Classic Tzatziki

Classic Tzatziki

Appetizer45 min6 servingsEasy

About this recipe

A cool, creamy, and refreshing Greek yogurt dip loaded with crisp cucumber, fragrant garlic, fresh dill, and a bright squeeze of lemon. This classic tzatziki is thick, tangy, and incredibly versatile — perfect as a dip for pita and vegetables, a sauce for grilled meats, or a spread for wraps and sandwiches. The key is draining the cucumber thoroughly so your tzatziki stays thick and never watery.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grate the Cucumber on the large holes of a Grater. Transfer it to a clean Kitchen Towel or several layers of cheesecloth, wrap it up, and squeeze firmly over the sink until most of the moisture is expelled. You should end up with about 3/4 cup of tightly packed grated Cucumber. This step is critical — skipping it will make your tzatziki watery.

  2. 2

    In a medium Mixing Bowl, combine the Greek Yogurt, drained Cucumber, minced Garlic, chopped Dill, Lemon Juice, and Olive Oil. Stir everything together until well combined.

  3. 3

    Season with Kosher Salt and Black Pepper. Taste and adjust — add more Lemon Juice for brightness, more Garlic for punch, or more Dill for herbiness.

  4. 4

    Cover the Mixing Bowl with Plastic Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

  5. 5

    To serve, spoon the tzatziki into a shallow bowl. Use the back of a Wooden Spoon to swirl a well in the center, drizzle with a generous pour of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and garnish with a sprig of fresh Dill or a pinch of paprika if desired. Serve chilled.

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