Chilled Tzatziki with Cucumber and Dill

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Refreshing Greek yogurt cucumber dip infused with garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice, perfect as a snack or accompaniment to grilled dishes. This Greek recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs Greek yogurt (full fat), medium cucumber, grated and drained, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grate 1 medium cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture until mostly dry.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt, the drained grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled as a dip or sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Tzatziki with Cucumber and Dill take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chilled Tzatziki with Cucumber and Dill?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep greek yogurt (full fat) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Tzatziki with Cucumber and Dill?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Tzatziki with Cucumber and Dill for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chilled Tzatziki with Cucumber and Dill?

Mediterranean greek like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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