Tzatziki Recipe as Made in Greece Recipe
Authentic Greek Tzatziki is a refreshing, creamy yogurt and cucumber dip infused with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red wine vinegar. Perfect as a cooling side or a dip served with pita or crusty bread, this traditional recipe highlights the classic flavors of Greece.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (serves 4-6 as a side or dip) 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 480 grams (2 cups) strained Greek yogurt
- 180 grams (1 medium) cucumber
- 3 garlic cloves, finely grated, minced, or pressed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ⅓ teaspoon sea salt + a little bit extra for draining cucumber
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the Cucumber: Using the coarse side of a hand grater, grate the cucumber with the skin on.
- Drain the Cucumber: Place the grated cucumber into a strainer. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and rub it well to help draw out moisture. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Squeeze out Excess Water: Gather handfuls of the grated cucumber and squeeze by hand to remove as much liquid as possible, preventing a watery tzatziki.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the drained cucumber to a mixing bowl along with the strained Greek yogurt. Add the finely minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, ⅓ teaspoon sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined.
- Chill and Marinate: Refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 3 hours to allow the garlic flavor to mellow and the dip to thicken. For best results, let it rest overnight. If you prefer a sharper garlic taste, it can be served immediately.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a dip with warm pita bread or crusty bread, or as a condiment alongside grilled meats and vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the cucumber is well-drained to avoid a watery dip.
- Using strained Greek yogurt creates a thicker, creamier consistency.
- You can adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Refrigeration improves the flavor blend and texture significantly.
- Can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Tzatziki, Greek yogurt dip, cucumber dip, garlic dip, Greek recipe, healthy dip, Mediterranean
