Learn how to make tzatziki, a yogurt-based dip with cucumbers, garlic, lemon, and dill. Serve it as a dip or add it to sandwiches.
Trader Joe’s was the inspiration for this recipe. I don’t shop at Trader Joe’s on a regular basis, but when I do, I pick up some of their Tzatziki Creamy Garlic Cucumber Dip. Charles LOVES it. The tub usually disappears within 48 hours.
Last time I went to Trader Joe’s I went to buy the dip and learned that it has been “archived” – Trader Joe’s polite term for discontinued. This meant that I needed to figure out how to make the dip myself. Luckily the product information was still online and some quick research revealed that the dip is a traditional tzatziki recipe with one sneaky secret ingredient: sour cream. I got to work.
While tzatziki is simple and easy to make, there are some nuances in how people prepare it, mostly in regards to cucumber. Some people shred it and squeeze out the water. That’s not what Trader Joe’s does, instead, their tzatziki has thin slices of cucumber. I like the chunkier texture it gives the dip.
I found mini cucumbers at my grocery store and used a mandolin to thinly slice 2 cups of cucumber. I laid it out on a paper towel for 20 minutes to let some of the excess moisture evaporate. My one criticism of the Trader Joe’s tzatziki is that it is too thin.
This technique worked perfectly. I think that the mini cucumbers (they were about 8 inches long) contained less water than larger cucumbers and letting them sit out
With the cucumbers ready, I just needed to mix all the ingredients together. I do think that tzatziki tastes best after sitting in the fridge. This lets the flavors marry together and gives the garlic time to mellow out. For best results, prepare it in advance and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
There are so many ways to serve tzatziki. I love to add tzatziki to chicken pita wraps. Charles just dunks pita bread in and eat it. I also like to serve tzatziki with my zucchini and corn fritters.
How to Make Tzatziki:
How to Make Tzatziki
This tzatziki is made with greek yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and thin slices of cucumber. This recipe is inspired by Trader Joe's Tzatziki that has been discontinued.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of thinly sliced Mini Cucumbers (4 mini Cucumbers)
- 2 cups Whole Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/4 cup Reduced Fat Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Dill
- 1 clove of Garlic, run through a garlic press
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Use a madoline, or a sharp knife to cut the cucumber into very thin slices.
- Lay the slices of cucumber out on a paper towel and let them dry out for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile. Combine all of the other ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- After the cucumbers have dried out for 20 minutes, stir them into the yogurt mixture.
- Keep the tzatziki refridgerated until serving. It tastes best after resting for at least an hour.
Notes
You can use normal sized cucumbers, but they might have more moisture. Resist the urge to add extra garlic, a little goes a long way in this recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 81Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g
Jerry
Sunday 3rd of March 2024
I never use low fat sour cream, tastes like cr’p. Just use regular sour cream or skip it all together; use of sour cream is not authentic, just a spin.