This Easy Tzatziki recipe is a healthy dip that started out in Southeastern Europe and the Middle East. While there are many variations, its most common components are yogurt, cucumbers, salt, olive oil, that is accentuated with garlic, vinegar, or herbs such as mint, dill, or thyme. Any day is a day for eating tzatziki, but its ideal on hot and dry days, when its fresh, piquant, and refreshing flavor is like a cool breeze.

While I tried tzatziki many times in my travels, this Tzatziki is easy to make and is from the island of Curacao which struck a cool chord on a hot and balmy Caribbean afternoon. I could not ask for anything else, just cool slices of cucumber that were folded in Greek yogurt, lime, and mint did the trick!

Traditional Tzatziki v Caribbean Tzatziki:

Traditional tzatzikis are usually grated and so are the Middle Eastern varieties that are served with gyros or shawarma. The grated tzatziki is more like a dip, while I noticed that the Caribbean style was served both as a salad and a dip. It is so easy to make this Tzatziki that you cannot go wrong with the recipe.

Traditional tzatziki uses grated cucumber that must be drained, or the finished product will be runny and wet. This recipe calls for sliced cucumbers and no draining is required. Thinly sliced cucumbers make this Tzatziki a fine candidate for a dip that is easy to scoop with pita or tortilla. You will absolutely love this Tzatziki recipe as it is packed with mint and tangy lime juice, making the flavors bright and deep.

More on the ingredients:

A word on Yogurt:

Let’s be honest. Yogurt has been a staple food in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe over several thousand years. Whether it was the Mongols or the Romans, pretty much everyone consumed yogurt. It is only fermented milk! While there are several varieties of yogurt, their main distinction is on the protein and moisture content. But the health benefits of yogurt have been well documented. They are high in protein and calcium; contain probiotics that boost the gut microbiota and enhance the immune system.

A word on Cucumbers:

Cucumbers are native to India with over ten different varieties that spread to other parts of the world. While there are many varieties cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) I chose the English Cucumber, which is both seedless and less bitter. English cucumbers are also known as hot house or European cucumbers. Botanically speaking, the cucumber is considered a fruit since the vine bears flowers with seeds that grow into cucumbers. Cucumbers come with a boat load of health benefits such as facilitating healthy vision, immunity, and helps in the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, and lungs. They are primarily made up of water which keeps our bodies hydrated. In addition to cooking, I even use slices of cucumber to ease the puffiness under my eyes when applying a natural, homemade face pack.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to consume cucumbers?

The skin of the cucumber is loaded with vitamins and fiber. Therefore, I like to use cucumbers unpeeled in my salads. Therefore, wash the cucumbers properly before consumption.

How to wash cucumbers?

The wax that packers put on produce increases their shelf-life, but it can be potentially harmful to consumers. So you could buy organic produce if you plan on consuming vegetables raw and wash them thoroughly with salt and water. Alternatively, you could use a vegetable brush to scrub the cucumbers further.

How to prepare cucumbers?

After thoroughly washing the cucumbers rubbed with salt and water, slice and soak the them in salt water before tossing them into the salad. This will help reduce its water content so that the salad dressing does not get too runny. I skipped this step since I purchased firm nearly seedless cucumbers that were freshly picked at the farmers market. I used those cucumbers on  the same day I bought them for the Tzatziki.

How to shop for cucumbers?

Cucumbers that are sunk in or bulging with dark spots, wrinkles or are puffy are either over ripe or decayed. Look for firm light green to dark green colored cucumbers with no spots or puffy ends.

How to store cucumbers?

Cucumbers must be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator and not at room temperature. If they are not chilled, the cucumbers will become soft and limp.

How to make this simple Tzatziki:

1. I like to thoroughly wash the cucumbers with salt and water and scrape the skin with a fork longitudinally.

You could slice them in a food processor or just use a knife to make thin slices after scraping the skin.

2. Chiffonade the freshly picked mint leaves.

3. Mix the mint with Greek yogurt.

4. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, salt and freshly cracked pepper and fold in the cucumber slices. Garnish with some olive oil and mint. Serve with pita bread or tortillas.

If you like this recipe, you may also want to check out my Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Mint Tahini Sauce!