# Tzatziki Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/tzatziki
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: tzatziki recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for tzatziki, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 2 cups
## Ingredients
- 3 Persian or ½ English hothouse cucumbers, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, lightly crushed
- ¼ cup chopped mint
## Method
1. Step 1: Toss cucumbers with a few generous pinches of salt in a small bowl; firmly squeeze several times with your hands to release excess water. Drain.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tzatziki-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Tzatziki.
2. Step 2: Mix cucumbers, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a medium bowl; season with salt. Let sit at room temperature until tzatziki tastes garlicky, 15–20 minutes; discard garlic. Stir in mint just before serving.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tzatziki-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Tzatziki.
3. Step 3: Do Ahead: Tzatziki (without mint) can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/tzatziki-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Tzatziki.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This condiment builds on the history of the fermented milk that fed nomads, empires, and modern wellness culture, linking the dish to yogurt’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/tzatziki/tzatziki-og.webp
- Description: Tzatziki. Photo: Blackberrijack / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Tzatziki recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/tzatziki