Homemade Tzatziki: Your Gateway to Greek Gastronomy

This dip is light and refreshing. Originally a Greek yogurt dip, Tzatziki is traditionally made with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, sometime lemon juice and fresh herbs like mint, dill, parsley or thyme. It can be used to top gyros, burgers, falafels, salads, “bowls” (see photo below) or a standalone dish.

Clearly I took a non-traditional route, swapping avocado for yogurt as the base.

I also used mint instead of dill and want to try this again with equal proportions to be more versatile. Even with the “lightened up” swaps, Avocado Tzatziki is still light, so fluffy and especially tasty.

I’ve been dipping away with Kashi pita chips and 7 grain crackers, baby carrots and cucumber sticks.

What is tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip made primarily from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It’s known for its creamy texture and refreshing taste, often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredient Tzatziki Repice

(makes roughly 2 c).

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 T unsweetened almond milk to thin (more/less as needed) *
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (more/less to taste)
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 T onion, diced
  • Generous handful of fresh mint leaves (you can also use fresh dill)
  • Salt to taste

Tzatziki Repice

* Note: You can replace this with sour cream or Greek yogurt. I wanted a lighter option and used what I had in my fridge.

How to make Tzatziki easy

  1. Halve cucumber and remove the seeds with a spoon. Chop each half into 4-5 pieces so you have 8-10 total. (This just makes blending easier; you can definitely throw he halves in as is.)
  2. In a Magic Bullet, blender or food processor, add avocado, almond milk and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
  4. Serve with pita chips, veggies or top salads or sandwiches.
  5. Enjoy!

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Tzatziki nutrition and yogurt recommendations

Nutritionally speaking, tzatziki is a creamy but light sauce. You can spread it generously on food without adding a ton of calories (unlike mayonnaise or ranch dressing). After all, it’s mostly made of Greek yogurt and cucumbers.

homemade tatziki

I didn’t notice a noticeable difference in texture whether I used full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free yogurt, so either would be fine. Traditional Greek tzatziki is made with strained goat or sheep yogurt, but it’s hard to find here. Greek yogurt sold in the US is strained yogurt (so it’s thicker and has more protein than regular yogurt), so that’s what I use.

Repice from spiriteadrinks.com

FAQs of Tzatziki

What is Tzatziki made of?

Tzatziki is made of a base of strained yogurt, typically Greek yogurt, mixed with finely chopped cucumber, garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s a creamy, tangy, and refreshing sauce or dip with a delightful cucumber and garlic flavor.

What does tzatziki sauce taste like?

Tzatziki sauce has a distinct, creamy, and tangy taste with prominent notes of cucumber and garlic. It offers a refreshing and cooling sensation, making it a perfect accompaniment for various dishes, especially Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.

What to dip in tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a versatile dip that pairs well with a variety of foods. Common options for dipping in tzatziki include pita bread, fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrot sticks, falafel, grilled meats, or as a topping for gyros and souvlaki.

What to eat with tzatziki vegetarian?

Tzatziki is an excellent choice for vegetarians, as it contains no meat products. You can enjoy it with vegetarian options like falafel, grilled vegetable skewers, or as a topping for stuffed pitas filled with veggies and hummus.

How to eat tzatziki sauce?

To enjoy tzatziki sauce, simply dip your preferred food items into it, such as pita triangles, vegetables, or use it as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps. It also serves as a delightful dressing for salads or as a marinade for grilled dishes.

What is tzatziki dip good with?

Tzatziki dip complements a wide range of foods. It’s especially good with Mediterranean dishes like gyros, souvlaki, or as a dip for appetizers like spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or as a dressing for salads.

What can you use tzatziki sauce for?

Tzatziki sauce has various culinary uses. You can use it as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, or as a dip for chips and vegetable platters. It adds a burst of flavor and creaminess to many dishes.

How long does homemade tzatziki last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade tzatziki can last for about 4 to 7 days. However, it’s best when consumed within the first few days for the freshest flavor and quality.

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