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Herbed Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki-Style)
Cool, creamy yogurt loaded with crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a punch of garlic. This Mediterranean-inspired dip takes just 10 minutes to whip up and is perfect alongside grilled meats, pita bread, or a crunchy vegetable platter.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Grate and drain the cucumber.
1.Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater.2.Place the grated cucumber at the center of a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.3.Gather the corners and twist tightly, squeezing out as much liquid as possible into the sink.TIPSqueeze hard — excess water will thin the dip. You should end up with a dry, fluffy mound of cucumber. - mix · ~2 min
Combine the yogurt base.
1.Add the thick yogurt to a medium mixing bowl.2.Add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.3.Whisk together until smooth and well combined. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in the cucumber and herbs.
1.Add the squeezed cucumber, chopped dill, and chopped mint to the yogurt mixture.2.Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly distributed.TIPDon't overmix — folding keeps the dip light and airy. - rest · ~30 min
Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The dip is even better after a few hours.
TIPChilling is the secret — it transforms the raw garlic bite into a mellow, savoury depth. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish with a drizzle and serve.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and scatter a pinch of fresh dill or mint if desired. Serve cool with pita, crudités, or grilled meats.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, thickest dip that won't turn watery.
- 2Squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly; excess moisture is the top cause of a thin dip.
- 3Let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes to mellow the raw garlic bite into a savory depth.
- 4Make this dip a day ahead — the flavors meld and improve overnight in the fridge.
- 5For a silkier texture, whisk the yogurt base before folding in the cucumber and herbs.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-fat
Swap full-fat Greek yogurt with 2% or nonfat Greek yogurt for a lighter dip; add one extra tablespoon of grated cucumber to maintain creaminess.
veganVegan
Use a thick coconut or cashew-based plain yogurt to make this dip completely plant-based, keeping the cucumber and herb base intact.
spicy herbSpicy herb
Add ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes or a minced serrano pepper for a fiery kick that contrasts beautifully with the cool yogurt.
spring onionSpring onion
Replace the garlic with 3 finely chopped spring onions (white and light green parts) for a milder, sweeter allium flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Probiotics
Greek yogurt is naturally packed with live probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.
Hydrating Cucumber
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this dip a refreshing way to contribute to daily hydration.
Antioxidant Herbs
Fresh dill and mint are rich in plant compounds like quercetin and flavonoids that help fight oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but strain it overnight in cheesecloth to remove whey; otherwise the dip will be too thin and runny.
