Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek dip or salad dressing made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and often served with grilled meats or as a refreshing dip for vegetables.

To make tzatziki, grated cucumber is combined with yogurt and minced garlic, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh dill or mint. The dip is typically allowed to chill for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Tzatziki's creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a versatile condiment that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.

Small PlatesSaucesCucumbersMediterranean

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 15 min

Yield: 4 servings

A plate of tzatziki and sliced pita wedges.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely shredded English cucumber, pressed and drained
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt, pressed and drained
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh dill or ½ Tbsp. dried dill
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • ½ tsp. lemon zest
  • ¼ tsp. Kosher salt
  • Pinch of ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Mesh strainer

Instructions

  1. 1.
    Shred the English cucumber and press to squeeze out the excess water
  2. 2.
    If using as a dip, squeeze the yogurt in cheesecloth to remove excess liquid. You can leave the yogurt as it is if you're going to use the tzatziki as dressing
  3. 3.
    Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let stand in the refrigerator for an hour.
  4. 4.
    Serve with wedges of warm pita