Authentic Greek Tzatziki

4.6
(8)
6 Reviews
4 Photos

This is a lovely, cool, refreshing Greek tzatziki dip that I first tasted and fell in love with in the Greek Islands. It is lovely with hot toasted pita bread and veggies or lamb kebabs! The key is strain the liquid from the cucumber very well so the dip stays creamy and not watery and to always use thick, full-fat Greek yogurt. Low-fat versions won't cut it. Enjoy!

By Allrecipes Member
Updated on November 24, 2024
4
4
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste

  • 1 large cucumber

  • salt to taste

  • 1 (17.6 ounce) container full fat plain Greek yogurt (such as FAGE Total®)

Directions

  1. Stir together olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl and let sit while you prepare the cucumber.

  2. Peel cucumber and cut in half lengthways; scrape out all the seeds. Grate cucumber with a cheese grater into a sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt. Strain out as much liquid as possible by pressing down in the sieve with the palm of your hand. Alternately you can wring cucumber out in a clean tea towel. Add cucumber and yogurt to the garlic mixture. Mix until well combined and season with salt to taste.

Cook’s Note

For best results, chill in the refrigerator for a few hours if possible so flavors can blend.

You can also add a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint, especially if you are having lamb, but I prefer to keep it simple and authentic and usually leave the mint out.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

197 Calories
17g Fat
6g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 197
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g 22%
Saturated Fat 5g 27%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 81mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 5g 11%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 76mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.