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Keto Tzatziki - Cool, Creamy, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Full-fat Greek yogurt (unsweetened) – about 1 1/2 cups
  • Cucumber – 1 medium English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers
  • Fresh garlic – 1 to 2 cloves, to taste
  • Fresh dill – a small handful, finely chopped (or 1 to 2 teaspoons dried)
  • Lemon – 1, for zest and juice
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons
  • Sea salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Optional extras: fresh mint, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or a pinch of smoked paprika

Method
 

  1. Prep the cucumber. Peel the cucumber if the skin is thick or waxy. Grate it on the large holes of a box grater. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let it sit in a fine-mesh sieve for 10 minutes.
  2. Squeeze out the water. Wrap the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels. Squeeze hard to remove as much moisture as possible. The drier it is, the thicker your tzatziki will be.
  3. Mince the garlic. Finely mince the garlic or grate it on a microplane for a smoother texture. If you prefer a mild garlic flavor, start with half a clove and add more to taste.
  4. Chop the herbs. Finely chop fresh dill. If using mint, chop a small amount as well. Fresh herbs make a big difference here.
  5. Combine the base. In a bowl, add the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, dill, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir until well combined.
  6. Add lemon and seasoning. Zest half the lemon directly into the bowl, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix and taste.
  7. Adjust to preference. Add more lemon for brightness, more dill for herbiness, or another drizzle of olive oil for richness. If you like a tangier sauce, add a splash (1 teaspoon) of red or white wine vinegar.
  8. Chill briefly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It thickens as it chills.
  9. Serve. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving. Enjoy with grilled chicken, lamb, salmon, low-carb pita, or crisp cucumber and bell pepper strips.