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Home » Gluten-Free » Traditional Tzatziki

Traditional Tzatziki

Published: Jun 14, 2023 by Genevieve Morrison · This post may contain affiliate links

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A bowl of tzatziki, drizzled with olive oil, on a lace table cloth beside vegetables.

This traditional 10-minute tzatziki recipe is so easy to make, and goes so well with lamb, chicken, falafel, or pita chips! Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, fresh dill, garlic, lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil, you’ll love this creamy, mild, refreshing sauce!

A bowl of tzatziki, drizzled with olive oil, on a lace table cloth beside vegetables.

Tzatziki, pronounced “tat-zi-ki,” is a popular sauce/dip found in South Eastern European and Middle Eastern recipes from falafel to souvlaki. It’s refreshing and cooling, so it pairs especially beautifully with spicy, rich dishes. I particularly love it with Greek lamb dishes like grilled skewers and spicy meatballs.

The yogurt provides a slightly tangy flavor, while grated, strained cucumber adds a light sweetness. The garlic adds a subtle kick of savory flavor, and dill adds a garden-fresh, aromatic charm.

Ingredients 

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Tzatziki is also a good source of protein, probiotics, calcium, and other hydrating nutrients. Traditionally, it’s served as a dip for vegetables, with pita or atop grilled meats, but it can also be used in wraps, sandwiches, burgers, or even on fish.

How to Make Tzatziki Step-by-Step

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1. Chop 1 tbsp. fresh dill.

2. Very finely mince 1 garlic clove.

3. Grate ½ cucumber (about ½ cup) using the large holes of a cheese grater. You don’t have to peel it first. Use cheesecloth (or a nut bag, like I used) to squeeze out as much cucumber juice as you can and set aside.

4. Add minced garlic, dill, squeezed cucumber shreds, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. lemon juice and ¼ tsp. sea salt to a mixing bowl. Give it a nice stir until thoroughly mixed and serve.

A bowl of tzatziki beside lamb skewers on a rustic platter.

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A Few Recipes to Pair with Tzatziki

  • About 15 meatballs in a bowl, sprinkled with fresh oregano.
    Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki
  • Chicken with Herbs de Provence on a plate.
    Herbs de Provence Chicken Breasts
  • 3 seared lamb chops in a bowl with pearl couscous on a table cloth, with flowers in the background.
    Perfectly Pan-Seared Rosemary Lamb Chops
  • Lamb skewers with rosemary tops on a rustic platter.
    Grilled Lamb Skewers
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A bowl of tzatziki, drizzled with olive oil, on a lace tablecloth.

Traditional Tzatziki

This traditional tzatziki recipe is so easy to make, and goes so well with lamb, chicken, falafel or pita chips!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: sauce
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 222kcal
Author: Genevieve Morrison

Equipment

  • 1 sharp knife & cutting board
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 cheesecloth – or nut bag

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. dill – chopped
  • 1 garlic clove – finely minced
  • ½ cucumber – shredded and squeezed
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt

Instructions

  • Chop 1 tbsp. fresh dill. Very finely mince 1 garlic clove. Grate ½ cucumber (about ½ cup) using the large holes of a cheese grater. You don’t have to peel it first. Use cheesecloth (or a nut bag) to squeeze out as much cucumber juice as you can and set aside.
  • Add minced garlic, dill, squeezed cucumber shreds, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. lemon juice and ¼ tsp. sea salt to a mixing bowl. Give it a nice stir until thoroughly mixed and serve.

Notes

Tzatziki will stay fresh for 3 days when stored in a sealed, refrigerated container.
See post for detailed instructions with photos of the process.
 
Nutrition information is an estimate.

Nutrition

Serving: 2ounces | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 526mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1253IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 2mg
« Grilled Lamb Skewers
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