Easy Tzatziki Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Tzatziki Cucumber Salad Recipe kicks off any meal with a fresh, creamy zing that makes your taste buds sit up and pay attention. If you’ve ever wanted a salad that feels like a spa day for your mouth but doesn’t take hours to whip up, this one’s your new best friend.

Why You Should Try This Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

This salad nails the balance between cool cucumber crunch and the creamy, garlicky punch of tzatziki. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something light but still packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a breeze to put together no fancy skills required. Have you ever had a salad that felt like it needed a little more oomph? This one delivers that oomph without going overboard.

Variations I’ve Tried

I’ve played around with this recipe more than once. Sometimes I swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to get a tangier vibe. Other times, I toss in fresh dill or mint to switch up the herb game. Want it spicier? A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. Ever tried adding chopped olives or feta? It turns the salad into a mini Greek party on your plate.

Easy Tzatziki Cucumber Salad Recipe
Adaly Kandice

Easy Tzatziki Cucumber Salad Recipe

A refreshing Greek cucumber salad with creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber grated or finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  1. Grate or finely chop the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean cloth or paper towel.
  2. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add the prepared cucumber and mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve as a refreshing cucumber salad or a dip.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt and fresh ingredients. Adjust garlic and lemon juice to taste. Can be served alongside grilled meats or as a light salad.

Serving

This salad shines as a side dish with grilled meats like chicken or lamb. It also pairs well with pita bread or as a topping for gyros. Need a quick lunch? Serve it over quinoa or couscous for a refreshing twist. Ever tried it chilled? Keeping it in the fridge for an hour before serving lets the flavors marry beautifully.

Tips for Easy Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

  • Don’t skip salting the cucumbers. It’s the secret to keeping everything crisp.
  • Use fresh garlic, but if you’re worried about it overpowering, roast it lightly first.
  • Greek yogurt is your best bet here; it’s thick enough to hold the salad together without watering down.
  • If you want a thinner dressing, add a splash of cold water or more lemon juice.

Leftovers

Leftover tzatziki cucumber salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving as the cucumbers might release some water over time. Ever had a salad that tastes better the next day? This one definitely improves as the flavors meld.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the draining step for cucumbers leads to watery salad.
  • Using regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt can make the salad too runny.
  • Overdoing the garlic can overwhelm the other flavors, so start small and adjust.
  • Forgetting to chill the salad before serving misses out on that refreshing coolness.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 3 g