Does Dill Belong in Tzatziki? My Honest, Greek Answer
Let’s talk tzatziki — and let’s talk about the herb-shaped elephant in the room: dill.
This is a subject I’ve hesitated to write about, not because I don’t have a strong opinion (trust me, I do), but because it’s one of those topics that stirs up a lot of feeling, especially when I post a tzatziki video! We’re all passionate about tzatziki — as we should be. But if we’re talking about what’s authentic, traditional, and truly Greek, then I’m going to say something that might ruffle a few dill fronds.
Dill does not belong in tzatziki.
Now, I love dill. I genuinely do. It’s fresh, feathery, and fabulous in so many Greek dishes — like in a spanakopita or mixed through my favourite kolokithokeftedes. But tzatziki? Not for me. It’s nice, don’t get me wrong. But I just don’t think it belongs there.
The Tzatziki I Know
I’ve eaten tzatziki all over Greece, as we all have. From village tavernas tucked away in the mountains, to beachside restaurants overlooking the Aegean, to Yiayia’s kitchen table. And of all the tzatziki I’ve tried — and I’ve tried a lot — very, very few included dill. So few, in fact, that I couldn’t even tell you where those were because they just didn’t stick in my memory. They weren’t bad, but they didn’t feel like the tzatziki I grew up with.
What makes tzatziki tzatziki is its simplicity and punch. Here’s what it includes — and nothing more:
- Thick, strained Greek yogurt
- Cucumber, grated and well-drained
- Garlic — as subtle or as fiery as you like
- Extra virgin olive oil
- A splash of vinegar (or lemon, if that’s your thing)
- Salt, of course
That’s it. That’s the classic.
Recipe for Tomatokeftedes pictured above here
It’s All About Balance
Tzatziki isn’t meant to be a herby dip. It’s meant to be cooling, creamy, garlicky, and sharp. The cucumber adds freshness. The vinegar adds bite. The garlic gives it guts. The olive oil ties it all together. Adding dill just muddies that balance — it takes the dip somewhere else entirely. Still nice? Sure. But not Greek taverna nice. Not Yiayia-made-it nice.
Find my original recipe here: https://www.maryskouzina.com/tzatziki-greek-yoghurt-cucumber-garlic-dip/
💬 Tell Me What You Think
I know this post might stir the pot (or the mixing bowl). But if you’ve eaten tzatziki in Greece, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If your experience has been different, I’d genuinely love to hear about it — I’m always open to regional stories and variations.
With love (and garlic breath),
Meraki x
Finally, from an expert. Totally agree that dill is not in traditional tzatziki (those who like it that way, you do you). Simple is best.
WOOHOO! You’re my people, Maria! xx
My wife was a chef in a greek taverna for 24+ years that was owned by a greek man . Their Tzatziki always had dill and he wouldn’t have it made any other way . It tasted amazing . When we was in Greece last year on holiday we ate Tzatziki that had dill in and we ate it that didnt have dill in it. I must say i do prefer the flavour with the dill in .It just gave it a little something different . As you say each to their own and i really hope this doesnt start a dill war .. 🤣
Just to say love all your recipes as i have cooked lots of them and thank you for sharing such beautiful food..
Absolutely no dill wars here, my friend! Freedom of speech!! Interesting that dill was in your tzatziki for the majority of the time while in Greece. It’s been so rare in my experience. Thanks so much for commenting Andrew! x
I’ve never used Dill. But recently I thought I’d give it a go. My husband hated it!
So, back to the original it is for me. I also use lemon.
Haha! It’s always good to try new things though, right! x
I make tzatziki both with and without dill, depending on what I’ve got on hand. I always add a splash of red wine vinegar and a squeeze of lemon — it really brightens the flavor. Honestly, I love it either way, so I’m 50/50 on the dill!
I sometimes do vinegar and lemon, too! xx
Dill is probably the only herb that I don’t really like. I can eat it, but I don’t enjoy it, so when I see tzatziki without dill I’m so happy! Lemon juice for me!
Really! I love dill, just not in tzatziki 😂 My other uses lemon juice too! xx
I’ve never used dill, keep it simple I agree!
Simple all the way! x