Fresh Tzatziki

This is my go-to sauce for gyros, grilled chicken, or just dipping vegetables. The overnight rest really makes a difference – the garlic mellows out and everything comes together.

June Arthurs
January 29, 2026
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Ingredients (~6 servings)

  • 3 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, unpeeled and grated

Mix the Base and Let It Rest

In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and salt until well combined.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight – this allows the garlic to mellow and the flavors to develop properly.

If you’re in a rush, you can use it after ~2 hours, but overnight is definitely better.

Prep the Cucumber and Finish the Sauce

Take the grated cucumber and place it between several paper towels. Squeeze and wring out as much liquid as possible over the sink.

This step is important – watery cucumber will make your tzatziki thin and runny.

Stir the drained cucumber and fresh dill into the chilled yogurt mixture.

Taste and adjust salt if needed – sometimes the cucumber dilutes the flavor a bit.

Serve chilled. This keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days covered, though it’s best within the first 2 days.

Fresh Tzatziki

This is my go-to sauce for gyros, grilled chicken, or just dipping vegetables. The overnight rest really makes a difference – the garlic mellows out and everything comes together.
prep time15 minutes
resting or cooling time8 hours
total time8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients (~6 servings)

  • 3 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, unpeeled and grated

Instructions

  • Serve Time: Chilled
  • Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels.
  • Mix yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt in a bowl.
  • Refrigerate mixture for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Stir drained cucumber and dill into yogurt base.
  • Adjust salt to taste.
  • Serve chilled.

Notes

Best consumed within 2 days. Keeps in refrigerator for 3-4 days.