TZATZIKI
Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip made with thick Greek yoghurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, a touch of olive oil and lemon juice. This creamy and refreshing condiment is a perfect companion for grilled meats, fresh vegetables or as a spread for pita bread. The combination of tangy yoghurt, fragrant garlic and cooling cucumber creates a delicious balance of flavours. Garnished with fresh dill, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dip, sauce, or side. Tzatziki is light, healthy and simple to prepare, making it a must for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Appetiser, Side, Condiment, Snack, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean, Greek
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, Quick & Easy, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer BBQ, Picnic, Family Dinner, Cocktail Party, Mediterranean Feast, Super Bowl, Potluck, Wedding, Fall, Easter, Passover
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Carb, Low Sodium, Kosher, Quick & Easy, Kid-Friendly, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Dip, Condiment, Spread
INGREDIENTS
- 50g Greek yoghurt
- ¼ cucumber, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fibre:5g
- Sodium: 100mg
PREPARATION
- Grate The Cucumber And Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Grate the cucumber and then use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze the extra water to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Mix The Base Ingredients: In a bowl, combine Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Incorporate Cucumber And Season: Stir in the grated cucumber and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning to balance the flavours.
- Garnish With Fresh Dill: Sprinkle fresh dill on top before serving for a bright, herbal touch. The dill adds a refreshing flavour to the dip.
- Serve Immediately Or Chill: Tzatziki can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavours. Enjoy as a dip or sauce.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
No cooking required
TIPS
- Drain The Cucumber Well: Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumber to keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.
- Make Ahead: Prepare tzatziki a few hours ahead to allow the flavours to meld together for an even more delicious dip.
- Fresh Garlic: Adjust the garlic level to your taste; for a stronger flavour, use more garlic or let it sit longer.
VARIATIONS
- Add Herbs: Include fresh mint or parsley for an additional herbaceous flavour.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chilli for a spicy version.
- Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yoghurt for dairy-free yoghurt to make it vegan-friendly.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge Storage: Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- No Freezing: Tzatziki doesn’t freeze well due to the yoghurt and cucumber’s high water content.