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DIY Tzatziki (Dzadziki) Sauce: The Perfect Mediterranean Dip Recipe

Ah, tzatziki sauce! The creamy, tangy, and refreshing Greek dip that has become a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Have you ever wondered where this heavenly sauce originated? Well, let me tell you a little story about tzatziki’s history.

The sauce is said to be thousands of years old, dating back to ancient Greece. Back then, it was a popular sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. The Greeks believed tzatziki had healing properties, and they often served it as a dip or sauce with meat dishes.

Over the years, the sauce has evolved, and variations can be found across the Mediterranean. It’s now a staple condiment in Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

The ingredients are not only delicious but also offer many health benefits. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while cucumbers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Garlic has antibacterial properties, and herbs like dill and mint add flavor and freshness.

It’s a popular dip for vegetables, chips, and pita bread. It’s also used as a sauce for gyros, souvlaki, and other meat dishes.

Next time you dip your veggies into this creamy goodness or enjoy it with your favorite Mediterranean dish, remember the ancient Greeks who started it all.

It’s one of those dips that can take any dish to the next level. Whether you’re dipping veggies, pita bread, or using it as a gyro sauce, it adds a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing.

Make it yourself in just a few simple steps. You only need a handful of ingredients, and it takes less than 10 minutes to whip up a batch of this heavenly sauce.

Ingredients

  • ¾ English cucumber, partially peeled (striped) and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled, finely grated or minced (take 1 to 2 garlic cloves, if you don’t want it to be too strong)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Early Harvest Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
Tzatziki Sauce recipe with what do I use tzatziki sauce

Do like this

  • Finely chop the cucumbers and toss them with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Spoon the grated cucumber into a cheesecloth or a double-thickness napkin and squeeze dry.
  • Combine and mix the garlic with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, white vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Add the grated cucumber to the garlic mixture. Stir in the yogurt, and a pinch of white or black pepper, and herbs. Combine well.
  • Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to a couple of hours before serving.
  • Stir lightly and transfer to a serving bowl.

Optional: Drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil.

Easy tzatziki sauce recipe greek food cuisine, recipe card
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Where to eat the best tzatziki sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a staple of Greek cuisine, and it’s hard to pinpoint one place in Greece as having the best sauce. 

Crete is known for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in traditional dishes, including tzatziki. Mykonos, by contrast, is known for its high-end restaurants and trendy food scene, which may feature a more contemporary take on the sauce.

In addition, many small, family-owned tavernas throughout Greece may have their own secret recipe, passed down through generations and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Suggested Read: If you’re considering a trip to Crete for your next holiday, check out our post, “The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Crete Island: Top Attractions, Hidden Gems, and Local Tips.”

>> There’s more of Greece to fall in love with. Explore our Greece guide for your next stop—and a few flavors to bring home. 

Where would you love to go next?

1. Switzerland    •    2. Hungary    •    3. Italy    •    4. China    •    5. Scotland    •    6. Montenegro    •    7. South Africa    •    8. Greece    •    9. Austria    •    10. France