tzatziki recipe with za'atar pita chips - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (2024)

Why We Love This Recipes For Tzatziki with Za’atar Pita Chips

The cucumber situation in my gardenis borderline hilarious. I keep thinking I am relatively on top of it, and then I will find a cuke that has missed my most recent searches and somehow grown to be the size of a small watermelon!

Hence one of the reasons I’ve been LOVING making tzatziki recently.

If you’ve never had tzatziki before, you are really missing out! Essentially, tzatziki is a sauce that’s made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs. Many recipes also call for a squeeze of lemon juice, which I’ve included in my tzatziki recipe below.

This dip is popular in Greece and the Middle East and is delicious atop pita, in gyros, spread on a sandwich, and as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

I also got the idea to sprinkle za’atar spice mix on pitas from a friend.

Key Ingredients to Make This Recipe

Yogurt

You can use Greek Yogurt or regular yogurt for this recipe. If you use regular yogurt, you’ll need to strain the excess liquid out first (see cooking steps). I used whole fat yogurt for this recipe but use whichever plain yogurt/Greek Yogurt you have on deck.

Cucumber

A large cucumber or a few mini ones work great for this recipe. Opt for one that’s firm and bright green with no imperfections. See FAQ section for a cucumber cooking tip.

Mint

Mint is the best herb to use in tzatziki in my opinion. You can also use dill, basil or a combination of the three. With that being said, try to only use fresh herbs for the tzatziki.

Za’atar

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from sesame seeds, thyme, sumac and salt. It’s located in the spice isle but if you can’t find it simply make your own.

Pitas

I prefer to use whole-wheat pitas as a healthier option but use whichever ones you can find. You can often find pita in the bread section OR in the international section of the grocery store.

Additional Ingredients For the Dip

• 1 small clove garlic, peeled
• ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Additional Ingredients For the Chips

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt

Step-By-Step Instructions To Make This Tzatziki and Pita

Step 1: Drain yogurt

If using regular yogurt, you’ll need to strain it first: Line a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter or paper towels and set over a bowl. Spoon in yogurt and refrigerate until the whey has drained off the yogurt, about 3 hours.

Step 2: Make tzatziki

Chop the garlic, sprinkle with salt, and mash and chop with a chef’s knife to make a paste. Scrape the garlic paste into a medium bowl. Add the strained yogurt or Greek yogurt. Add the cucumber, mint, oil and lemon and whisk to combine.

Step 3: Make pita chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the pitas along their seams and separate into two layers. Lay 4 pitas circled on a work surface. Brush lightly with 1 tablespoon oil, dividing evenly. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon za’atar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut the pitas into 8 triangles each. Transfer to a large baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 4 pita circles, oil, za’atar and salt. Bake the pitas, rotating pans half way through, until crisp and starting to brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool before serving with the dip.

FAQs and Expert Tips

Additional Recipes to Try

• If you’re a fan of dips you have to try this Easy Greek Yogurt Dip, this Low Fat Ranch Dip, my Black Bean Hummus, this Yellow and Red Tomato Pico de Gallo and lastly my Healthier Hot Crab Dip.
• If you like za’atar seasoning you would love these Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Yogurt Tahini Sauce and this Grilled Za’atar Chicken Burgers with Cucumber Mint Tzatziki
• Breakfast Pitas are a recent fave in my household. They are really satisfying and keep me full all morning.
• If you’re looking for a quick and healthy salad this Snap Pea Mint and Feta Fattoush Salad is it!
• Looking for an easy kebab recipe? This Grilled Ground Turkey Kofta Kebabs and my Grilled Lamb Kofta Kebabs are a must!
• You won’t be able to stop eating this Simple Tabbouleh–I promise you.
• These Grilled Greek Boneless Chicken Thighs would be the perfect addition to this Israeli Couscous Salad
• Two other ways you can use Za’atar are in theseZa’atar Roasted Chicken Breasts from the Mediterranean Dishor for thisGrilled Zucchini with Za’atar from Feasting at Home.