Go Back
A handheld smartphone photo showing the texture of an Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe with cucumber bits and a glossy oil well.

Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe: The Secret to Ultra-Thick Creamy Dip

This Authentic Greek Tzatziki Recipe creates a thick, velvet-like dip using strained yogurt, fresh dill, and garlic. Perfect for gyros or dipping, it features a glossy olive oil well and traditional kalamata garnish.
Print Recipe Pin for Later
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dip, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tzatziki Base
  • 2 cups (480g) Full-fat strained Greek yogurt Must be thick/strained
  • 1 large (300g) English cucumber Finely grated and squeezed dry
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced into a fine paste
  • 2 tablespoons (8g) Fresh dill Finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Extra virgin olive oil Plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon Red wine vinegar Or fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt Adjust to taste
Garnish
  • 1 whole Kalamata olive Dark purple
  • 1 sprig Fresh dill Vibrant green
  • 1 pinch Cracked black pepper Freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Box Grater Fine grating side
  • 1 Cheesecloth or Kitchen Towel For squeezing cucumber
  • 1 Ceramic Bowl For mixing and serving

Method
 

Prepare Cucumber
  1. Finely grate the English cucumber onto a kitchen towel. Sprinkle with salt and sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Twist the towel tightly to squeeze out all excess liquid until the cucumber is very dry.
Assemble Dip
  1. In a bowl, mix the thick Greek yogurt, garlic paste, dried cucumber bits, chopped dill, and olive oil.
  2. Add the vinegar or lemon juice and salt. Fold until you have a dense, creamy white mixture.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Create a well in the center, fill with a pool of olive oil, and top with the kalamata olive, dill sprig, and cracked pepper.

Notes

For the best flavor, let the tzatziki rest in the fridge for 2 hours before serving.
Always use fresh dill; dried dill will not provide the same aromatic quality.