Few foods taste more like a Greek summer than tzatziki. Cool, creamy, garlicky, and incredibly simple, this traditional Greek dip is made with thick strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and a little vinegar.
It is delicious served with grilled meats, vegetables, warm pita, or as part of a Greek meze plate, and it pairs perfectly with a traditional horiatiki salad.
Ingredients
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2 cups thick Greek yogurt, preferably plain and full-fat
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1 large cucumber
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus a little extra for serving
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, optional
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A little dried oregano for serving, optional
How to Make It
1. Prepare the cucumber.
Peel the cucumber if desired, then grate it using the large holes of a box grater.
2. Remove the excess water.
Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze very well. This is the most important step—the drier the cucumber, the thicker and creamier your tzatziki will be.
3. Combine the ingredients.
Add the Greek yogurt to a bowl, followed by the drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
4. Mix and chill.
Stir everything together until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to come together.
5. Finish and serve.
Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil and, if you like, a small sprinkle of oregano.
Serve chilled with pita, raw vegetables, grilled chicken, souvlaki, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Why Tzatziki Is Good for You
Tzatziki is a great example of how traditional Mediterranean foods can deliver both flavor and nutrition with very simple ingredients.
Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium and, when it contains live cultures, can also provide beneficial bacteria associated with fermented foods. Cucumber contributes hydration and a small amount of fiber, while extra-virgin olive oil provides predominantly heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Because it is flavorful without relying on heavy cream-based sauces, tzatziki can also be a nutritious way to add moisture and flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, wraps, and grain bowls.
A Little History
Tzatziki belongs to a much larger family of yogurt-and-cucumber dishes found throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Balkans, and Middle East.
The Greek word tzatziki is related to the Turkish word cacık, and similar preparations developed across the region through centuries of shared culinary traditions. The Greek version became particularly known for its thick consistency, using strained yogurt along with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.
Today, tzatziki is one of the most recognizable foods associated with Greek cuisine and a familiar part of the traditional meze table.
