Tag: tzatziki

A cool dollop of creamy tzatziki, speckled with fresh cucumber and fragrant dill, instantly conjures the sun‑kissed terraces of Crete.

Yiayia Eleni’s tzatziki sauce recipe blends thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, echoing the island’s breezy evenings.

Taste it, and the coast comes alive.

How to make this tzatziki sauce recipe

This Greek tzatziki sauce recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 0 minutes to cook. The flavor comes from Crete, where Yiayia Eleni has made it the same way for years. The Mediterranean diet pattern this dish belongs to was recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, with Crete as one of its emblematic communities.

Ingredients for tzatziki sauce recipe

• 2 cups (480 ml) full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: a pinch of black pepper

Method, the Crete way

1. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is for a thick tzatziki.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber with the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and optional pepper. Taste and adjust garlic or lemon as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with pita, veggies, or alongside grilled meats.

Tips from Yiayia Eleni

The traditional way in Crete is to keep it simple. Researchers behind the PREDIMED trial found that the tzatziki sauce recipe pattern, anchored in olive oil and short ingredient lists, cuts cardiovascular risk roughly 30%. Crete, Sardinia, and the Aegean islands are blue-zone communities where dishes like this are eaten weekly.

Serving, storage, and what to drink

Serves 4. Best the day it’s made. Leftovers keep in the fridge for two days. For more Greek recipes see our snacks and recipes sections, or pair it with a glass of regional wine from Crete or Sicily.

The Mediterranean diet pattern this dish belongs to was recognized by UNESCO (2010) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of communities including Crete, Sicily, and Andalusia. The evidence base comes from the PREDIMED trial and earlier work at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.