tzatziki

American  

[tsah-tsee-kee] / tsɑˈtsi ki /

noun

1. a condiment or dip consisting of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and usually mint.

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tzatziki British  

/ tsætˈsɪkɪ /

noun

1. a Greek dip made from yogurt, chopped cucumber, and mint

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Etymology

Origin of tzatziki

1960–65; < Modern Greek tzatzíki from Turkish cacık, of uncertain origin

Explanation

Tzatziki is a tangy Greek dip that's made with yogurt. In a restaurant, tzatziki is often served with pita bread as an appetizer or side dish. The ingredients of tzatziki vary, but they always include strained yogurt (in Greece, it's usually yogurt made from the milk of sheep or goats). Cucumbers, garlic, various herbs, olive oil, and salt are added for flavor, and sometimes lemon juice or vinegar. Variations on this tasty dip exist in the cuisines of Turkey, Cyprus, the Balkans, and parts of the Middle East.

Example Sentences

I like making homemade cottage cheese tzatziki with grated cucumbers, diced mint, fresh dill, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder and salt.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

We watch as a party scene involving limbo dancing, is filmed from every angle, as Bryn downs shots and Nessa gives Smithy a lesson in how to eat the Greek yogurt dish, tzatziki.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2024

Place the tomato and lemon wedges on the platter and serve with the tzatziki.

From Washington Times • Oct. 9, 2023

Most kebab platters range around $14-$16 and come with a copious amount of basmati rice, along with pita bread, charred jalapeño peppers, tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

The refrigerator door swung open and out poured tubs of hummus and tzatziki sauce.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda