Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (2024)

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Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek yogurt dip with a strong garlic flavor. It is made with full-fat Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, vinegar, olive oil, and plenty of garlic. Yeap, that's it! No lemon, no dill and IT IS NOT A SAUCE!

The reason I'm emphasizing this point so much is thatI see the term Tzatziki Sauce so many times and I wanted you to know, first hand by a Greek (me) that Tzatziki is not a sauce.

It's a thick and creamy dip. Now don't get me wrong here, you can, of course,go ahead and make it any way you like, but here, I'm going to show you how to make the REAL Greek stuff...

How To Make

Making Tzatziki is very simple. It requires only 5 ingredients and a bit of mixing to make. Traditionally Tzatziki is mixed by hand so you avoid any yogurt lumps being left inside. Remember, authentic Greek yogurt is really thick not runny.

Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (2)

This is really helpful when making a big amount of it (like when I make it in our restaurant where I have to stir 20 kilos of it) it is almost impossible to stir it properly any other way.

Now of course you won't be making that big an amount yourself. But I'm mentioning it just in case.

For this recipe, which serves a big bowl (that's enough to serve as a dip for 4 people), you may stir the yogurt with a whisk first before adding the remaining ingredients.

This way, you make sure the yogurt is really smooth and lump free.

Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (3)

The Right Yogurt For Making Tzatziki

As I said above, Greek yogurt is thick and creamy. That's because it is usually above 3,5 % fat and it is strained. This means most of the amount of water has been drained out of it.

This is done using a cheesecloth, so if you can't find real Greek strained Greek yogurt, you may use a plain one and make it strained yourself. You can follow this tutorial on how to strain yogurt to make Greek yogurt.

Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (4)

Another thing you probably didn't know about Greek yogurt, is that the authentic Greek stuff is made using sheep's milk. Or sheep's milk combined with a small percentage of goat milk.

Since this is really tangy in flavor though, most people today prefer yogurt that's made from cow's milk for making Tzatziki.

If you want to try authentic Greek yogurt, here's a recipe for making Greek yogurt at home (just make sure you use the right milk).

Lots Of Garlic!

Now that I told you all about Greek yogurt, there is one more thing that needs to be clarified. Prepare yourself for lots of garlic!

You know how Greek food (and Greeks) are considered good friends of garlic. Well, here's the brightest example of this.

Proper Tzatziki is loaded with garlic. To the point, it burns in your mouth. And here comes the bread to rescue you, or even better the pita bread.

-You may want to try my homemade Pita bread made with Greek yogurt and no yeast.

It is better for Tzatziki to sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This way the garlic cools down a bit and the flavors have the time to blend together even better. For best results leave overnight or for about 8 hours before serving.

Other Ways To Eat Tzatziki

Yes, you've guessed it! Inside wraps or sandwiches. Like in Traditional Pork Pita Gyros or Chicken Gyros. Or simply as a side to Chicken Souvlaki or Pork Souvlaki or any grilled meat indeed. There isn't a better side to charred, fire-cooked meat, every Greek will tell you that. 😉

Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (7)

Recipe

Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (8)

Tzatziki Recipe As Made In Greece

Tzatziki is a very creamy, garlic-loaded dip. Very appetizing, refreshing, and super easy to make!

4.25 from 77 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek

Keyword: dip, easy, Keto, yogurt

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 big bowl

Calories: 925kcal

Ingredients

  • 850 grams /1 lb + 14 oz full-fat and strained Greek yogurt
  • 320 grams / 11.3 oz (2,5 cups) coarsely hand-grated English cucumber
  • 2 teaspoons (about 15 grams) garlic cloves grated or pressed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • teaspoon salt
  • ground pepper

Instructions

  • Add the Greek yogurt to a large mixing bowl and work it with a hand whisk to become really smooth and creamy. Making sure there aren't any lumps in it.

  • Squeeze the grated cucumber with your hands to remove most of its water. Then add to the mixing bowl along with the Greek yogurt.

  • Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl as well and mix very well.

  • Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving for the garlic to cool down a bit. Or even better overnight. If you like raw garlic you can serve this dip right away, along with some pita bread or rustic artisan bread!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1big bowl | Calories: 925kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 89g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 1864mg | Potassium: 1680mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 992mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?I would love to see! Mention @real_greek_recipes or tag #real_greek_recipes!

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Tzatziki Recipe - As Made In Greece - Real Greek Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is real tzatziki made of? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint. Traditionally, it is made from strained sheep or goat's milk yogurt, but a full-fat Greek yogurt works just fine in this dip.

Is tzatziki originally Greek? ›

More than any other nation in the Ottoman Empire, the Greeks enjoyed this dish immensely. However, they also experimented with this classic cucumber and yogurt dip until its Indian roots were almost invisible. Tzatziki (derived from the Turkish word cacık) was born.

Do they eat tzatziki in Greece? ›

Greeks usually eat tzatziki with bread, it is also used for the famous souvlaki wrapped in a pita and ofcourse in gyros. Almost all Greeks love dipping bread and Greek fries in tzatziki that is served at every traditional restaurant.

What is the difference between Greek and Turkish tzatziki? ›

And maybe the most important difference. is in the consistency. As a Turkish version, it's more diluted and more like a soup than a dip. Lastly, Chechuk uses more herbs like mint, dill, and dried mint. And while you'll find tzatziki with dill, it's often served with no herbs.

How long does homemade tzatziki last? ›

Tzatziki sauce should be kept in a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator when you're not using it. As long as it's stored properly, you can expect homemade tzatziki to last about three to four days. This will depend on how fresh the yogurt was when you made the sauce.

Is homemade tzatziki good for you? ›

Conclusion. Tzatziki is not only a tasty, multi-use sauce, it's also a smart food pick. Its blend of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs delivers key nutrients, which are proposed to support heart health, gut health, and may even lower diabetes risk.

What do Americans call tzatziki? ›

The word “tzatziki” is a loanword from modern Greek that has come to define a very specific sauce in Greek American cuisine. It's a yogurt-based sauce that is often served as a dip, dressing, or entire side dish.

Is tzatziki Greek or Arab? ›

Tzatziki, while being a ridiculously fun word to say and a very good name for a dog if you are in need of one, is a classic Greek condiment made of thick yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon or vinegar, and fresh herbs like dill or mint or thyme, and sometimes olive oil.

Does tzatziki have garlic in it? ›

Tzatziki is made of strained yogurt (usually from sheep or goat milk) mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dill or mint or parsley.

What are the 3 most popular foods in Greece? ›

Must-try Greek food and drink
  • Souvlaki. One of the most popular foods in Greece is souvlaki, or grilled chicken cooked on a rotisserie. ...
  • Moussaka. For a hearty and warming meal that's still light, moussaka is a must. ...
  • Fresh seafood. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Tzatziki. ...
  • Baklava. ...
  • Ouzo. ...
  • Coffee.
Jan 18, 2022

What are 5 dishes that you could put tzatziki on? ›

Ways to use tzatziki from Jamie's 5 Ingredients Mediterranean
  • Lemon-tzatziki chicken.
  • Gorgeous greek chicken with herby vegetable couscous & tzatziki.
  • Grilled lamb chops with fattoush.
  • Crispy barbecued side of salmon with cucumber yoghurt.
  • Souvlaki (Wicked kebabs)
  • My special vegan kofte.
  • Sizzling lamb lollipops.
Sep 8, 2023

Do Greek people eat gyros in Greece? ›

Greeks are master of charcoal-grilled and spit-roasted meats. Souvlaki, chunks of skewered pork, is still Greece's favourite fast food, served on chopped tomatoes and onions in pitta bread with lashings of tzatziki. Gyros, too, is popular served in the same way.

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips.

What ethnicity is tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki started back in the Ottoman Empire. During this time, India loved their raita, a yogurt-based dip. They were also led by the Persian class, who loved the Indian rice dish called the biryani. However, since Indian people love herbs and spices, some Persians think that the dish was too spicy.

Does tzatziki have live cultures? ›

Ingredients: Cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Cultured Pasteurized Cream, Milk Protein Concentrate, Stabilizer (Tapioca Starch, Agar-agar, Pectin), Cucumber, Garlic, Sea Salt, Organic Distilled White Vinegar, Dill, Contains Live and Active Cultures: L. Paracasei, P. Freudenreichii, S. Thermophilus, L.

Is store bought tzatziki healthy? ›

It's got more protein and fewer calories than hummus or sour cream. You don't have to spend time perfecting homemade tzatziki to gain those health benefits, either, because the best store-bought tzatziki sauces won't compromise quality for taste. There's no reason to!

What's the difference between tzatziki and dill dip? ›

The only difference is that a Tzatziki Sauce has a tablespoon of lemon juice and a couple of cloves of minced garlic added to these same ingredients I used below. The ingredients need for this Cucumber Dill Sauce for so simple. It's just cucumber, Greek yogurt, milk and chopped fresh dill.

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