Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip made with yogurt, garlic, cucumber, and Dill. It’s a perfect side dish or condiment to accompany grilled meats, vegetables, salads, or bread.
Dill is the traditional herb used in tzatziki, but what if you don’t have any on hand? Or, what if you’re not a fan of Dill’s distinct flavor?
But fret not, because I have compiled the 8 best substitutes for Dill in tzatziki that you can easily use in your recipe and still achieve that same mouth-watering taste.
In short, " What can I use instead of dill in tzatziki?" Mint, Basil, Parsley, Chives, Cilantro, Tarragon, Oregano, Lemon zest.
What is tzatziki, and what does tzatziki taste like?
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip made from strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like Dill or Mint.
It is a refreshing and tangy condiment that is commonly served with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tzatziki has a unique and refreshing taste. The base of strained yogurt provides a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
The addition of grated cucumbers gives it a cool and crisp texture with a hint of freshness.
The garlic adds a pleasant pungency and depth of savor, while the lemon juice adds a subtle tartness.
The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
The tanginess of the yogurt and lemon juice, the refreshing quality of the cucumbers, and the aromatic notes of garlic and herbs come together to form a delicious and vibrant taste.
Tzatziki is often described as creamy, tangy, and refreshing. It has a cooling outcome that pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, gyros, falafel, and various Mediterranean dishes.
Its versatile flavor makes it a popular accompaniment to add a burst of freshness and creaminess to a wide range of savory dishes.
Overall, tzatziki is a delightful sauce with a creamy, tangy, and refreshing taste that complements Mediterranean cuisine beautifully.
Its combination of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs creates a flavorful and versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to various dishes.
Uses of dill in tzatziki
Dill is an essential ingredient in the classic Greek tzatziki sauce. This cooling and creamy condiment is typically used to accompany grilled meat or vegetables and can also serve as a dip for pita chips or other flatbreads.
Dill’s mild flavor adds nuances to the tangy yogurt-based sauce, while its long green fronds provide an attractive garnish. The herb also contains vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.
When making tzatziki, finely chopped fresh Dill gives the best flavor and texture to the sauce. Numerous recipes call for a small amount of dried Dill, but this should be added towards the end of cooking to guarantee it doesn’t become too bitter.
Alternatively, some cooks prefer to use only fresh Dill for its full flavor and distinctive aroma.
In addition to Dill, traditional tzatziki calls for cucumber, garlic, olive oil, white vinegar or lemon juice, and Greek yogurt as base ingredients.
Salt and pepper are typically added for seasoning, and a bit of sugar may be used to bring out the natural sweetness of cucumbers.
Some cooks add additional ingredients such as feta cheese or mint leaves for extra flavor complexity.
A dollop of tzatziki makes any meal more special; it’s healthy and versatile enough to use with almost any type of food.
With its mix of fresh herbs and cool yogurt – not to mention Dill’s delicious flavor – it’s no wonder this simple yet sophisticated sauce has been enjoyed by Greeks for centuries!
Where to buy Dill?
If you are searching for Dill where to buy, there are a few extra places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of Dill.
Best substitutes for Dill in tzatziki
1. Mint – a good substitute for Dill in tzatziki
Mint is an excellent substitute for Dill in tzatziki as it has a similar fresh, bright flavor. It’s perfect for those who don’t love the taste of Dill.
Ratio or measurement: To use mint in tzatziki, substitute the Dill with an equal amount of fresh mint leaves finely chopped.
The recommended ratio for tzatziki mint is two tablespoons.
2. Basil – similar to dill in tzatziki
Basil is another great substitution for Dill in Tzatziki. It has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that goes well with garlic and cucumbers.
Ratio or measurement: To use basil in tzatziki, chop the leaves very finely and blend them into the yogurt and garlic mixture.
The recommended ratio for tzatziki basil is one tablespoon.
3. Try Parsley to replace Dill in tzatziki
Parsley is a universal herb that has a mild, fresh flavor. It’s popularly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Ratio or measurement: To use Parsley in tzatziki, chop the leaves very finely and blend them into the yogurt and garlic mixture.
The recommended ratio for tzatziki parsley is one tablespoon.
4. Chives – similar to Dill in tzatziki
Chives have a mild onion flavor and a hint of garlic. They’re perfect for adding a bit of savory taste to tzatziki.
Ratio or measurement: To use chives in tzatziki, finely chop them and blend them into the garlic and yogurt mixture. The recommended ratio for tzatziki chives is two tablespoons.
5. Cilantro – delicious alternative for Dill in tzatziki
Cilantro is an herb commonly used in Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines. It has a citrusy, slightly earthy flavor that works well in tzatziki.
Ratio or measurement: To use cilantro in tzatziki, chop the leaves finely and blend them into the yogurt and garlic mixture.
The recommended ratio for tzatziki cilantro is one tablespoon.
6. Tarragon – similar to dill in tzatziki
Tarragon has a delicate yet distinctive flavor that tastes mildly like anise. It’s a classic ingredient in French cuisine, but it also works well in tzatziki.
Ratio or measurement: To use tarragon in tzatziki, chop the leaves very finely and add them to the yogurt and garlic mixture.
The recommended ratio for tzatziki tarragon is half a tablespoon.
7. Use Oregano instead of Dill in tzatziki
Oregano is an herb with a strong, pungent flavor. It’s often used in Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean dishes, and it’s perfect for adding some depth of flavor to tzatziki.
Ratio or measurement: To use Oregano in tzatziki, chop the leaves very finely and add them to the yogurt and garlic mixture.
The recommended ratio for tzatziki oregano is half a tablespoon.
8. Lemon zest – a great replacement for Dill in tzatziki
If you’re looking for a non-herb substitute for Dill in tzatziki, then lemon zest is a great option. It has a bright and citrusy savor that can uplift the dip’s taste and aroma.
Ratio or measurement: Use ¼ tsp of lemon zest for every 1 tsp of Dill when making tzatziki, and remember to zest the lemon finely to avoid any bitterness.
Best vegan substitute for Dill in tzatziki
A great vegan substitute for Dill in tzatziki is fresh mint.
The ratio of mint to other ingredients in the recipe will depend on personal taste. Still, a good starting point would be 1/2 cup of freshly chopped mint for each cup of Greek yogurt.
If you’d like a more intense herb flavor, try adding up to 1 cup of fresh mint. Mint can be combined with other herbs, such as Parsley and chives or used on its own for an even more pronounced flavor.
If desired, you could also add a small amount of garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor as well.
When using fresh mint, use only the leaves and discard the stems as they impart a bitter, grassy taste.
To make sure that your tzatziki still has some crunch, consider adding finely diced cucumbers and red onions to your yogurt mixture just before serving.
Finally, if you want to keep it vegan-friendly, substitute traditional Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative such as coconut or almond milk yogurt.
The non-dill version of tzatziki sauce
Non-Dill Tzatziki Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional tzatziki sauce.
This version of the popular Greek condiment uses cucumber, yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt for an unbeatable flavor.
To make Non-Dill Tzatziki Sauce, begin by coarsely grating one large cucumber. Put the grated cucumber in a cheesecloth or fine sieve and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Transfer the squeezed cucumber to a medium bowl and add 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of additional virgin olive oil, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Let the mix set for at least 10 minutes so that the flavors can combine before serving. The more prolonged it sits in the fridge, the better the taste will be!
Non-Dill Tzatziki Sauce is best served cold with grilled vegetables or pita bread.
Or utilize it as a dip for chips or crackers! And enjoy this as part of a gyro sandwich or falafel wrap – either way, you’re sure to love this unique take on classic tzatziki sauce!
Substitute for Dill in tzatziki with sour cream
Tzatziki, a refreshing Greek dip made with cucumbers and yogurt, is a tasty and simple dish popular in many Mediterranean countries.
Though traditionally made with Dill, it can be easily adapted to use sour cream instead for a unique twist on the classic.
By using sour cream instead of Dill, tzatziki takes on a creamy, rich flavor that complements the cool tang of the yogurt without competing with it.
The freshness of cucumber is also enhanced by the richness of the sour cream.
Additionally, high-fat dairy products like sour cream are an amazing source of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion on substitute for Dill in tzatziki
In conclusion, tzatziki is a delicious and easy dip to make, and with these 8 substitutes for Dill, you don’t have to worry if you don’t have Dill on hand or don’t like the taste.
Everyone has a different preference for flavor, and it’s always good to test and try new things.
So, mix and match these herbs to create your twists on the classic tzatziki recipe.
Just remember to use the recommended ratios, and you’ll have delicious and flavorful tzatziki that will complement any meal.
FAQs on substitute for Dill in tzatziki
Q1. What is similar to Dill?
Similar to Dill are other herbs like Parsley, fennel, cilantro, tarragon and chervil. They all have a mild flavor with slight sweetness or bitterness that pairs well with other foods. Parsley is the most commonly used of these herbs and has a slightly sweet taste, while fennel has more of an anise-like flavor.
Cilantro and tarragon both impart sweet notes, while chervil offers a light licorice flavor. Each can be used in different dishes to add richness without overpowering any flavors already present in the dish.
Q2. What Indian sauce is similar to tzatziki?
A popular Indian sauce that is similar to tzatziki is raita. Raita is a sauce made from yogurt, raw vegetables, and spices. It usually consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, which are combined with yogurt and flavored with spices such as cumin, black pepper, or mint leaves for extra flavor.
This cooling sauce is often served alongside kebabs, curries, lentils, or rice dishes. It adds a refreshing tang to the meal while providing great health benefits due to its high protein and probiotic content from the yogurt. Additionally, making raita requires minimal ingredients and preparation. You must blend the ingredients for a delicious addition to any meal!
Q3. What is a substitute for garlic in tzatziki?
A substitute for garlic in tzatziki includes onion, shallot, chives or a combination of these ingredients. Onion and shallot will provide a subtle flavor that won’t overcome the other flavors in the dip. Chives offer mild garlic flavor with an added hint of onion flavor as well.
You can also use fresh herbs like Dill, mint or Oregano as an alternative to garlic. Additionally, combining lemon juice with some freshly ground black pepper is another way to add flavor without using garlic.
Q4. Can you make tzatziki with dried Dill?
Yes, you can make tzatziki with dried Dill! Dried Dill is a great way to add flavor and texture to the classic Greek yogurt dip. The flavor of the Dill will not be as potent as it would be with fresh, but it will still provide some mild herbal notes.
To make tzatziki with dried Dill, start by combining two cups of plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and one teaspoon of olive oil. Add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Then stir in two tablespoons of finely chopped dried Dill until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dip. Serve chilled alongside warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for a delicious snack or appetizer.