Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce; Make a Refreshing and Flavorful Dip

The tzatziki sauce is a traditional Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce. It is delicious on its own or as a dip for vegetables or pita bread.

This refreshing and flavorful sauce is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined.

The traditional Greek tzatziki sauce is the perfect addition to any summertime meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or use it as a condiment for your favorite Greek dishes.

tzatziki origin

The word tzatziki comes from the Turkish word for cucumber, “cacık.” The sauce is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire and was brought to Greece by Ottoman Turks who settled in Thrace.

This sauce is thought to have first appeared in print in a cookbook from 1871. The book, called Recipe for Cucumber Sauce, was published in Constantinople and included a recipe for “Tscherkessischer Sauce,” which is believed to be the earliest known recipe for tzatziki.

The sauce became popular in Greece in the early 20th century and has since become a staple of Greek cuisine.

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce?

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper as needed

Directions 

Step One

Wash cucumber, red onion and bell peppers. Grate the cucumber and cut the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. 

Step Two

Squeeze the grated cucumber with your hands to remove the excess water. In a food processor or blender, blend the red onion, bell pepper, yogurt, dill, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth. 

Step Three

Add the grated cucumber to the other ingredients and stir well. Put the sauce in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Tzatziki Sauce?

The tzatziki sauce is the perfect addition to any grilled meats or vegetables. It’s also delicious as a dip for pita bread or fresh veggies. Give it a try at your next cookout and see how delicious this simple sauce can be!

Remember to make this recipe and share it with us. Do not hesitate to ask if you also have any related questions about the traditional Greek Tzatziki sauce recipe.

If you like this recipe, we recommend trying Mast o Musir and Tirokafteri recipes.

FAQs about Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce

• How much time does Tzatziki sauce need to get ready?

It takes about 20-30 minutes to get ready.

• What’s Tzatziki sauce taste like?

The yogurt in tzatziki sauce gives it a tangy flavor, while the cucumbers add crunch and freshness. The garlic provides a subtle kick of flavor, and the olive oil rounds out the flavors with its richness.
Overall, this sauce has a creamy, tangy taste with a hint of garlic. It is perfect for dipping vegetables or pita bread and makes an excellent condiment for grilled meats or salads.

• Is is tzatziki vegan?

Traditional tzatziki is not vegan since it contains yogurt, a dairy product. However, you can make vegan tzatziki by using plant-based yogurts, like those made from coconut, almond, or soy milk, and using vegan-friendly ingredients such as cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill.

• Can you freeze tzatziki sauce?

Freezing tzatziki sauce is not typically recommended. The texture and flavor can change significantly after thawing, as the yogurt can separate and become watery. If you need to store tzatziki for an extended period, it’s better to keep it in the refrigerator and use it within a week or so.

• How to use tzatziki sauce?

You can use it as a dip with pita or veggies, a spread for sandwiches and wraps, a sauce for grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or a tangy addition to burgers. It also works well as a salad dressing, and a topping for baked potatoes or roasted vegetables.

• Do you peel cucumber for tzatziki?

Peeling cucumbers for Greek tzatziki sauce is optional and depends on your preference. Some people peel cucumbers to remove the tough skin and avoid any potential bitterness, while others leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. If you choose to keep the skin on, make sure to wash the cucumber thoroughly.

Traditional Greek Tzatziki Sauce; Make a Refreshing and Flavorful Dip

Recipe by ShayanCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Greek food, Cypriot foodDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Discover the taste of traditional Greek tzatziki with our recipe. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or as an addition to your favorite Mediterranean dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber

• 1/2 red onion

• 1 green bell pepper

• 1 cup plain greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Freshly ground black pepper as needed

Directions

• Wash cucumber, red onion and bell peppers. Grate the cucumber and cut the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.
• Squeeze the grated cucumber with your hands to remove the excess water. In a food processor or blender, blend the red onion, bell pepper, yogurt, dill, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth. 
• Add the grated cucumber to the other ingredients and stir well. Put the sauce in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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