Get ready to meet your new favorite summer side: Tzatziki Potato Salad. This dish takes the best parts of classic Greek tzatziki—creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, zingy garlic, and fresh herbs—and marries them with tender potatoes. The result is something vibrant, refreshing, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleaser at a potluck, this is a show-stopper that puts an exciting Mediterranean twist on a familiar comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those glorious recipes where each ingredient really pulls its weight. Just a handful of simple items come together to create an unforgettable balance of flavors, textures, and colors—no fillers, just the good stuff.
- Baby potatoes: These are the perfect bite-sized base, creamy and naturally sweet, soaking up all the flavors of the dressing.
- Greek yogurt: Thick, tangy, and protein-packed, it acts as the creamy base of your tzatziki-inspired dressing.
- English cucumber: Adds crunch, juiciness, and a burst of garden freshness—don’t skip on squeezing out that extra moisture!
- Fresh dill: It’s not tzatziki without dill; this herb brings brightness and a signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic: Just a little bit packs a serious punch for that garlicky character we love in tzatziki.
- Lemon juice: For tartness and zing, lemon juice wakes up the whole salad.
- Olive oil: A drizzle adds body and a fruity, peppery depth to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper: To bring out all the flavors—don’t be shy here!
- Red onion (optional): For an extra hit of color and bite; just a little goes a long way.
How to Make Tzatziki Potato Salad
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by placing your baby potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold, generously salted water. Bring the pot to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. Drain well and set them aside to cool; warm (not hot) potatoes soak up the dressing best, so this step sets the stage for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a mixing bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, finely chopped dill, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, a healthy glug of olive oil, and a generous pinch each of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until you have a bright, creamy, and herby dressing that tastes like a trip to the Mediterranean.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Cut the cooled potatoes into halves (or quarters for larger ones) and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the tzatziki dressing right over them, then toss everything gently to coat. If you’re adding finely diced red onion, now’s the time to mix it in for a little sharpness and crunch.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Marry
Cover the bowl or transfer your Tzatziki Potato Salad to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and the salad to become even more delicious. If you have extra time, even a few hours of chilling will only make it better.
How to Serve Tzatziki Potato Salad
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra fresh dill, a drizzle of olive oil, and a dusting of cracked black pepper on top. Lemon zest or a scatter of thinly sliced radishes add beautiful color and a zippy finish.
Side Dishes
Tzatziki Potato Salad shines alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or roasted fish. It’s fantastic with herby chicken, lamb burgers, or even piled onto pita bread. For a vegetarian spread, pair with roasted Mediterranean vegetables or a crisp Greek salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, scoop portions into individual cups, serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, or stuff the salad into halved bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. A big rustic bowl always works, too—don’t forget those finishing garnishes for visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Tzatziki Potato Salad can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, but just give it a quick toss before serving to revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well—yogurt-based dressings tend to separate and the potatoes change texture. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat; Tzatziki Potato Salad is best served chilled or at cool room temperature. If it’s just out of the refrigerator, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt gives the salad its creamy body, but if you only have regular yogurt, strain it through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve for 15-30 minutes to thicken it up. This helps keep your dressing from turning watery.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes, fingerlings, or small Yukon Golds are ideal for Tzatziki Potato Salad because their texture stays soft yet firm, and their small size means more surface area for soaking up that wonderful dressing.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt for the Greek yogurt. Coconut-based or oat-based yogurts tend to hold up well and keep things nice and creamy.
Is it okay to make Tzatziki Potato Salad the day before?
Yes—making it in advance is actually a great idea. The flavors meld as it sits, and the salad becomes even more delicious after a night in the fridge. Just remember to freshen it up with a little extra dill or a squeeze of lemon before serving if needed.
My salad turned out watery! What happened?
Most likely, the cucumber wasn’t drained well enough. Grate the cucumber, then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel or with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. This keeps your Tzatziki Potato Salad creamy instead of soupy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring something bright, cool, and utterly satisfying to your next meal, grab those spuds and give Tzatziki Potato Salad a try! It’s a beautiful twist on tradition, and you’ll love watching it disappear—one flavorful bite at a time. Your summer (or honestly, any season) table just got a whole lot tastier.
PrintTzatziki Potato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tzatziki Potato Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish combining tender potatoes, Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, dill, and lemon, offering a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 English cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 small red onion, finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the baby potatoes in salted boiling water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly. Once cool, halve or quarter the potatoes.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy dressing.
- Place the cooled potatoes in a large mixing bowl and pour the tzatziki dressing over them. Gently toss to coat.
- If using, mix in the finely diced red onion for extra flavor and crunch.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. If possible, chill for a few hours for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Garnish with extra fresh dill, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper before serving.
- Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted fish, or in a vegetarian spread with Mediterranean vegetables.
- For a low-carb version, serve in lettuce cups or stuff into halved bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze, as the yogurt-based dressing will separate and the potatoes’ texture will change.
- If the salad is too watery, ensure the cucumber is well-drained before mixing into the dressing.
- For a vegan version, use a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt like coconut or oat-based yogurt.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *