not watery (personally, I skip this part). Learn how to properly strain Greek yogurt here.

Garlic – fresh garlic is always preferred, minced using a garlic press.

Olive oil – choose a high quality Mediterranean extra virgin olive oil.

Vinegar – this is the secret ingredient that real Greeks always use in their tzatziki. Red wine vinegar or white can be used.

Salt & pepper – always add to your liking. Taste and adjust along the way.

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC GREEK TZATZIKI

This is a quick and easy recipe for tzatziki that anyone can make at home.

Step 1 – grate 1/2 an English cucumber using the large side of a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer to drain out water and set aside.

Step 2 – add Greek yogurt to a mixing bowl. Mince garlic cloves and add to bowl with yogurt.

Step 3 – using your hands, squeeze all remaining water out of grated cucumber and transfer to bowl with yogurt and garlic.

Step 4 – add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix together until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Optional step for presentation: drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the top and place 2 kalamata olives on top.

Note: It’s best for Tzatziki to sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This makes the garlic milder & the flavors have more time to combine. For best results, leave overnight or for about 4 hours before serving.

WHAT TO EAT AND SERVE WITH GREEK TZATZIKI?

Greek tzatziki can be enjoyed as an appetizer, dip, or spread. It’s a staple in Greece, found in every taverna and household.

Greeks traditionally eat tzatziki with pita, fresh bread, french fries, vegetable patties, in gyros, and with souvlaki skewers.

Here are some of the many ways to eat & serve Greek tzatziki:

As a spread for homemade pita bread.
A dip for chicken souvlaki skewers.
As a side for traditional spanakopita.
An accompaniment for zucchini patties.
A dip for raw veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, etc.
As an accompaniment for Greek meatballs.
A dip for french fries.
As a sandwich spread.

IS GREEK TZATZIKI HEALTHY?

Yes, tzatziki is a vitamin and antioxidant powerhouse with fresh garlic and olive oil being two of the main ingredients.

The main ingredient, Greek yogurt, is a great source of protein and calcium. It also contains ‘good’ bacteria that’s beneficial for the gut. Read more about the proven health benefits of tzatziki here.

STORING INSTRUCTIONS

STORING – transfer Greek tzatziki to an airtight container with a lid and place in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir together before each use.

FREEZING – it is not recommended to freeze Greek tzatziki as the consistency of the yogurt dip changes and is undesirable.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

RECIPE FAQ’S

How long does homemade Greek tzatziki last in the fridge?

Tzatziki will last up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I convert this to a vegan Greek Tzatziki recipe?

Yes, just use the same amount of coconut milk Greek yogurt instead of full fat.

Do I need to peel the cucumber before using?

No, authentically the cucumber skin is left on and adds texture to the dip.

Can I freeze tzatziki sauce?

Yes, however it is not recommended as the consistency changes.

MORE GREEK RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO

Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

Authentic Greek Tzatziki

An easy family recipe straight from Athens for the best thick & creamy tzatziki. Made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Greek

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings

Equipment

Box grater
Mixing bowl
Garlic press
Storage container with lid

Ingredients

1/2 english cucumber, grated
1.5 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar white, red wine, or white wine
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Grate 1/2 an english cucumber using the large side of a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer to drain out water and set aside.
Add Greek yogurt to a mixing bowl. Mince garlic cloves and add to bowl with yogurt.
Using your hands, squeeze all remaining water out of grated cucumber and transfer to bowl with yogurt and garlic.
Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix together until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Optional step for presentation: drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the top and place 2 kalamata olives on top.

Notes

Transfer tzatziki to an airtight container with a lid and place in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir together before each use.
It’s best for Tzatziki to sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This makes the garlic milder & the flavors have time to combine.
For best results leave overnight or for about 4 hours before serving.
Red wine vinegar can be used instead of white wine vinegar.
Authentic tzatziki requires the yogurt to first be strained in a cheesecloth for thick non-watery results. I personally skip this step to save time.