Tzatziki reminds me of sunny Mediterranean summers. I first tried this condiment at a small Greek taverna. The cool yogurt and crisp cucumber instantly won me over. This dip always brings a fresh touch to my meals.
Contents
Tzatziki Recipe
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like dill or mint. It’s known for its cool, refreshing flavor and creamy texture.
This dip is a staple in Greek cuisine. You can use it as a dip, sauce, or topping for various dishes. Traditional pairings include souvlaki, gyros, and grilled meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. It also goes well with pita bread, crackers, or chips.
It enhances vegetable kebabs and grilled fish, and adds creaminess to sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. For salads and veggies, try it with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or crispy falafel.
Here’s how to make the Tzatziki dip:
Tzatziki Dip
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cucumber grated (about ½ cup)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve chilled with pita, veggies, or grilled meats.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Substitute dill with mint for a different twist.
- If you prefer a milder garlic taste, let the tzatziki sit longer before serving.
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Variations
Tzatziki has numerous variations with different ingredients, such as:
- Vegetable Variations
- Carrot Version replaces cucumbers with grated carrots. It adds cumin for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Beetroot Version uses grated beetroot instead of cucumbers. It includes chopped capers for extra flavor.
- Purslane Version substitutes cucumbers with purslane.
- Herbal Variations
- Mint Addition contains cilantro and mint. It pairs well with Indian dishes.
- Some recipes use parsley or mint instead of dill.
- Other Variations
- Turkish Cacık contains water and various vegetables.
- Middle Eastern Version includes sumac or pomegranate molasses.
- Vegan Version uses plant-based yogurt. Some variations replace yogurt with soured milk or quark.