Greek Tzatziki Recipe

This Tzatziki Recipe combines crisp cucumber, greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, aromatic dill, and a touch of garlic for a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

Not only is tzatziki delicious, but it's also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a dip alongside warm pita bread or fresh vegetables, or used as a sauce to enhance the flavors of your favorite grilled meats, gyros, or kebabs. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you'll have a homemade tzatziki that will rival any store-bought version.

If you love dip like I do, you need to try my Smoked Fish Dip Recipe and my Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe.

Jump to:

• What is Tzatziki?
• Why is Tzatziki so great?
• Tzatziki Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Tzatziki
• What to serve with Tzatziki
• Substitutions
• Tzatziki Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Tzatziki
• Tzatziki Recipe Top tips
• Tzatziki Recipe
• Food safety

What is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip that is known for its refreshing and tangy flavors. It is typically made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like dill or mint. Tzatziki is widely enjoyed throughout Greece and has gained popularity in many other countries as well.

The base of tzatziki is yogurt, which can be either Greek yogurt or regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, lending a rich texture to the sauce. Cucumber is grated or finely chopped and added to the yogurt, providing a cool and refreshing crunch. Garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil add depth of flavor, while herbs like dill or mint contribute a fresh and aromatic note.

Why is Tzatziki so great?

• Refreshing and Light: Tzatziki has a refreshing and light quality that makes it a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. The combination of cool cucumber, tangy yogurt, and zesty flavors creates a harmonious balance that adds a burst of freshness to your meals.
• Creamy and Smooth Texture: The yogurt base gives tzatziki a creamy and smooth texture that is both satisfying and luxurious. It adds a richness to the sauce that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Versatility: Tzatziki is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. It can be served as a dip alongside bread, vegetables, or chips, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Additionally, it works wonderfully as a sauce for grilled meats, adding flavor, moisture, and a delightful tanginess. Its versatility allows for creative use in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for salads.
• Health Benefits: Tzatziki has several health benefits, especially when made with yogurt. Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Cucumber adds hydration and contains vitamins and minerals, while garlic is known for its potential immune-boosting properties. Overall, tzatziki can be a nutritious addition to your meals.

Tzatziki Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Cucumber
• Green Yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Dill
• Salt

See recipe card for Tzatziki Recipe quantities.

How to make Tzatziki

What to serve with Tzatziki

• Pita Bread: Tzatziki and warm, fluffy pita bread are a classic combination. Tear the pita into bite-sized pieces and dip them into the tzatziki for a delicious appetizer or snack.
• Grilled Meats: Tzatziki is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, beef, or pork. Whether you're enjoying kebabs, gyros, souvlaki, or grilled skewers, drizzling tzatziki over the meat adds moisture, flavor, and a cool contrast.
• Vegetable Platter: Serve tzatziki alongside a platter of fresh raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and celery. The creamy tzatziki provides a delightful dip for the veggies, adding a burst of flavor and making it a healthier snacking option.

Substitutions

• Cucumber: If you don't have cucumber or prefer a different vegetable, you can substitute it with grated zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and freshness to the sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: If you don't have greek yogurt, you can use other alternatives such as regular yogurt, cashew cream, or silken tofu.
• Lemon Juice: If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These options will provide a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: If you prefer to avoid or don't have olive oil, you can substitute it with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or another neutral-tasting oil of your choice. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.
• Garlic: If you're not a fan of garlic or prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the garlic altogether. However, if you still want a hint of garlic flavor, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
• Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors in tzatziki, but if you need to reduce your salt intake or prefer a lower-sodium option, you can use a salt substitute or reduce the amount of salt and add more herbs or spices to compensate.
• Dill: If you don't have fresh dill, you can substitute it with dried dill. However, keep in mind that the flavor intensity may differ, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. Alternatively, you can use other fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Tzatziki Recipe Variations

• Mint Tzatziki: Instead of using dill, substitute it with fresh mint leaves. Mint adds a cool and refreshing taste to the tzatziki, giving it a unique flavor profile. It pairs particularly well with grilled lamb or as a dip for spicy foods.
• Spicy Tzatziki: If you enjoy some heat, add a kick to your tzatziki by incorporating a spicy element. You can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even finely chopped fresh chili peppers. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Smoky Tzatziki: Give your tzatziki a smoky twist by adding a small amount of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke. This variation adds depth and complexity to the sauce, making it a great accompaniment for grilled or roasted dishes.

Check out my Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe.

Equipment

To make tzatziki, you don't need any specialized equipment. Here are the basic tools and equipment you'll typically need:

• Grater or Knife: If you're using a cucumber in your tzatziki, you'll need a grater or a knife to grate or finely chop the cucumber.
• Cutting Board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
• Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is necessary to combine all the ingredients and mix them together.
• Spoon or Whisk: You can use a spoon or whisk to stir and mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
• Measuring Spoons: Use measuring spoons to accurately measure the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dill according to the recipe.
• Garlic Press or Knife: If you prefer minced garlic, you can use a garlic press to crush and mince the garlic cloves. Alternatively, you can mince the garlic using a knife.
• Optional: Strainer or Cheesecloth (for draining cucumber): If you want to remove excess moisture from the cucumber, you can use a fine-mesh strainer or line a colander with cheesecloth to drain the grated cucumber.

How to store Tzatziki

To store my Tzatziki Recipe properly and maintain its freshness, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: Tzatziki should be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container, and kept in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps preserve the sauce and prevents the growth of bacteria.
2. Surface Covering: Ensure that the surface of the tzatziki is covered with a layer of plastic wrap or a lid to prevent air exposure and minimize moisture loss. This helps retain the sauce's texture and flavor.
3. Use Within a Few Days: Tzatziki is best consumed within a few days of preparation. While it may still be safe to eat after a longer period, the flavors and consistency can diminish over time. Aim to finish it within 3 to 4 days for optimal quality.
4. Stir Before Serving: Before serving any refrigerated tzatziki, give it a gentle stir to incorporate any separated liquids or ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
5. Freezing (Optional): If you have a larger batch of tzatziki and want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. However, keep in mind that freezing may slightly affect the texture of the yogurt-based sauce. Transfer the tzatziki to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw the frozen tzatziki in the refrigerator overnight and stir before serving.

Tzatziki Recipe Top tips

• Use Thick Yogurt: For a creamy and luscious tzatziki, opt for a thick yogurt, such as Greek yogurt. The thickness of the yogurt will contribute to the overall texture of the sauce. If you're using regular yogurt, strain it using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove excess liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
• Grate or Dice the Cucumber: To incorporate the cucumber seamlessly into the tzatziki, grate or finely dice it. This ensures that the cucumber is evenly distributed throughout the sauce, providing a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Drain the Cucumber: Cucumbers contain a high water content, which can make the tzatziki watery. To prevent this, sprinkle the cucumber with salt and allow it to drain in a colander or sieve for about 10 minutes. Afterward, gently squeeze out any excess moisture. This step helps maintain a thicker and creamier tzatziki.
• Mince the Garlic: To maximize the garlic flavor in the tzatziki, finely mince the garlic clove. Crushing the garlic releases its aromatic oils, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use a garlic press or reduce the amount of garlic used.
• Let It Chill: After preparing the tzatziki, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and well-rounded taste. The chilling process also helps the tzatziki to thicken slightly.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.