Perfectly Creamy Authentic Tzatziki Dip

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a refreshing, tangy dip, let’s introduce you to this famous sauce. Tzatziki is made from Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, virgin olive oil, and a splash of white wine vinegar. This dip is simple yet packs a punch of flavor.

Tzatziki is perfect as a side dish and quick to make. With a bit of patience and direction, you’ll have a creamy dip perfect for hot summer days or as a cooling side to spicy dishes.

What is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki (pronounced as tsaht-ZEE-kee) is a classic Mediterranean dip and is extremely popular in Greek cuisine. It is known for its creamy texture and sharp flavor and is traditionally made with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. The combination creates a light yet rich dip that can be paired with almost anything, including grilled meats and vegetables, or simply as a stand-alone dish with fresh bread.

Tzatziki has been enjoyed for centuries and can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, with various regions tweaking the ingredients slightly. This superb dip is a go-to, especially in warm climates, often served alongside souvlaki or falafel. Do you want to hear a secret? Tzatziki is believed to have evolved from an ancient Persian dish comprising yogurt and herbs!

Pro Tips for the Best Tzatziki

• It is important to drain the cucumbers to remove moisture. To keep the dip thick and creamy, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt to get the best flavor. This ensures that your dip is buttery and thick. While lower-fat versions work, they can leave the dip less creamy.
• Chill your Tzatziki properly. Letting your tzatziki sit in the fridge for at least two hours before serving allows the flavors to merge and gives it that perfect tangy punch.
• While this dip made with traditional ingredients is already rich and delicious, you can elevate the taste by adding a splash of lemon.
• If you're not a huge garlic fan, there are various ways to incorporate this ingredient into this dish. Feel free to use less garlic and adjust it to suit your preference, or you can roast the garlic beforehand for a milder flavor.
• Let your dip sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to create an even consistency, which makes it more enjoyable.

Can I Freeze Tzatziki?

The truth is that freezing tzatziki isn’t ideal. This dip is yogurt-based, and freezing it can cause the dip to separate and lose its creamy texture. It’s best to make tzatziki fresh, and if you must freeze it, endeavor to enjoy it within a few days of preparation.

Do I Need to Peel The Cucumbers Before Making Tzatziki?

It's not mandatory, but if you want, you can. Peeling the cucumbers helps create a smoother texture in the sauce, and it removes the slightly bitter flavor of the skin. After peeling, it's also important to remove excess moisture by grating and squeezing the cucumbers to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.

How to Store Leftover Tzatziki

After you’ve enjoyed this appetizing sauce, place any leftovers in a sealed container and store them in the fridge. However, only store them for 2-3 days, as the yogurt base can spoil quickly.

How Do I Balance Too Much Garlic in Tzatziki?

The solution is simple: just add some lemon juice to the dip. Lemon juice reduces the garlic's sharp taste without changing this dip's incredible flavor. Another easy fix is adding more Greek yogurt to balance the flavor and dilute the garlic.

How Do I Make Tzatziki Less Watery?

There are various hacks to ensure your Tzatziki is thick, including draining the cumber thoroughly and squeezing out as much liquid as possible. You can also use full-fat Greek yogurt to give it a thick and consistent mixture.

What Can I Eat Tzatziki With?

It's commonly served with grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken, making it a popular companion for souvlaki or gyros. It also pairs well with pita bread, as a dip, or alongside vegetables. Additionally, it can be used as a refreshing topping for sandwiches or wraps, and even complements roasted potatoes or rice dishes, offering a cool, creamy balance to rich flavors.

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How to Make Tzatziki

Peel the garlic cloves and chop them finely. You can also crush them for a stronger flavor.

Wash the cucumber and remove the seeds using a teaspoon. Then, grate the cucumber into fine pieces.

Place the grated cucumber in a colander over a bowl. Press it with a spoon to remove excess water. This step is key for ensuring your tzatziki doesn’t end up watery.

Combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, salt, white wine vinegar, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined, then transfer the mixture to the fridge and let it sit for at least 2 hours.

Once it’s nicely chilled and the flavors have blended, serve your tzatziki in a bowl and enjoy!