Tzatziki
τζατζίκι
Strained yoghurt, cucumber, garlic — thick enough to stand, not a watery dip from a tub.
Recipe by I Want Some Food · Reviewed by the editorial kitchen. Native name preserved: τζατζίκι.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- —
- Rest
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Difficulty
- Very easy
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Cheap nightUnder $8 USD · indicative, not a store price

About
Tzatziki is yoghurt drained a little, cucumber salted and squeezed, garlic, oil and dill or mint. If it weeps in the bowl, you skipped the squeeze. Related to cacık; this is the thicker Greek mezze.
What you'll need
8 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Grate cucumber, salt, squeeze hard in a cloth. Mix yoghurt, garlic, oil, herbs and cucumber. Chill 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 95 kcal
- Protein
- 3.4 g
- Carbs
- 6 g
- Fat
- 6.8 g
- Saturated fat
- 2.3 g
- Fibre
- 0.3 g
- Sugar
- 4.6 g
- Sodium
- 299 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Milk
- Vegetarian
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 11 November.
Substitutions
Dill → Mint
A different perfume, both used.
Tips
- Greek yoghurt or hung yoghurt. A thin tub will always weep.
- More garlic tomorrow than today. It blooms.
History & culture
Next to grilled meat and pita. Also a vegetable dip if the garlic is honest.
Yoghurt-cucumber sauces sit across the Aegean. The name is the Greek one.
Traditional
Provenance: Editorial adaptation.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Tzatziki take?
50 min all in — 20 min prep, 30 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 bowls. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Very easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian.
7 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ¾ tsp.
How much vinegar?
1 tsp (optional) of Vinegar.
What can I use instead?
Dill → Mint. A different perfume, both used.
Any tips from this recipe?
Greek yoghurt or hung yoghurt. A thin tub will always weep. More garlic tomorrow than today. It blooms.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.
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