If you’re not familiar with tzatziki, it’s a creamy, cucumber-y, savory sauce that goes on top of a gyro (basically, a pita filled with Greek-seasoned lamb or chicken). But guess what? You can also dip vegetables, pita wedges, crackers, or flatbread in it. I had some of this on hand a little while back and made a roasted vegetable pizza and dipped the pizza in it and it was awesome. You could even use it as a salad dressing– it’s super versatile!
Ingredients Needed
- Greek yogurt – There’s a lot of Greek yogurt out there and it feels like the scene is always changing, but when it comes to plain Greek yogurt, there’s a lot of great stuff out there–Chobani, Stonyfield, Oikos–but Fage is consistently my favorite. So. There’s that for what it’s worth.
- Fresh garlic
- Cucumber
- Green onions
- Dill weed – You can use fresh or dried dill.
- Kosher salt and black pepper
How to Make Tzatziki
- Seed your cucumber: Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and then insert the tip of a small spoon into the seed membranes of the cucumber. Apply enough pressure until you reach some resistance and then drag the seeds out with the spoon. Super easy.
- Chop your cucumber and some green onions and mince a clove of garlic. Combine these with some dill (fresh or dried– it’s one of those rare herbs where it tastes very similar and measures the same in either form!) and season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Then try to stop eating it, I dare you!
Storing and Other Tips
- Store finished tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best results.
- As with most sauces and dressings that are mixed up fresh, the flavors will blend and intensify with a little rest time in the fridge. Feel free to make this ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until needed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce tzatziki?
Ever read a word your entire life then go to say it out loud and realize you’re unsure of how to pronounce it? I’ve got you covered here: Tzatziki is pronounced “ZAT-ZEE-KEE.”
Can I add anything else to tzatziki?
Of course! Some traditional add ins would be olive oil, lemon, or mint.
Quick and Easy Tzatziki
This light and flavorful Greek-inspired Tzatziki is perfect for topping a gyro, spreading on a sandwich, or dipping pita chips or veggies.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt that’s 2 6-oz. containers
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ medium cucumber peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 3 green onions firm ends finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix ingredients together and season to taste. Can be stored up to three days.
Notes
- This is delicious with vegetables, on burgers, pitas, in 7 layer dip, or with chips, pita chips, or crackers.
- Store finished tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best results.
- As with most sauces and dressings that are mixed up fresh, the flavors will blend and intensify with a little rest time in the fridge. Feel free to make this ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until needed!
- Feel free to add a little high quality olive oil, lemon, or mint (in place of the dill) as desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5recipe, Calories: 146kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 74mg, Potassium: 158mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 336IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 225mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Calories: 146kcal
Cost: $3
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Questions & Reviews
Oh thank you! I love gyros! I grew up outside of Chicago and there are a lot of great Gyros places there.. here not so much. Will have to try this.
I love tzatziki and knew it was simple to make, but never had a recipe for it. Thanks for sharing.
yum!!! I can't wait to try it!
one of the best things about utah is the cheap, delicious greek food. my favorite is greek souvlaki. and now i'm hungry for it at 8:20 in the morning!
Okay, I know it's Arby's take on the gyro, but it's a nice change from the regular roast beef. Just another option for you!
no need to tell me twice. i finally conviced my hubby to try a gyro there the other day. lucky duck . . . works half a block away from apollo in draper.
Katrina–it's on about 400 N. and State Street in Orem on the right side of the road if you're heading north. Also awesome? The cheeseburger kid's meal. Seriously, it's the perfect amount of food, so good, and it's CHEAP!
ugh . . . this looks so yummy right now! do i really have to wait around for you to post the lamb recipe? where's apollo burger in provo . . . i need to know these things. {it's sad that i have no idea . . . } it's quarter to 8 in the morning and you already have me starving!
Cannot wait for gyros!!
OMG! I LOVE tzatziki!!! Thanks for sharing!