How to Make Authentic Greek Tzatziki at Home: Creamy, Fresh & Delicious

There’s something special about that cold, creamy spoonful of tzatziki that is tangy Greek yogurt, the crisp cukes, garlic that’s fresh as well as a generous drizzle of olive oil. In Greece the dip isn’t just an accompaniment but a savor of the village’s kitchens, the seaside Tavernas and vibrant gatherings of the family. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re spooning it on warm pita, pouring it over souvlaki that’s been grilled, or simply slurping it up with vegetables and other vegetables, authentic Greek Tzatziki is refreshingly easy and, when you’ve got it down you’ll never go back to the store-bought version again.

In this article you’ll discover how to make authentic Greek tzatziki, step-by-step, using advice right out of Greek kitchens. Let’s begin!

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What is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki is an extremely creamy, cold dip or sauce that is popular across all over the Mediterranean as well as Middle East — but the Greek version is distinctive due to its freshness. Made from straining Greek yogurt, cucumber grated garlic, olive oil and other herbs such as mint or dill It’s light and thick, rich and tangy but mellow.

Fun fact: In Greece, tzatziki often appears alongside grilled meats, fried zucchini, or simple village bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups thick Greek yogurt (full-fat is best)
• 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint, if you prefer)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Tip: Authentic Greek yogurt is key — it should be strained and rich. If you can’t find it, strain plain yogurt in a cheesecloth overnight.

Step-by-Step: Tzatziki the Greek Way

1️⃣ Grate & Drain the Cucumber
Grate the cucumber using the coarse end of the grated. Put it into a fresh kitchen towel or cheesecloth, add salt to taste and squeeze out the most water you can. This ensures that your tzatziki is firm and not sloppy.

2️⃣ Mix the Yogurt & Garlic
In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt with minced garlic. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the garlic soften in the yogurt.

3️⃣ Combine & Season
Mix in the cucumber that has been rinsed as well as chopped dill (or mint) as well as olive oil and lemon juice, if you wish to use. Add salt and pepper to taste. Try adding more garlic, salt or other herbs if you’d like.

4️⃣ Chill & Serve
Refrigerate and cover for a minimum of one hour prior to serving. This will help the flavors to blend perfectly. Sprinkle with olive oil along with garnishing it with a few sprigs of Dill.

How to Serve Tzatziki

• A dip that can be served with warm pita bread, or with fresh vegetables
• A sauce to accompany grilled meats, such as souvlaki or lamb Kebabs
• Sandwiches or wraps
• For a garnish for cooked potatoes or cereal bowls

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Drinky Dip Make sure to drain the cucumber properly!
• Too Harsh Allow garlic to mellow out in the yogurt.
• The Thin Texture Only use yogurt that has been strained – no shortcuts!

Related Greek Recipes

Pair your fresh tzatziki with:

• Spanakopita: Greek Spinach Pie ➝
• Greek Souvlaki at Home ➝
• The Ultimate Guide to Traditional Greek Recipes ➝

Tzatziki FAQs