What if I told you that you could take a little trip to Greece—no passport needed—right from your kitchen?
One of my favorite things about travel is the way it opens our taste buds to new experiences. Even when we can’t hop on a plane, we can bring a bit of the world to our plates. And today, we’re heading to the Mediterranean with a creamy, garlicky dip that’s a staple in Greek cuisine: Tzatziki.
Whether you’re planning a Greek-inspired dinner night or just want a healthy, refreshing dip for veggies and pita, this authentic tzatziki recipe is as close to the real deal as it gets. Bonus? It’s super simple to make! Our friends at Celesyal Cruises (who specialize in cruising the Greek Isles) have provided this marvelous recipe for you!
🥒 Authentic Greek Tzatziki
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat Greek yogurt (use FAGE Total 5% for extra creaminess)
- 1 medium seedless cucumber
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (you decide how bold you want it!)
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or mint if you’re feeling adventurous)
- Salt, to taste
🧄 Instructions:
1. Prep the cucumber:
Peel the cucumber if you’d like (totally optional), then grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Sprinkle it lightly with salt and let it sit for a few minutes to draw out moisture.
Next, wrap the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step keeps your tzatziki from getting watery.
2. Make the base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and olive oil. This is the heart of the tzatziki—rich, tangy, and packed with flavor.
3. Fold it in:
Add your drained cucumber and fresh dill (or mint) to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Chill and enjoy:
Season with salt to taste. Then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving—this gives the flavors time to mingle and develop.
🧆 Serving ideas:
- Dollop it on grilled meats or gyros
- Use it as a dip for fresh veggies or warm pita
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a burst of Mediterranean flavor
Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming of the Aegean, a bowl of homemade tzatziki brings you one step closer to the sunny shores of Greece. 🌞
Let me know if you try it—and if you’re really inspired, we can chat about planning your own Greek getaway 😉 Click here to schedule a time to chat!