Tzatziki
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy. Tzatziki is a refreshing and good-for-you yogurt and cucumber dip. Serve it with pita, grilled meats, gyros, or just eat it with a spoon! Tzatziki (pronounced ‘tuh-ZEE-kee’), a beloved dip originating from Greece and the Middle East, is a versatile condiment enjoyed in countless ways. Traditionally served as part of a meze (pronounced ‘MEH-zay’), a collection of small dishes like dips, spreads, salads, grilled vegetables, cheeses, olives, and more, tzatziki also shines as a sauce. Its smooth and tangy texture creates a delicious contrast when paired with the smoky and savory flavors of grilled dishes such as kofta, kabobs, and gyros. Tzatziki’s magic lies in its simplicity, combining thick Greek yogurt with refreshing shredded cucumber. The yogurt provides a luscious and tangy base, while the cucumber adds a cool and crisp element. Whether you’re dipping pita bread or drizzling it over your favorite grilled dishes, tzatziki makes a delicious and versatile addition to any feast. It’s good for you, too! What You’ll Need To Make Tzatziki Tzatziki should be made with thick Greek yogurt. Many recipes call for straining it, but I don’t find it necessary. I like to make tzatziki with English (or hothouse) cucumbers, the long, thin cucumbers that come wrapped in plastic. Because their skin is thin and unwaxed, English cucumbers do not need to be peeled — makes it easy. Tzatziki is traditionally made with mint or dill. I prefer the flavor of mint (plus, as you can see, I have a wee bit of a wild mint situation in my garden) but feel free to substitute fresh dill if you like. How To Make Tzatziki Begin by seeding the cucumber. Simply cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, and then use a small spoon to scrape the seeds out. Next, shred the cucumber on a box grater or in a food processor. Cucumbers are filled with water, which will dilute the tzatziki if you don’t wring it all out. I first use my hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible, then I wrap the shredded cucumber in a dish towel and wring again. Combine the yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and mint in a mixing bowl. Mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. That’s all there is to it! 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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (I often add a generous pinch of sugar to balance the flavors). Cover and chill until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh mint, if desired. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (I often add a generous pinch of sugar to balance the flavors). Cover and chill until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh mint, if desired. Nutrition Information Powered by Serving size: 1/4 cup Calories: 77 Fat: 5 g Saturated fat: 1 g Carbohydrates: 4g Sugar: 3 g Fiber: 0 g Protein: 6 g Sodium: 223 mg Cholesterol: 3 mg Serving size: 1/4 cup Calories: 77 Fat: 5 g Saturated fat: 1 g Carbohydrates: 4g Sugar: 3 g Fiber: 0 g Protein: 6 g Sodium: 223 mg Cholesterol: 3 mg This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Gluten-Free Adaptable Note To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free. See more recipes: AppetizersGluten-Free AdaptableVegetarianGreekMiddle Eastern Appetizers Gluten-Free Adaptable Vegetarian Greek Middle Eastern