Tzatziki(Cucumber Yogurt Dip)
A refreshing cucumber yogurt dip with garlic and lemon, perfect for Mediterranean-inspired gatherings, served alongside grilled dishes or as a cooling appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers peeled and seeds removed ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic crushed ⓘ
- juice of 1/2 lemon ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 sticks butter ⓘ
- 2 cups warm water ⓘ
- 4 packages yeast ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 5 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy.
- Cream butter and sugar together until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and knead to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker tzatziki, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for a couple of hours. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the plain yogurt for a creamier texture. If you prefer milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic used. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can also enhance the flavor profile. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Tzatziki is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables or pita bread. It pairs beautifully with Lamb Chops or as a refreshing side for grilled meats. Serve it alongside Mediterranean recipes for a complete meal. Consider adding it to a platter with olives, cheeses, and Greek Cookies (Kourabiedes) for a delightful appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its freshness, avoid mixing in any additional ingredients until ready to serve. If the dip separates, simply stir it before serving. Tzatziki can be served cold or at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tzatziki(Cucumber Yogurt Dip) contains roughly 2195 calories, with 23g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 160g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1713mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tzatziki in advance?
Yes, tzatziki can be made a day ahead of serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and stir before serving. However, for the freshest taste, it's best enjoyed within a few days.
Is there a dairy-free option for tzatziki?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free yogurt made from coconut or almond milk instead of regular yogurt and sour cream. Make sure to check that the yogurt is unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced. This way, you can enjoy a vegan version of tzatziki without sacrificing taste.
How do I adjust the thickness of my tzatziki?
To achieve your desired thickness, you can strain the yogurt to remove excess moisture or add more grated cucumber. If the tzatziki is too thick, a splash of water or olive oil can help loosen it. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed after making any changes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).