Creamy Homemade Tzatziki Dip with Fresh Cucumber and Herbs Recipe
This classic Tzatziki recipe is a refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber dip, perfect for serving as a side or condiment with grilled meats, vegetables, or pita bread. Made with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh grated cucumber, fragrant dill, mint, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, it offers a cool, tangy flavor that complements Mediterranean dishes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 1 cup (serves 4 as a dip) 1x
- Category: Condiment/Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1½ packed cups cucumber (9 ounces), grated with large holes of box grater
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (add more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Grate 1½ cups of cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. After grating, gently squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber to avoid a watery tzatziki.
- Mix the base: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber. Stir until well mixed for a creamy texture.
- Add herbs and flavorings: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and 1 tablespoon of chopped mint (optional) to the yogurt mixture. Then add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the tzatziki and add more garlic or salt if desired to suit your preference.
- Chill the tzatziki: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and develop a refreshing taste.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve your homemade tzatziki as a dip for pita bread, a sauce for grilled meats, or a fresh topping for salads and vegetables.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich and creamy texture.
- If cucumbers are very watery, consider salting them lightly and letting them sit for 10 minutes before squeezing out excess water.
- Add more garlic for a stronger flavor according to your taste.
- The mint is optional, but it adds a lovely freshness to the dip.
- Store leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Tzatziki, Greek yogurt dip, cucumber sauce, Mediterranean dip, Greek recipe, no-cook sauce, yogurt cucumber dip