This Tzatziki – Cucumber, Dill & Garlic Greek Yogurt Dip is a refreshing appetizer served with pitas or a perfect accompaniment to any Greek entree!
Tzatziki
This Tzatziki – Cucumber, Dill & Garlic Greek Yogurt Dip is a refreshing appetizer served with pitas or a perfect accompaniment to any Greek entree!
I had the fortune to travel to Greece last summer on a girls trip, and by far the best part of the vacation in Greece was the food. In particular the tzatziki was to die for, it was so creamy, flavorful and just overall addicting! All of the food was just fantastic in Greece, by far my favorite culinary stop from our European vacation where we also visited Ireland, Germany and Italy. I would love to go back to Athens just for the food alone, 10+ hour flight and all!
These are a few photos of our time in Athens, Greece.
I have been a fan of tzatziki ever since living in Germany as a teenager, in a townhouse over a Greek restaurant. My host-sister, Alex and I, consumed countless gyros with this creamy goodness slathered on them. I struggled a bit to communicate with the older Greek gentleman who owned the place, seeing neither of our first languages was German, but it didn’t take him long to figure out exactly what I wanted when I stopped in, a Gyro with extra tzatziki!
That tzatziki was fantastic, and the authentic stuff straight out of Greece was even better!
*I am drooling as I write this right now…*
So when I got home, I immediately went to work trying to recreate it, just as I had enjoyed it while on vacation. Plugging along, wishing I was back in Athens, I finally got the mix of creaminess, tartness and cool cumber, just perfect. And here it is for all of you to enjoy!
Tzatziki – Cucumber, Dill & Garlic Greek Yogurt Dip
1 c. sour cream
1 c. non-fat greek yogurt
1 large cucumber
1 Tbsp. fresh dill minced
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar (can substitute red wine vinegar)
1/2 tsp. Salt
Peel and quarter the cucumber lengthwise. Remove the inside seeds and dice the remaining cucumber into small pieces. Spread the cucumbers over your cutting board and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes with the salt.
The salt will draw the moisture out of the cucumber, which is important so your tzatziki stays nice and thick. After 15 minutes of sitting with the salt, take a couple of paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture from the cucumbers.
In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers with the remaining ingredients and stir well. Serve chilled with grilled pita bread, raw veggies, pita chips or with your favorite Greek dinner!
Tzatziki – Cucumber, Dill & Garlic Greek Yogurt Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 c. sour cream
- 1 c. non-fat greek yogurt
- 1 large cucumber
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill minced
- 2 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar can substitute red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
Instructions
- Peel and quarter the cucumber lengthwise. Remove the inside seeds and dice the remaining cucumber into small pieces. Spread the cucumbers over your cutting board and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for at least 15 minutes with the salt.
- The salt will draw the moisture out of the cucumber, which is important so your tzatziki stays thick. After 15 minutes of sitting with the salt, take a couple of paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture from the cucumbers.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers with the remaining ingredients and stir well. Serve chilled with grilled pita bread, raw veggies or as an accompaniment to these fantastic Mediterranean Lamb & Couscous Stuffed Peppers!
Nancy says
This was gross. The recipe calls for way too much vinegar!
Danielle | Krafted Koch says
Hi Nancy, I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this. Did you use Champagne vinegar? I only ask because it is milder than the more common vinegars such as apple cidar vinegar. The authentic tzatziki that I have enjoyed in my travels is always is a bit tart, and while some people don’t enjoy that much flavor, my family and I love it! You are always welcome to cut back on certain ingredients that don’t appeal to your tastes though. 🙂
Anna @ The Table says
Tzatziki is one of my favorite things to make during the summer months! It’s perfect with vegetables or chicken. Yours looks delicious!