This simple and authentic Tzatziki recipe results in a creamy dip that comes together with little fuss. Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs, this delightful Mediterranean dip will elevate any meal or snack.
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Cool and refreshing, Greek Tzatziki is a classic dip that's perfect for any occasion. Made with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh cucumbers, and fragrant dill, this dip has a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with pita bread, vegetables, or grilled meats.
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs. It's known for its creamy texture and refreshing flavors.
Ingredients and substitutions for Tzatziki
- Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is strained of the whey found in standard plain yogurt which means it has less liquid and results in a much thicker yogurt that is the perfect base for your tzatziki.
- Cucumber: A medium cucumber weighing 350 grams / 12.3 ounces whole was used, once grated and pressed weighed approximately 165 grams / 5.82 ounces.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a layer of savory to this dip, as a back up to the cucumber.
- Dill: Fresh dill works best because it adds further flavor, a great substitute is fresh parsley.
- Salt: Sea or kosher salt works best to add savory flavor without making this too salty.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Tzatziki:
Step 1: Serving bowl: Place the Greek yogurt into your serving bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Grate: Your cucumber into a clean tea towel or several layers of paper towels.
Step 3: Squeeze: Roll tightly into a ‘teatowel burrito’ and wring tightly to remove all the water in your cucumber.
Step 4: Bowl up: Unroll and place the cucumber into your yogurt, adding the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Finish: With a drizzle of olive oil and top with the olive.
Step 6: Serve immediately: With some flatbread or as part of a cheeseboard spread and dig in!
FAQs for the best Tzatziki
Tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served with various dishes. It's a great accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or lamb, as well as a tasty dip for pita bread, vegetables, or even as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
Absolutely! In fact, Tzatziki tends to taste even better when prepared in advance, as the flavors have time to meld together. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.
Absolutely! You can personalize your Tzatziki recipe by adjusting the amount of garlic, herbs, or lemon juice according to your taste preferences. You can also add extras like grated lemon zest, chopped olives, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a unique twist.
The cucumbers need to be fine in this dip which means grating your cucumbers will result in the best texture as well as helping drain the water out of your cucumbers, which is essential before adding to your yogurt.
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Greek Tzatziki
Ingredients
- 285 grams / 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber see notes section, ends removed
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and minced
- 2 teaspoons sea or kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
To serve
- 1 black olive
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place the Greek yogurt into a bowl and set aside.
- Grate your cucumber into a clean tea towel or several layers of paper towels.
- Roll tightly to cover the cucumber into the center of a ‘teatowel burrito’ and wring it tightly to remove all the excess water in your cucumber.
- Unroll and place the cucumber into your yogurt.
- Add the garlic, salt, dill and lemon juice and stir until well combined.
- Pour over the olive oil and top with the olive.
- Serve immediately with some flatbread or as part of a cheeseboard spread.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is strained of the whey found in standard plain yogurt which means it has less liquid and results in a much thicker yogurt that is the perfect base for your tzatziki.
- Cucumber: A medium cucumber weighing 350 grams / 12.3 ounces whole was used, once grated and pressed weighed approximately 165 grams / 5.82 ounces. The cucumbers need to be fine in this dip which means grating your cucumbers will result in the best texture as well as helping drain the water out of your cucumbers, which is essential before adding to your yogurt.
- Serving Tzatziki: Tzatziki sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served with various dishes. It's a great accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or lamb, as well as a tasty dip for pita bread, vegetables, or even as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
- Add a twist: You can personalize your Tzatziki recipe by adjusting the amount of garlic, herbs, or lemon juice according to your taste preferences. You can also add extras like grated lemon zest, chopped olives, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a unique twist.
Nutrition
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