Homemade Tzatziki – super healthy kids

Homemade tzatziki is a delicious Mediterranean dip that’s healthy and downright refreshing. The tangy garlic flavor pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, warm flatbread or grilled meat and is super easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.

Why We Love Homemade Tzatziki Dip

When the weather warms up and the garden is full of fresh produce, I reach for simple, delicious and refreshing dishes that make the most of seasonal fruit. Tzatziki is rich in fresh cucumber and dill and, when paired with grilled vegetables and warm flatbread, makes a delicious and filling summer dish. It’s amazing how such a simple combination of flavors can really make an extraordinary meal!

This classic Mediterranean dip also tastes great with falafel, fried chicken, grilled meats, wrapped in wraps or with a platter of fresh vegetables. It’s also incredibly easy to make—using ingredients I regularly have on hand. Did I mention it’s healthy and also packs a decent amount of protein? If you’re not making this incredible dip again and again, it’s high time to start!

Ingredients you will need to make homemade tzatziki:

• English cucumbers– We always use English cucumbers because they are not as pithy as regular cucumbers and do not need to be peeled before slicing.
• Plain Greek yogurt– We use Greek whole milk yoghurt.
• Fresh Garlic– We start with one clove, but feel free to add more if you like a stronger garlic flavor.
• Fresh dill– We love fresh dill, but feel free to substitute dried dill if needed. If you use dried dill, you only need 1 teaspoon.
• lemon juice– Lemon juice gives the dip a bright, lemony flavor.
• sea-salt– Helps remove excess moisture from the cucumber.

How to prepare homemade tzatziki:

1. Chop the cucumber. If using an English cucumber, simply wash and grate it. If you use regular cucumbers, be sure to peel and seed them before grating.
2. Remove excess moisture from the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Let it rest while you mix the other ingredients. Take the cucumber to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible.
3. Mix the rest of the ingredients together. In a medium bowl, add yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the prepared cucumber and stir again.
4. Cool. Refrigerate the dip until ready to serve. Drizzle with olive oil if you like and enjoy!

tips and suggestions

How long does homemade tzatziki keep?

Leftover tzatziki dip will keep for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What should I serve with the tzatziki?

We serve this mild, refreshing dip in many ways! Here are some of our favorite ways to eat it:

• With warm flatbread
• With fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers or carrots.
• Over grilled meat
• With wheat crackers or bread cubes
• About fried potatoes
• In a packaging
• With this fried chicken shawarma
• On gyros
• With falafel

variations

For a creamier dip, you can stir in some cream or olive oil. For a thicker dip, drain the yogurt through a cheesecloth-lined strainer. You can also add various fresh herbs like basil, mint or parsley.

More delicious dip recipes: