Tzatziki, also known as cacık in Turkey or tarator in the Balkans, is a dish made with yogurt, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and Garlic. This delicious and fresh recipe is packed with rich flavor and is easy to create.
We created this simple recipe with a delicious twist – sautéed garlic. By sautéing the garlic, you can add a depth of flavor. In addition, the Olive Oil used to sauté the garlic is perfect drizzled on top of this dish. If you’re running short on time, minced garlic works well too!
We love fresh and healthy recipes with simple ingredients and know you will love this Tzatziki as much as we do.
Health Benefits of Tzatziki Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt – Protein-rich with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics
- Garlic – Garlic has a variety of benefits including its ability to help fight bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites
- Olive Oil – Active compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oil have been shown to help lower blood pressure and keep arteries from hardening

How to Make This Dish
- First, add 2 cups of Greek Yogurt to a large bowl.
- Second, in a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced Garlic in 3-4 tablespoons of Olive Oil until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Once done, set aside to cool.
- Next, grate ½ of an English Cucumber. Squeeze the excess water from the grated English Cucumber (with a dishcloth or paper towel). Add the cucumber to the bowl with the Greek Yogurt.
- In the same bowl, add the Lemon juice, salt, and chopped fresh Dill.
- With a slotted spoon, take the cooled minced Garlic out of the pan and add it to the Yogurt mixture (reserve the excess olive oil for drizzling over the finished Tzatziki).
- Next, stir the yogurt mixture with a large spoon until well combined. Place the Yogurt mixture in a small bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- When ready to serve, drizzle the Tzatziki with the reserved Olive Oil.
What to Serve with Tzatziki
Tzatziki is best as a delicious sauce or dip. Drizzle it on top of gyros and buddha bowls or as a marinade for your chicken. You can also serve it as a dip with pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. We recommend adding this recipe to your next mezze platter.
Are you looking for more great appetizers? Check out our Burrata with Grilled Peppers, Best Guacamole You Will Ever Make, or Avocado Lime Crema.
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Tzatziki
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tzatziki, also known as cacık in Turkey or tarator in the Balkans, is a dish made with yogurt, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and garlic. This delicious and fresh recipe is packed with rich flavor and is easy to create.
Ingredients
- 1/2 English Cucumber
- 2 cups Greek Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 4 cloves of minced Garlic
- 3–4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons of chopped fresh Dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of Greek Yogurt to a large bowl.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced Garlic in 3-4 tablespoons of Olive Oil until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Once done, set aside to cool.
- Grate ½ of an English Cucumber. Squeeze the excess water from the grated English Cucumber (with a dishcloth or paper towel). Add the cucumber to the bowl with the Greek Yogurt.
- In the same bowl, add the Lemon juice, salt, and chopped fresh Dill.
- With a slotted spoon, take the cooled minced Garlic out of the pan and add it to the Yogurt mixture (reserve the excess olive oil for drizzling over the finished Tzatziki).
- Stir the yogurt mixture with a large spoon until well combined. Place the Yogurt mixture in a small bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- When ready to serve, drizzle the Tzatziki with the reserved Olive Oil.
Casey Moeslein
The perfect dip to bring to a party!
Emily Miguez
Wonderful Perfect an afternoon party!!!!!