Living in Astoria, Queens means living in a neighborhood with one of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece which also means some of the greatest Greek food in America.
And since I just recently made some INCREDIBLE and EASY HOMEMADE Greek yogurt in the Instant Pot, it seemed only fitting that I’d put it to use and make the most classic Greek dip there is: Tzatziki!
Known for being used as a dip for pita, veggies or slathered over a gyro or souvlaki, Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based paradise that is full of wonderful Mediterranean flavor, crunch WHILE REMAINING on the healthier side!
Here’s How I Made It!:
Start with a seedless cucumber…
…and peel it in a fashion where the skin is on and then off, rotating the cucumber until it looks like this throughout…
…and then cut it into discs and then quarter wedges.
Then take a few cloves of garlic…
…and put them through a garlic press…
…so they’re nice and pressed when done.
Now take a batch of some chilled homemade Greek yogurt…
…and add in the cucumber…
…and garlic.
Stir it up…
…until combined.
Now it’s time to give this dip some flavor with some red wine vinegar…
…extra virgin olive oil…
…and stir.
And finally, add in our seasonings which consist of some dried (or fresh) dill…
…seasoned salt…
…and Cavender’s Greek Seasoning (optional, but adds to it!).
Stir it up again.
And finally, my little secret (and unconventional and totally optional) ingredient that I find adds a fantastic touch…some Pesto sauce!
Give it all a final stir!
Mmmm. Creamy and chunky Tzatziki…
Secure a lid on it and pop it in the fridge to chill for a few hours to firm up a bit (or don’t and serve right away if you don’t mine it creamier).
When ready to serve, take some pita…
…place some Tzatziki on it…
…eat it…
…savor it…
…and YUP! LICK THE SPOON GOOD! (make sure you are okay with others seeing you lick the spoon).Goes great as a dip, spread for a gyro/souvlaki OR as a salad dressing!
OPA!
Enjoy!
Instant Pot Tzatziki Dip
This iconic Greek dip used on gyros, souvlaki, soups, salads or just scooped up by veggies and pita chips couldn't be easier or more authentic-tasting.
Ingredients
- 6-7 cups of Greek (strained) yogurt (recipe here)
- 1 seedless (English) cucumber, semi-peeled (striped) and diced
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed through a garlic press
- 1 tbsp of Garlic Better Than Bouillon
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp of red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp of dried dill weed)
- 1/2 tsp – 1/2 tbsp of seasoned salt (start out 1/2 tsp and add up to 1/2 tbsp to your taste)
- 2 tsp of Cavender’s Greek Seasoning (optional, but adds to it!)
- 2 tbsp of pesto sauce (totally optional and unconventional, but it gives it a wonderful extra “oomph.” I love Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand if you do use it)
Instructions
- Make some Greek/unstrained Yogurt (follow this recipe here) and make sure it’s nice and chilled
- Combine all the ingredients, mix well, chill for an hour or two
- Enjoy with some pita, vegetables, with gyro/souvlaki or even as a wonderful creamy and healthy salad dressing!
Jeffrey's Tips
Make the Greek yogurt from the recipe here!
Many people like to shred and squeeze out the water from the cucumbers, which you can totally do, but I like mine chunky and exactly as it is!
This Tzatziki also works as an amazing and healthy salad dressing!
Trisha
Excellent recipe. I sweat my cucumbers for at least an hour (maybe 2) before mixing them into the dressing. That way the cucumbers stay crisp and don’t release water into the delicious sauce. To sweat I place the cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle them with salt and toss. Place the colander over a pot to collect the water from the cucumbers and place in the fridge. Rinse then pat dry when done. Don’t forget the rinse or your tzatziki will be too salty.