This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
Today, I will show you how to make tzatziki sauce that is vegan, creamy, homemade, healthy and so easy to make! In addition, it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect dip for any Mediterranean dishes.
This Greek yogurt sauce is perfect for falafel sandwiches, falafel bowl, Gyros, tabbouleh, and also any Mediterranean salad. It is refreshing, light, and fresh so it's perfect for dipping any veggies or warm pita bread.
Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about how you can customize it and learn some tips.
What is Tzatziki
If you never heard or tried tzatziki sauce, it is a delicious traditional Greek sauce or dip. It is typically made from yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh dill.
To keep this recipe vegan, we will be using vegan yogurt but you can use regular yogurt if you eat dairy. Since we are using just a few simple ingredients, it is important to use high-quality and fresh ones.
How to Make Tzatziki Sauce Step by Step
Ingredients
Yogurt
It is important to use good quality yogurt for tzatziki dip because it is the main ingredient. I usually buy unsweetened coconut yogurt (the brand is CoYo) because I find that it's less watery. But you can use other brands as long as it is unsweetened.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are essential for this recipe so make sure they are fresh and crisp. I always get Persian cucumbers because I find they are less watery and seedless.
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this dip a tangy flavor so it's a must. I don't recommend using a bottle version because I don't think it tastes fresh.
Garlic
I love anything that has garlic but I would be cautious adding too much here. I only added 2 cloves because raw garlic can be overpowering.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill really makes this tzatziki sauce so I don't recommend omitting it. I also don't recommend opting for dried dill because you really need that fresh aroma.
Fresh Mint (optional)
You can also add a little bit of chopped mint if you prefer. I find that it gives a refreshing taste but you can skip it if you don't have it.
Olive Oil
Adding a little bit of extra virgin olive oil makes this dish creamy. You can also use garlic infused olive oil to give even more flavor!
Salt
I love using pink Himalayan salt for almost all my recipes but you can use just regular sea salt. Make sure to always adjust to taste and add more salt if needed.
How to make it
- First, we will start by grating the cucumbers so you can either use your food processor or a grater for this. After the cucumbers are grated, you can place it in a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl.
- Our goal is to get the excess water out of the cucumbers so we will be adding a little bit of salt on it and wait 5 minutes. This will allow excess moisture to drip out so the tzatziki sauce will not be watery. Last, you can lightly squeeze the grated cucumber to get the rest of the water out.
- Now, you can add all the ingredients including the grated cucumber into a bowl and then mix it really well.
- You can either serve the tzatziki sauce right away or place it in the fridge for flavors to get better.
Uses for Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- Top your falafel bowl, Gyros or dip falafel.
- Add it to your buddha bowls or Mediterranean salads.
- Dip healthy veggies or warm pita.
- Dollop on roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Add more herbs or cucumber if you like. I also don't peel the cucumber but you can if you prefer.
- When using fresh garlic in dips and dressings, you should make sure that it’s very finely minced. Raw garlic can be overpowering so chopping it very fine will help.
- Make sure the cucumbers don't have a lot of seeds, smaller ones work better for the tzatziki sauce.
- Thicker consistency Greek-style yogurt works a lot better because they are less watery.
- Always adjust to taste, add more salt if needed!
How long does Tzatziki sauce last and how to store it
You can store this homemade tzatziki sauce in the fridge, covered in an airtight container, for up to 2 to 3 days. You need to make sure to mix it well before using it, separation is normal.
This homemade recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes and it is very easy and versatile. It is also :
- Creamy
- Gluten-free & Vegan
- Smooth
- Fresh & refreshing
- Healthy
- Also so delicious!
MORE VEGAN sauces, dips, and dressings to try
- BEST TAHINI SAUCE RECIPE (EASY & CREAMY)
- VEGAN AVOCADO CREMA (HEALTHY & EASY)
- BEST CREAMY HUMMUS RECIPE (EASY & OIL-FREE!)
- BEST HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE RECIPE (EASY & HEALTHY)
- VEGAN SOUR CREAM RECIPE (EASY & SOY-FREE)
- CHEESE SAUCE RECIPE (EASY & CREAMY)
- RANCH DRESSING
So did you make this? I’d love for you to leave a comment and rate the recipe. You can also share your photo of the recipe on Pinterest and tag me on Instagram using @avocadocentric or #avocadocentric! xo, Selin
PrintHow to Make Tzatziki Sauce (Vegan & Easy)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
How to make tzatziki sauce that is vegan, creamy, homemade, healthy and so easy to make! In addition, it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect dip for any Mediterranean dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt (vegan coconut yogurt if preferred)
- 2 medium or 1 large cucumber (grated)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbs fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tbs olive oil
- Dash of salt
- 1 tsp chopped fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Grate the cucumbers using a food processor or grater. After the cucumbers are grated, place it in a mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt over the grated cucumbers and wait for 5 minutes for excess moisture to drip out. Lightly squeeze the cucumbers to remove the excess water.
- Add all the ingredients including the grated cucumbers into a medium bowl and mix well until creamy.
- For better flavor, place it in the fridge for an hour.
Notes
You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer but I usually don't.
Raw garlic can be overpowering so mince it very fine.
Make sure to select cucumbers that don't have a lot of seeds, smaller ones work better for this recipe.
Thicker consistency Greek-style yogurt works. For vegan yogurt, I like the CoYo brand.
Always adjust to taste, add more salt if needed!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 3.2g
- Sodium: 38mg
- Fat: 3.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tzatziki sauce, tzatziki sauce recipe, vegan tzatziki sauce, how to make tzatziki, tzatziki recipe
Leave a Reply