tzatziki

Tzatziki is a fresh Greek yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill—perfect for light snacks, sandwiches, or salads.

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Total Time 16

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dip

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 60

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 unit cucumber medium-sized, grated
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method

Grate the cucumber, then place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery dip.
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped dill. Mix well.
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve with pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a sauce for grilled meats. Enjoy!

Notes

Tzatziki is one of those appetizers that transcends the boundaries of cultures, renowned for its creamy texture and refreshing taste. Whether you're serving it as a dip for crunchy vegetables, a sauce for grilled meats, or as a spread inside wraps and sandwiches, its versatility will rapidly make it a favorite at your table.

Practical Tips for the Perfect Tzatziki

Draining the cucumber is crucial. Grated cucumber naturally releases a lot of water, which can make your dip soupy if not removed. For best results, firmly squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel.

Choose a thick, high-quality Greek yogurt to achieve a luxuriously creamy base. If you only have regular yogurt, try straining it through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for a few hours in the fridge to remove extra liquid.

Garlic intensity can be adjusted to your taste. If you're sensitive to raw garlic, let the minced garlic marinate with the lemon juice for a few minutes before adding to the yogurt, mellowing its flavor.

Preparation Techniques and Flavor Boosters

Fresh dill adds a classic aromatic note, but if it's unavailable, fresh mint or parsley make wonderful substitutes, imparting a slightly different but equally delicious personality to your tzatziki.

When mixing, fold the ingredients gently to preserve the yogurt’s creaminess. Letting the tzatziki rest in the fridge for at least an hour is not only recommended but key for allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

Tzatziki shines when served with warm pita bread, crunchy crudités, or as an accompaniment for grilled lamb, chicken souvlaki, or falafel. Try spreading it onto burgers in place of mayonnaise for a Mediterranean twist.

For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the top with a little more olive oil and sprinkle paprika or fresh herbs right before presenting. If you enjoy a tangier dip, increase the lemon juice slightly, or try stirring in a spoonful of feta cheese for a richer, saltier kick.

With these simple tweaks and thoughtful touches, your homemade tzatziki will bring authentic Mediterranean flair to any meal!