Start by assembling everything you need—a bowl for mixing, a box grater for the cucumber, and a cutting board and knife for the garlic and herbs. This will streamline your process.

Use a box grater to finely grate the cucumber. Don’t bother peeling or seeding it; the skin holds nutrients. Place your grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out excess moisture. This will help your tzatziki stay thick instead of watery.

In a large mixing bowl, add the thick Greek yogurt. Next, toss in the freshly chopped mint and/or dill along with the minced garlic. This is where the flavor magic starts to happen.

Fold in the grated cucumber, ensuring it's incorporated evenly. You should see the mixture turn a beautiful green color.

Add the sea salt, cold-pressed olive oil, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and zest. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This helps all the flavors marry together, resulting in a truly satisfying sauce.