Name: Tzatziki (Thick, Not Watery)
Prep time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 Cups
Ingredients: 2 cup greek yogurt, plain full-fat (no added sugar); 1 whole cucumber (grated); 0.75 tsp kosher salt (divided); 1 clove garlic (finely grated); 2 tbsp dill (chopped (or 2 tsp dried)); 1 tbsp olive oil (optional but recommended); 2 tsp lemon juice (optional); 0.25 tsp black pepper

Question 1

Why is my Tzatziki (Thick, Not Watery) My tzatziki is looking a bit too loose, almost soupy.?

Accepted Answer

My tzatziki is looking a bit too loose, almost soupy.

Ah, the classic watery cucumber issue. Remember, thickness comes from getting that water *out* of the cucumber, not adding more yogurt. Next time, let the salted cucumber sit a lit…

The garlic in my tzatziki is really strong, almost overpowering.

Garlic can be potent! Grating it releases more of its bite. Next time, try using just one small clove, or let the grated garlic mellow in the yogurt for a bit longer before mixing…

Question 2

Why is my Tzatziki (Thick, Not Watery) The garlic in my tzatziki is really strong, almost overpowering.?

Accepted Answer

The garlic in my tzatziki is really strong, almost overpowering.. Garlic can be potent! Grating it releases more of its bite. Next time, try using just one small clove, or let the grated garlic mellow in the yogurt for a bit longer before mixing everything else in. That will soften its edge.

Question 3

Why is my Tzatziki (Thick, Not Watery) It's still too thin even after I squeezed the cucumber.?

Accepted Answer

It's still too thin even after I squeezed the cucumber.. Sometimes those cucumbers hold onto more water than you'd think! If it's still on the runny side, give that cucumber another really firm squeeze. You can also try letting the finished tzatziki sit in a fine-mesh sieve for another 10-15 minutes to drain off any excess liquid. That should help it firm up.

Question 4

Why is my Tzatziki (Thick, Not Watery) I can barely taste the dill in my tzatziki.?

Accepted Answer

I can barely taste the dill in my tzatziki.. Dill is delicate! Make sure you're using fresh, vibrant dill, and don't be shy with it. If the flavor isn't coming through after mixing, stir in a bit more finely chopped fresh dill. For an extra boost, you can gently bruise the leaves between your fingers before chopping – it really wakes up the flavor.

Question 5

Why is my Tzatziki (Thick, Not Watery) My tzatziki tastes way too salty.?

Accepted Answer

My tzatziki tastes way too salty.. Salt is a flavor enhancer, but too much can take over. This usually happens if we're a bit heavy-handed when salting the cucumber or adding salt at the end. If it's just a little too salty, a bit more Greek yogurt and a splash of lemon juice can help balance it. If it's very salty, you might need to make a second, unsalted batch to mix in and dilute the saltiness.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki

Put This Plate On The Line

The Setup

The Mise en Place

The Aromatics (0/1)

Seasoning (0/2)

The Finish (0/1)

To Brighten (0/1)

Prep Ahead

If Things Go Wrong

My tzatziki is looking a bit too loose, almost soupy.

The garlic in my tzatziki is really strong, almost overpowering.

Chef's Notes

The Method

SALT

SQUEEZE

MIX

CHILL

Related Techniques

Mise en Place

Appears in collections

Master These Next

Tahini Green Goddess Dressing

Peach + Pepper Vinegar Caprese

Homemade Ranch