Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Creamy authentic Greek tzatziki sauce served in a white bowl garnished with fresh dill and extra virgin olive oil next to crispy fries.

Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Course: Appetizers, Dip, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Diet: Halal, Kosher, Low Calorie

Keyword: authentic Greek tzatziki, authentic Greek tzatziki sauce, Cretan tzatziki, cucumber yogurt dip, Greek tzatziki recipe

Prep Time: 15

Cooling Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Servings: servings

Calories: 70kcal

Author: Timea

A traditional Cretan tzatziki recipe made with thick strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, fresh garlic, dill, and white wine vinegar. Ultra-thick, creamy, and guaranteed never to get watery!

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Metrics - US Customary

Equipment

1 Box grater large holes
1 Fine-mesh sieve or colander
1 Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
1 mixing bowl
1 Microplane or fine garlic grater

Ingredients

2 pcs cucumbers peeled and coarsely grated
250 g Greek yoghurt full fat (10 % fat)
1 pc clove of garlic grated on a microplane
1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
1 teaspoon wine vinegar white wine
1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt divided: ½ teaspoon for draining cucumbers, ½ teaspoon for yogurt base
½ teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Grate & Salt Cucumbers: Peel cucumbers and grate using the large holes of a box grater. Place in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, toss with ½ teaspoon of salt, and let drain for 15 to 20 minutes.
Wring Moisture: Transfer grated cucumbers into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather into a pouch and squeeze firmly over the sink until no liquid drips out.
Whisk Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
Fold & Combine: Add the dry, wrung-out cucumbers and chopped fresh dill to the yogurt base. Stir well to incorporate.
Chill & Serve: Cover and rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Video

Notes

Vinegar Choice: White wine vinegar is traditional in Cretan recipes, but fresh lemon juice can be substituted if preferred.
Make-Ahead Tip: Drizzle a thin film of olive oil over the top layer before closing the container to seal in freshness.
Storage: Keeps fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition