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Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip is a vibrant take on a timeless classic cucumber yogurt dip that’s light, tangy and loaded with flavor.
Made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, cucumber and fresh dill, this tzatziki appetizer is a delicious addition to any gathering, from church potlucks and pool parties to more elegant gatherings.
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce know for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. It’s often used as a condiment for gyros, pitas and other Mediterranean grilled meats. Tzatziki is made by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumbers, freshly minced garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It’s a truly versatile sauce with a flavor profile that speaks to the freshness of Mediterranean food.
The Ingredients
Tzatziki is one of those condiments that feels extra special when you’re eating at a Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Don’t wait until your next dinner out. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip at home.
- Nonfat Greek yogurt—I prefer nonfat, but regular Greek yogurt will give you an even creamier tzatziki dip.
- English cucumbers—English and Persian cucumbers are seedless and have a softer, more pleasant outer skin than the garden cucumbers most commonly found in grocery stores; however, any cucumber variety will do.
- Garlic cloves—Fresh is best here, so don’t skimp!
- Fresh dill—You could get away with dried dill in a pinch, but if you can get your hands on fresh dill you won’t regret it.
- Extra-virgin olive oil—High-quality is key.
- Red wine vinegar—You can also use fresh lemon juice here. White wine or champagne vinegar are also great swaps.
- Feta cheese—Crumble it up and load it into your new favorite appetizer.
- Garnishes—I love to use extra cucumber, cherry tomatoes, more fresh dill and capers or kalamata olives. Feel free to get creative!
How to Make Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip
Step 1. Prepare the vegetables.
Wash and thoroughly dry the vegetables, including those that you use for garnish. You’ll want to ensure excess liquid is removed so the dip doesn’t become watery. Use a fine grate on the cucumbers and mince the garlic. Note: you will need a cheesecloth to strain the liquid from the grated cucumbers. See the full recipe instructions in the recipe card below.
Step 2. Make the dip and let it chill.
Combine all of the recipe ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The flavors develop over time, so if you can make the dip 4-6 hours in advance or even the night before, you’ll have a noticeably more flavorful dip.
Garnish the dip immediately before serving.
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How to Store Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip
Make the tzatziki dip in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir to reinstate any liquids that service. It should be minor, but some separation is normal.
The same applies to leftover dip: store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 3-4 days for freshness.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip
There are so many options when it comes to serving and enjoying this appetizer. Here are a few of my favorites:
- As a spread—Slather it across pita bread for healthy and quick snack.
- As a topping—This dip goes great atop a gyro or alongside grilled meats or Mediterranean-style fish and vegetables. Try it kabob style.
- As a dip—This is a recipe for an appetizer, after all. Serve it as a dip for mini pita breads or fresh vegetables for your next gathering.
Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip FAQs
What does tzatziki taste like?
That’s a good question. If you’ve never had tzatziki, add it to your list of must-try foods. It’s creamy thanks to the Greek yogurt, has a spicy flair thanks to lots of fresh garlic, and its balanced by freshly grated cucumber and lemon juice.
What’s in authentic tzatziki?
This appetizer recipe veers from the traditional in that it’s thicker and has the delicious addition of feta cheese. Authentic Tzatziki sauce contains many of the same ingredients though, including Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs and freshly minced garlic.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, absolutely. You can make this dip up to 12 hours in advance and still enjoy a light and fresh dip. Doing so will also the flavors to meld together and can enhance the taste and texture of the dip. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before you garnish and serve.
Can I freeze tzatziki dip?
No, this dip shouldn’t be frozen. It will lose its texture and come out watery when thawed.
Loaded Greek Tzatziki Dip
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 medium English cucumbers
- 6-8 freshly minced garlic cloves
- ⅓ loosely packed fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: diced cucumber cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, crushed red pepper, capers, kalamata olives
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber and use a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to squeeze out the liquid. You will be left with a very small amount of grated cucumber once the moisture has been removed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced fresh garlic, red wine vinegar or lemon juice and olive oil. Stir well to combine Add the chopped fresh dill to the mixture and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your preference. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the dip to chill.
- Before serving, give the tzatziki dip a final stir and adjust the consistency if necessary by adding a splash of water or lemon juice if too thick.
- Garnish and serve chilled with pita bread, fresh vegetables, grilled meats, or as a condiment for gyros and falafel.
