Tzatziki Salad Dressing

Name: Tzatziki Salad Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 large cucumber, peeled, deseeded and diced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp chopped dill; Salt and pepper to taste

Published by Amy Kritzer Becker on September 25, 2011

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.85 from 13 ratings · 24 comments

By Amy Kritzer Becker

Author of Sweet Noshings · as seen on Food Network, GMA & The NYT

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Finally it’s fall! Hooray! Yahtzee! We have had a heck of a long summer here in Austin (you know things are bad when temperatures in the 90’s qualify as a cold front), so I am pretty pumped. Fall is also prime time for Jewish holidays, think Easter and Christmas rolled into one mega tag team of observing. And what does fall have to do with today’s recipe, you may ask? Well, absolutely nothing at all. But this creamy tzatziki dressing is tasty and you should try it. The end.

What Is Tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a cool, creamy Mediterranean sauce made from yogurt, cucumber and garlic. You’ve probably had the thick dip version alongside gyros or falafel. Here I thin it into a pourable salad dressing, so you get all that tangy, garlicky flavor in a form you can drizzle over just about anything. It’s popular across Greek, Israeli and Middle Eastern tables, and it could not be easier to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Tzatziki Dressing

No cooking required. Just blend and chill.
Light and healthy, built on protein-rich Greek yogurt.
Dip, dressing and sauce all in one. Thin it or thicken it to taste.
Make-ahead friendly, and it gets more flavorful as it sits.

Here is all I used for my dressing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek yogurt (or strained regular yogurt)
Cucumber, diced
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Fresh dill or mint
Olive oil and salt

How to Make Tzatziki Dressing

You will want to make this dressing at least an hour before noshing so it can chill. I used Greek yogurt, but if you are up for the challenge you can strain regular yogurt. Dice up your cucumbers, mince that garlic, and blend everything in a food processor or blender until smooth. That’s it! For a thicker dip, blend less and leave it chunky.

How to Use Tzatziki Dressing

I always feel fancy making my own dressing. This one is super tasty drizzled over an Israeli salad, and it would rock with crudités, spooned onto an open-faced falafel salad, or used as a sauce on grilled chicken. It’s also delicious over roasted vegetables, gyros, or an Israeli salad.

Tips for the Best Tzatziki

Use Greek or strained yogurt so the dressing is creamy, not runny.
Drain or salt the cucumber first to keep it from getting watery.
Let it chill at least an hour so the garlic and herbs bloom.
Use fresh garlic for the best punchy flavor.

How to Store Tzatziki Dressing

Keep tzatziki dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It may separate a little as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. If it releases liquid from the cucumber, just whisk it back together.

Tzatziki FAQ

What is tzatziki made of?

Tzatziki is made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs like dill or mint. This dressing version thins it slightly with a little olive oil and lemon so it pours.

Is tzatziki a dip or a dressing?

It can be both! Thick, it’s a classic dip for pita and vegetables. Thinned out, like in this recipe, it becomes a creamy salad dressing or sauce.

Why is my tzatziki watery?

Usually the cucumber. Salt the diced cucumber and let it drain, or squeeze out the excess liquid before blending. Using thick Greek yogurt helps too.

Can you make tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s better for it. Make it up to a day ahead so the flavors meld, and just stir before serving.

How long does tzatziki dressing last?

About 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a stir if it separates.

What do you eat tzatziki dressing on?

Israeli salad, crudités, falafel, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables and gyros are all delicious. It’s endlessly versatile.

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Box graterequipment · grate the cucumberView ↗

Garlic pressequipment · quick mincingView ↗

Fine mesh strainerequipment · drain the cucumberView ↗

Mason jarsequipment · store the dressingView ↗

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