Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip that brings together the refreshing flavors of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. It’s creamy, tangy, and light, making it the perfect accompaniment for pita, fresh veggies, or chips. This easy-to-make dip is bursting with flavor and is ideal for serving at gatherings, as a healthy snack, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tzatziki is the perfect blend of creamy yogurt, fresh cucumber, and aromatic dill, with a hint of garlic and lemon that makes every bite refreshing and flavorful. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a dip for your veggies or a sauce to complement your Mediterranean dishes, tzatziki is a must-have in your recipe arsenal. Plus, it’s healthy, low in calories, and packed with fresh ingredients that make it a guilt-free treat!
Ingredients
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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1½ packed cups cucumber (9 ounces), grated with large holes of a box grater
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2 tablespoons chopped dill
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1 tablespoon chopped mint (optional)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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1 clove garlic (add more to taste)
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½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, leaving the peel on for added color and crunch.
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Squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated cucumber by pressing it with your hands or using a clean kitchen towel. This step is essential for achieving a thick, creamy tzatziki.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, mint (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
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Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the salt according to your preference.
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For best flavor, let the tzatziki rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve by spreading the tzatziki on a plate, drizzling with extra virgin olive oil, and garnishing with fresh herbs. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for a pop of color.
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Enjoy with warm pita, pita chips, or fresh veggies!
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
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Herb Variations: If you don’t have dill or mint, you can use fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
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Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative for a vegan-friendly tzatziki.
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Zesty Tzatziki: For an extra citrusy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or a splash of lemon zest to the dip.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a while.
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Reheating: Tzatziki is best served cold or at room temperature, so there is no need to reheat. Just remove it from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Tzatziki tastes even better when it has time to sit and let the flavors meld. You can make it a few hours ahead or even the day before.
What can I serve with tzatziki?
Tzatziki is great with pita bread, pita chips, fresh veggies (like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers), or even grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or beef. It also makes a great topping for wraps and sandwiches.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt provides the thick, creamy texture that tzatziki is known for, but you can use regular yogurt in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly thinner.
How do I make tzatziki thicker?
The key to a thicker tzatziki is to drain the grated cucumber well. If you want an even thicker consistency, you can strain the yogurt using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve for a couple of hours before making the dip.
Can I make tzatziki without mint?
Yes, mint is optional, but it adds a refreshing flavor. If you prefer, you can leave it out or substitute with another fresh herb like parsley.
How long can I store tzatziki?
Tzatziki can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well in an airtight container for a few days.
Can I freeze tzatziki?
Freezing is not recommended for tzatziki, as the yogurt and cucumber may separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.
Can I make tzatziki without garlic?
Yes, you can make tzatziki without garlic if you prefer a milder flavor. You could also try substituting with a bit of garlic powder if you prefer a subtler taste.
Conclusion
Tzatziki is a simple yet delicious dip that brings a burst of fresh flavors to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a healthy snack, pairing it with your favorite Mediterranean dishes, or using it as a spread for sandwiches, this creamy, refreshing dip is always a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect addition to your recipe collection!
Print
Tzatziki
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Tzatziki is a creamy and refreshing Greek dip made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. It’s the perfect accompaniment to pita, veggies, or chips, offering a burst of fresh and tangy flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, this dip is an ideal addition to any Mediterranean spread or as a healthy snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ packed cups cucumber (9 ounces), grated with large holes of a box grater
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (add more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, leaving the peel on for added color and crunch.
- Drain the cucumber by squeezing out excess liquid with your hands. This step is key to achieving a creamy tzatziki.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, dill, mint (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
- Stir everything to combine, then taste and adjust the salt to your liking.
- For best flavor, let the tzatziki rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Spread the tzatziki on a serving plate, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for color.
- Serve with warm pita, pita chips, or fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother tzatziki, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic to taste.
- Tzatziki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
