Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce with Cucumber and Dill

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A cool, creamy yogurt sauce blended with cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, perfect for dipping or drizzling over grilled dishes. This greek-inspired greek ready in about 10 minutes blends Greek yogurt (full fat), garlic cloves, minced, tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 medium peeled and grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve and press with the back of a spoon or squeeze in a clean towel to remove excess water, leaving about 1 cup of cucumber.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, the drained grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, mixing well.
  5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled as a dip or sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce with Cucumber and Dill take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce with Cucumber and Dill?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce 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 Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce with Cucumber and Dill for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce with Cucumber and Dill?

Greek 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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