Authentic Greek tzatziki sauce should be creamy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced—not watery or bland. In this recipe, we combine strained Greek yogurt, crisp shredded cucumber (thoroughly dried for maximum thickness), fresh herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, and parsley), garlic, shallots, and a bright splash of lemon juice for that signature tang. The secret? Squeezing every drop of moisture from the cucumbers ensures a luxuriously thick texture ideal for gyros, grilled meats, or dipping. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade tzatziki packs freshly grated black pepper for a vibrant kick and layers of herbaceous flavor. Simple, authentic, and foolproof—this is the only tzatziki recipe you’ll ever need.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| • 1 quart Greek whole milk yogurt • 1 cup seedless cucumber, grated and strained • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper • 1 tablespoon fresh dill • 1 tablespoon cilantro • 1 tablespoon Italian parsley • 1 tablespoon shallots • 1 tablespoon mint | 1. In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients. |
| • 1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice | 2. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir until well combined. |
| 3. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 5-7 days. |
Old Recipe
3 cups – Yogurt or sour cream
1 oz – lemon juice
6 oz – cucumber (shredded and drained)
2 oz – onion (shredded and drained)
½ tbsp – fresh mint
½ tbsp – fresh Italian parsley
½ tbsp – fresh dill
½ tbsp – fresh cilantro
1 clove – fresh garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients together