Peanut Butter Tzatziki

Making Peanut Butter Tzatziki was new for me this summer. My husband and I tried it at a local restaurant in Greece and liked it, so I wanted to give it a try. Admittedly, I don’t think I would have ever put these flavors together without someone else doing it first. It’s unusual to pair sweet peanut butter with savory cucumber and garlic. But you know what, it totally works! 

As it turns out this sweet and savory flavor combination is absolutely wonderful. I prepare it just like I do regular tzatziki, taking care to squeeze the water out of the cucumber really well and chopping up the garlic so it’s nice and fine. In this preparation I also make sure the cucumber is finely chopped, almost like a purée.  

In this episode I taste the tzatziki with traditional grilled pita bread and it’s amazing. I’d also consider serving this with vegetables or spread it on a pita and serving it with grilled chicken. Even though the peanut butter gives it a hint of sweet it’s still incredibly versatile. 

While Peanut Butter Tzatziki may be outside something you’d usually try in Mediterranean cuisine, I recommend you give it a try. I can guarantee you’d be happily surprised like we were! 

Peanut Butter Tzatziki 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat) 

• 1 small cucumber, grated and drained 

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste) 

• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste) 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

 Instructions: 

1. Prep the cucumber by grating it and squeezing it through a clean towel or cheesecloth to remove excess water. 

2. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well incorporated. 

3. Mix in the garlic, cucumber, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. 

4. Taste the mixture and add more lemon juice, salt, or dill to your preference. You can also add a splash of water or more olive oil if you want a thinner texture. 

5. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve! 

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.