A Greek yoghurt dressing that is healthy and delicious. Our authentic Greek tzatziki recipe is so simple and versatile, serve it as a dressing, sauce or dip. The fresh flavours in tzatziki pair beautifully with Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines.
This easy dressing pairs perfectly with our lamb kofta wraps or Middle Eastern meatballs. Let us show you how to whip it up.
We think you will love how fresh and simple this Greek tzatziki recipe is. It's a personal favourite of ours and a regular go-to dressing.
With simple ingredients that we always have at home, we grow mint that spreads like a weed, so this recipe is a great way to use it up!
Plus, I love that it's a tasty Greek yoghurt dressing without oil. I can't believe it's taken us so long to share this recipe with you!
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Greek yoghurt (unsweetened) - we prefer a full-fat Greek yoghurt with its thick texture for this recipe, but you could use low-fat too. Try substituting with a thick plain whole milk yoghurt, Icelandic skyr which has a thick, creamy texture too or Labneh, which is a Middle Eastern strained yoghurt.
- Cucumber - English, telegraph variety
- Fresh mint leaves - substitute with dill or try half of each.
- Zest and juice of half a lemon
- Salt
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions - 3 simple steps
Follow our simple step-by-step instructions for how to make Greek tzatziki.
Step 1 - Prepare the cucumber.
- Grate the cucumber, add a good pinch of salt and mix well. Let the cucumber sit for 10-15mins while you prepare the other dressing ingredients.
- Once rested, squeeze the excess liquid from the cucumber by hand or through a clean cloth. Discard the liquid, and set the grated cucumber aside, ready to add to your Greek yoghurt.
Step 2 - Prepare the Greek yoghurt dressing
- Add the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, zest, and finely chopped mint in a medium-sized mixing bowl and mix well.
Step 3 - Mix and chill
- Add the (squeezed) grated cucumber to the yoghurt bowl. Mixthen tastes and adjust seasoning. Place covered in the fridge to chill until ready to serve.
Hint: This dressing tastes best chilled, so remember to leave time to chill, great for making ahead.
Chef tips
- Removing the excess liquid from the grated cucumber - squeezing the liquid from the salted, grated cucumber is an important step to gaining the right consistency for the dressing. Cucumbers are made up of about 96% water! Removing some of this liquid will prevent the yogurt dressing from becoming too watery. So squeeze out as much liquid from the grated cucumbers as your can.
- To make a dip or sauce - To create a tzatziki dip or sauce using this recipe, simply reduce the amount of yoghurt and lemon a little. We recommend combining them slowly with the cucumber and mint until you reach your desired consistency.
Greek tzatziki serving suggestions
Tzatziki is a versatile and refreshing dressing that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Try serving with:
- Warm flatbread: For a classic option, serve with Greek yoghurt flatbread or pita, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
- As a Salad Dressing: Drizzle over salads for a refreshing salad, I love making this recipe in bulk and having a healthy salad dressing to-go all week! Serve along side our classic Greek salad.
- Grilled Meats: Serve with lamb, chicken, or beef kebabs for a fresh, tangy complement. Perfect with our Middle Eastern meatballs or venison koftas.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted vegetables like eggplant, butternut squash, zucchini, or bell peppers. Or try serving it with our Roasted carrot salad!
- Gyros or Wraps: Use as a sauce in gyros, wraps, or falafel pitas for a creamy, flavorful addition. Our lamb kofta wraps are made for this dressing.
- Fresh Vegetables as a dip: Great for dipping cucumber slices, carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Fish or Seafood: Pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or our whole baked salmon.
- On a Mezze Platter: Serve alongside hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and flatbread for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
- With Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes or potato wedges with tzatziki for a creamy alternative to sour cream.
- In Grain Bowls: Add a dollop to grain bowls with quinoa, rice, or couscous. The flavours in this tzatziki dressing pair perfectly with our couscous tabbouleh recipe.
With so many ways to serve and enjoy this delicious dressing this recipe is sure to be a new favourite!
Storage instructions
In the fridge - Homemade tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. We find any longer than this, and the consistency starts to change. Also, check your yoghurt is within its use-by date, the USDA's food safety guide states yoghurt should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of purchasing when stored correctly in the fridge.
In the freezer - We don't recommend storing tzatziki in the freezer, as freezing yoghurt changes the texture and consistency making it quite unpleasant (in our opinion).
Variations
Explore these delicious variations to add new flavours and twists to this cucumber yoghurt dressing.
- Herb-Infused: Switch out the chopped fresh mint and try adding some fresh dill, parsley, or basil for different flavours.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a bit of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or minced jalapeño for a spicy tzatziki.
- Creamy Avocado: Blend in some ripe avocado for an extra creamy, rich texture.
- Garlic: Try adding some minced raw garlic. For those who don't like the raw garlic flavour, add roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic taste.
- Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add depth and a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Tzatziki: Use a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond for a dairy-free version.
Experimenting with these variations can add new flavors and make your tzatziki unique!
This Authentic Greek tzatziki recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. With its creamy texture and refreshing flavour, tzatziki is the perfect accompaniment to countless dishes. Give it a try and enjoy this classic, versatile dressing with your favourite meals!
Did you try this dish? Please leave a rating and review below. And if you have any questions about the recipe, you can ask us in the comment section below too.
Happy cooking!
Recipe
Greek Tzatziki Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the cucumber and add to a small bowl with a good pinch of salt mix. Set aside for 10- 15 minutes, while you prepare the other elements.
- In a separate bowl, add the yoghurt, lemon juice & zest and finely chopped mint.
- Using clean hands or a clean towel, squeeze the excess water out of the grated cucumber, then add the cucumber to the yoghurt bowl.
- Mix well, taste and adjust seasoning. Then chill, covered in the fridge, until ready to serve.
