Tzatziki is a rich, creamy Mediterranean dip made with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, and plenty of garlic. The cucumber adds a cool, refreshing flavor while the garlic gives this simple dip its distinctive character. It’s an easy appetizer or snack that’s especially delicious served chilled with slices of French baguette, pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

The secret to this recipe is giving the tzatziki time to rest. While it can be served immediately, allowing it to chill for a few hours gives the flavors time to meld and lets the garlic become more pronounced. The amount of garlic can also be adjusted to suit your taste, making it easy to create a milder or more boldly flavored version.

Tzatziki isn’t just for dipping, either. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to grilled and roasted vegetables, including bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, green beans, corn, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, and tomatoes. It also makes a cool and flavorful addition to salads or other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

If you’re new to tzatziki, don’t be surprised if the first bite isn’t quite what you expected. The combination of cool cucumber and strong fresh garlic is distinctive, but for many people, it’s a flavor that quickly becomes a favorite.

5 from 1 vote

Tzatziki (pronounced (tuh·zee·kee)

Course: Appetizers, Side Dishes, Snacks

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 0

Meld: 3

Total Time: 3 15

Servings:

Calories: 242kcal

This is an Americanized adaption of Greek or Southeast European dish. We use as an appetizer or snack. You probably will not like the first bite or two. It is an acquired taste. Suggest serving with sliced french baguette bread. (HEB bakery carries a good one). Rich, creamy and full of fresh herbs.

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Equipment

Blender or Food Processor

Ingredients

2 cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 cucumber peeled & chucked (1 medium to large), well drained
5 to 10 cloves garlic medium size, adjust to your taste

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Instructions

With a food processor, finely grind the cucumber and garlic. Drain the excess liquid.
Mix with the sour cream or yogurt.
Chill. The longer it melds, the stronger the garlic flavor.

Notes

While you can immediately serve the tzatziki, I suggest it is far better to allow the tzatziki to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temp.

Left over tzatziki will keep refrigerated for about 4 days.

Instead of bread, this can be enjoyed with fresh veggies, pita, or crackers.

Other suggested uses, Over grilled Vegetables:

Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Carrots
Asparagus
Green beans
Corn on the cob
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Carrots
Snow or snap peas
Salad greens
Tomatoes (especially roasted)
Roasted zucchini

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Nutrition Disclaimer

Art of Cooking Recipes (Paulson Pursuits} is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.