Creamy Greek Tzatziki Dip
Experience the authentic taste of Greece with this delightful Creamy Greek Tzatziki Dip. Perfectly balanced with creamy sour cream or thick Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, and a hint of garlic, this dip is a must-have in your kitchen. The added olive oil and red wine vinegar give it a lovely acidity, while fresh dill adds a pop of flavor, making it the ideal companion for grilled meats, fresh bread, or as part of a mezze platter. Allow the tzatziki to chill for a few hours for the flavors to meld, creating a refreshing and invigorating dip that everyone will love.
12
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sour cream (or Greek-style super thick yogurt)
1 pint (none)
English cucumber
1 (peeled, grated, salted lightly for 5 minutes, and squeezed to remove excess water)
garlic cloves
3 (mashed to a paste)
olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh dill (optional)
1 tablespoon (minced)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), grated cucumber, and mashed garlic cloves. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while stirring to emulsify the mixture, ensuring a creamy consistency.
3
Add red wine vinegar and optional minced fresh dill. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
4
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
5
Transfer the tzatziki into a resealable container and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to intensify.
6
Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Use tzatziki as a refreshing dip for crispy pita, creamy salad dressing, or a luscious topping for fried vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
1.67g
Carbs
1.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Greek Tzatziki Dip?
It is an authentic Greek dip made with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
What is the primary base for this recipe?
The base can be either sour cream or Greek-style super thick yogurt.
How do you prepare the cucumber for this dip?
You must peel the English cucumber, grate it, salt it lightly for 5 minutes, and then squeeze it to remove all excess water.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves mashed into a paste.
What kind of oil should I use for tzatziki?
You should use 1/3 cup of olive oil for the best flavor and consistency.
Is fresh dill required?
Fresh dill is optional but highly recommended; you can add about 1 tablespoon of minced dill for extra flavor.
How much red wine vinegar is needed?
One tablespoon of red wine vinegar provides the necessary acidity for the recipe.
How long must the dip be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated in a resealable container for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to intensify.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
Can I use this dip as a salad dressing?
Yes, tzatziki makes a luscious and refreshing creamy salad dressing.
What should I serve with tzatziki?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, crispy pita bread, or fried vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
How do I ensure a creamy consistency?
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while stirring to emulsify the mixture correctly.
Is this dip suitable for a mezze platter?
Absolutely, it is a staple component of a traditional Greek mezze platter or appetizer spread.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, you should taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed after combining the ingredients.
Why is English cucumber preferred?
English cucumbers are used for their mild flavor, though they still require squeezing to remove moisture to prevent a watery dip.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 8.75g of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil and dairy base.
How many carbohydrates are in this dip?
There are 1.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use this as a topping?
Yes, it works beautifully as a topping for fried vegetables or grilled Mediterranean dishes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: yogurt or sour cream, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dill, and salt.
Is there any protein in this dip?
Yes, each serving contains 1.67g of protein.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tzatziki, greek dip, cucumber dip, meze, appetizer, sauce, mediterranean cuisine, and yogurt.
How do I mash the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be mashed until they form a smooth paste before being incorporated into the mixing bowl.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional information, there is no sugar content in this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the garlic?
The garlic should be mashed into a paste to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dip.
Is the dill mandatory?
No, the minced fresh dill is listed as an optional ingredient.
Should I stir the dip before serving?
Yes, give the tzatziki a gentle stir after taking it out of the refrigerator and before serving.
What type of vinegar is best?
Red wine vinegar is specified to give the dip its characteristic tangy profile.
How is the cucumber salted?
Salt the grated cucumber lightly and let it sit for 5 minutes before squeezing out the excess liquid.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the sour cream or yogurt, grated cucumber, and mashed garlic in a mixing bowl.