Make your own tzatziki dip from one of the best probiotic source, milk kefir. This kefir tzatziki recipe is not only healthy for the digestive system, but also a tasty condiment for grilled meats and vegetables at summer BBQs.
This kefir Tzatziki dip is not a quick recipe to make, but if you are going for extra probiotics, or already fermenting your own milk kefir at home, you should definitely give it a try! Besides, the flavour of this kefir tzatziki dip is phenomenal. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
Homemade Milk Kefir for Tzatziki
Milk kefir is one of the most probiotic-rich foods. But there is a difference between kefir made from kefir grains vs. powder starter. Kefir grains typically provide 3 times of the probiotic strains compared to powder starter.
I make my milk kefir from scratch by fermenting organic whole milk with kefir grains, then strain my homemade kefir with a coffee filter or cheese cloth to thicken it before using it to make this Tzatziki dip.
Why Should You Over Ferment Your Kefir?
A tip for this recipe is to over-ferment the milk kefir until quite a bit of the whey separates in the bottom of your fermentation jar. By separating the whey, it will reduce straining time significantly. More details on over fermenting and straining kefir in my kefir cheese recipe. If you use store bought kefir, which hasn’t separated into curds and whey, expect a longer straining time.
More Delicious Recipes Using Kefir You Will Love
- Raspberry Kefir Cream Cheese Spread
- Kefir Cheese Smoked Salmon Wrap (Probiotic Sushi + Brain Food)
- Mango Kefir Ice Cream w/o Ice Cream Maker
- Superfoods Kefir Maca Smoothie
- Kefir Fermented Honey Thyme Sourdough Cornbread
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Probiotic Kefir Tzatziki Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk kefir or coconut kefir as dairy-free alternative
- 1 mini cucumber thinly shredded
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dill
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Himalayan salt
- 1 tablespoon olive paste optional
Instructions
- Pour the milk kefir into a coffee filter or through layered cheesecloth. Let the milk kefir sit and strain until it reaches the consistency of a greek yogurt. 4 cups of milk kefir yields about 1 cup strained kefir for me. The straining process may take a few hours to a day. Over-fermenting the kefir will separate the whey from the curds, and significantly speed up the straining process.
- Mix thinly shredded cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, most of the dill into strained kefir until well combined.
- Garnish with rest of the dill, olive paste, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
- More details on over fermenting and straining milk kefir in my kefir cheese recipe. For this tzatziki dip, you don't need to strain the kefir to the consistency of a cheese; it should be thickened to resemble greek yogurt.
- Save the whey strained from the milk kefir for other use.Â
Nutrition
This is delicious. Made it today for our grilled chicken pita sandwiches. Perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
How long do you think a batch would keep in the fridge?
I came to ask the same question. Did anyone find out? I’m guessing it’s no more than a week, like regular tzatziki?
Just wondering if the straining is compulsory? Or just helps make it thicker?
The straining is to make the kefir thicker. :)
I’ve never made kefir — I do like it though and I can see how it would make a very tasty tzatziki!!!
Thanks for all the tips!
I love tzatziki, what a great idea to use kefir to make it!
I love tzatziki! I would have not thought to make it with Kefir, goign to have to give it a try!
This is perfect for appetizer and party dip! So refreshing and healthy delicious!
I would never have thought to make tzatziki from kefir. Such a great idea. We love having tzatziki with grilled chicken on the regular. Can’t wait to try this!
I love tzatziki! I bet it’s delicious with a kefir base.
Omg I make tzazkiki all the time but have never thought to make it with kefir. This is genius! I plan to try this ASAP!
Wow, this is almost too beautiful to eat! And all the probiotics and healthy fats…. So yummy!
Yang, I’m not sure if the photos or the recipe are more beautiful. I love this all so much. Pinning and pinning it. SUCH beauty and health! Well done!
I absolutely love kefir AND tzatziki dip, so you know this is my kind of recipe! I bet this is wonderful for drizzling over grilled meats.
Oh I would love to dip steak or grilled chicken skewers into this! It looks amazing!
I LOVE Tzatziki but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one as beautiful as yours. Anyone would happily dip into that yumminess! Such a great idea using the kefir!
I fell in love with kefir the first time I ever had it…magical stuff! So genius to straining it and make a tzatziki sauce out f it!