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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy Cucumber Dip

A thick, creamy, refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber dip with garlic, lemon, dill, and olive oil.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the tzatziki
  • 1 English cucumber grated
  • 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 box grater for grating cucumber
  • 1 mixing bowl medium
  • 1 spoon for mixing
  • 1 kitchen towel for squeezing cucumber moisture

Method
 

  1. Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, optional mint, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Fold in the squeezed cucumber and mix well. Taste and adjust with more salt, lemon juice, or dill if needed.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, swirl the top, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra dill before serving.

Notes

Squeeze the cucumber very well for the thickest texture. Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest result. Chill before serving for the best flavor, and stir before serving if a little liquid separates.