One of the most popular dishes in Greece is Tzatziki. It’s pronounced “tuh·zee·kee,” and the Greeks eat it with almost everything—with good reason! It’s the perfect combination of flavors and pairs well with everything from Greek street foods to almost any traditional dinner.

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But does Fat-Free Tzatziki taste as good as “regular” Tzatziki? Yes, this Fat-Free Tzatziki recipe absolutely does! I really think this is the best Tzatziki recipe—with or without fat!

With Greek yogurt as the base of every authentic Tzatziki recipe, the result is a healthy dish that provides a good source of protein.

I use nonfat Greek yogurt to make it even healthier! Yet Fat-Free Tzatziki is every bit as delicious, refreshing, and cooling as traditional Tzatziki. It has all of the protein without the usual Tzatziki calories. That means 33 calories per serving versus 84. That’s 51 fewer calories per ¼ cup!

Not only does Fat-Free Tzatziki sauce complement many traditional dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, it’s incredibly refreshing! Whether you’re chilling the heat of a spicy dish or trying to survive the heat of a summer day, Fat-Free Tzatziki fits the bill!

Mediterranean meal with Fat-Free Tzatziki, Hummus, Tabbouleh, an Kebabs. — Mediterranean meal with Fat-Free Tzatziki, Hummus, Tabbouleh, and Kebabs

Serve Fat-Free Tzatziki sauce with kebabs, gyros, Mediterranean Lamb, or with pita as an appetizer. (For more Greek appetizer recipes, read Greek Meze Recipes.)

Sure, you can buy Tzatziki sauce, but homemade is better and healthier—especially this Fat-Free Tzatziki!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, this is an incredibly EASY Tzatziki sauce! Really—it just takes a few minutes, and it’s worth the minimal effort!

Fat-Free Tzatziki Recipe

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup cucumber, grated or cut into thin quarter moons

Instructions

1. Mix nonfat yogurt and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Add dill, garlic, and salt, then stir well until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Add in cucumber, stir, and marvel at how easy that was!

Fat-Free Tzatziki Tips

Since this is a simple recipe with few ingredients, it is important that each is high quality. Here are my thoughts on each ingredient:

1. For your Greek yogurt, use a trusted brand you like. After all, this is the base of your recipe. If you don’t like the Greek yogurt, you will not like the Fat-Free Tzatziki.
2. Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice if at all possible. If you have to resort to store-bought lemon juice, use a brand that you know and trust.
3. Fresh dill is a must. If you cannot get fresh dill, I would add fresh parsley and/or mint before using dried dill.
4. I am not a fan of buying crushed garlic or minced garlic. Already-peeled garlic is fine, but chop it fresh.
5. I prefer kosher or sea salt to ordinary table salt.
6. Make sure your cucumber is fresh. I really like English or Persian cucumbers for this recipe, but any will work.

Make Next: Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini!

Fat-Free Tzatziki as a side dish to Mediterranean Meatballs. — Fat-Free Tzatziki as a side dish to Mediterranean Meatballs

What to Serve with Fat-Free Tzatziki

Fat-Free Tzatziki complements Mediterranean dishes that are made with ground meats. These include Urfa Kebabs, Greek Meat Pies, and Mediterranean Meatballs.

Of course, it’s a must for gyros and can be added to just about any sandwich except PB&J.

If you’d like a sauce for Mediterranean Lamb, or any grilled meat, Fat-Free Tzatziki pairs well.

Vegetarians will enjoy it with Bulgur Wheat Salad, Greek Salad, Mediterranean Halloumi Salad, Cretan Dakos, vegetable skewers, and tabbouleh.

Or add some pita and/or some Greek cheeses and you have a mezze platter.