Tzatziki is a perfect dressing or sauce for a variety of foods like salads, appetizer dips and sandwich spreads. This cool and refreshing vegan spread uses plant-based yogurts, cucumber, fresh dill, garlic and salt. It complements warm and spicy foods nicely especially Mediterranean dishes. Learn how to whip up this savory sauce to dress up your next meal!
If you are looking for a cool-based dressing for your next meal, try vegan Tzatziki sauce. This ethnic dressing typically uses dairy-based yogurts as a base. However, today there are dairy-based alternatives in the market that allow you to create your own signature vegan Tzatziki.
I do have some recipes available that use this tasty Tzaziki sauce. For instance, I recommend using it on Mediterranean dishes like Spicy Garbanzo Bean Wraps.
Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Recipe Tips
Recommended Equipment or Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Spatulas
- Chopping knife
- Garlic press
- Lemon juicer
- Hydroponic herb garden
Tzaziki Sauce Bases
- There are several options here. Now, the market sells a variety of plain plant-based yogurts. The differences depend on the base material (e.g. almond, soy, oat, cashew) and the stabilizers they use to create the texture and thickness. Some of my favorite brands include Kite Hill plain almond, Forager plain cashew, So Delicious plain and Silk plain almond.
- You can also make your own vegan yogurt. In the future, I will post a few recipes to try. Making your own yogurt is much more rewarding and you get to control what ingredients go into the yogurt.
- If you are not a big plain yogurt fan, you can also use vegan ranch dressing as an alternative. They will impart a different flavor profile, however, they are tasty. I recommend either Follow your Heart or Daiya vegan ranch dressing.
Tzaziki Sauce Texture
- If time permits, dice the cucumbers up and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix the diced cucumber and salt so that they are all coated. Let them rest in a colander over the sink or plate to catch the water. Wait 10-15 minutes until the water seeps out. Then wash off the diced cucumbers. This will minimize the watery texture when making the Tzatziki sauce. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for four hours to develop the full flavor.
- Another way to reduce the amount of water separation from the cucumbers is to cut the middle core of seeds away before dicing.
Sauce Flavor Adjustments
- Though the vegan yogurts will impart a tart taste to the sauce, it is subtitle. Lemon juice is added to give the sauce a citric taste. If you love tartness, then you may need to adjust the lemon juice to a higher level. If not, then adjust down to your liking.
Benefits of Vegan Tzatziki
- Quick and easy
- Can be used in other foods such as a salad dressing, a dip for appetizers or as a sandwich spread
- Uses plant-based dairy-free yogurt which contains probiotics
- Includes fresh vegetables
- Great to accompany spicy foods
Other Recipes
Spicy Plant-based Garbanzo Bean Wraps
Vegan Tzatziki Sauce – Refreshing and Cool-spirited
Course: Dinner, LunchCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutesIngredients
6 Ounces Vegan Plain Yogurt
3 Ounces Cucumber (diced)
(Note: can remove the seeds before using.)2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
2 Tablespoons Dill (chopped)
(Note: or 3 sprigs of chopped fresh dill)2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh or bottle)
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
Directions
- Dice cucumbers and place in a medium bowl.
- Add vegan plain yogurt, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice and salt. Mix until uniform.
- Adjust the sauce tartness, flavor and texture to our preference.
- Store in refrigerator for best flavor infusion.