Tzatziki is a classic Greek dip known for its refreshing combination of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It’s the perfect accompaniment to warm pita, grilled vegetables, or Mediterranean-inspired meals. However, for those who are following a vegan lifestyle or have dietary restrictions, traditional tzatziki made with dairy-based yogurt isn’t an option. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of this beloved dish with this easy-to-make vegan tzatziki recipe. Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s creamy, tangy, and full of zesty flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is both simple to make and versatile enough to be used in various dishes.
PrintVegan Tzatziki: The Ultimate Dairy-Free Greek Dip for Every Occasion
Love tzatziki but need a dairy-free version? This Vegan Tzatziki is just what you need! Packed with creamy plant-based yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, it delivers the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Serve it as a dip, sauce, or spread—it’s versatile, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Whether paired with grilled veggies, falafel, or a Mediterranean platter, this dip is a total game-changer!
#DairyFreeGoodness #VeganGreekDip #HealthyAndTasty #MediterraneanVibes #HomemadeVegan #RefreshingFlavors #PlantBasedCooking #EasyAndDelicious #TzatzikiLover #WholesomeEats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups (400g) vegan Greek-style yogurt
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, add the 1.5 cups of vegan Greek-style yogurt, minced garlic (2-3 cloves), 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly. For the best flavor, I recommend placing the yogurt mixture in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the garlic to mellow and blend beautifully with the yogurt. The longer it rests, the more developed the flavors will become.
2. Grate and Drain the Cucumber
While the yogurt mixture is chilling, prepare the cucumber. Wash it thoroughly, then use a box grater to grate the cucumber. Once grated, you need to squeeze out the excess moisture. This is an essential step—if you don’t remove the extra water, the tzatziki can become too watery. You can place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl to drain, or use a clean kitchen towel or nut milk bag to squeeze the water out by hand. Make sure to get rid of as much water as possible to ensure your tzatziki has the right consistency.
3. Combine the Cucumber and Dill
Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture. Then, add the freshly chopped dill (1.5 tablespoons) and stir until the cucumber and dill are well incorporated into the yogurt.
4. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well mixed, transfer the tzatziki into a serving dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill for a beautiful finish.
5. Enjoy!
Your vegan tzatziki is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a topping for grain bowls, gyros, or roasted vegetables. You can also refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Drain the Cucumber Well: If you skip draining the cucumber, your tzatziki may become watery. You can use a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Although you can serve the tzatziki immediately, it’s best to let it chill for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The garlic will mellow and infuse into the yogurt, giving you a much smoother, more balanced taste.
- Adjust Garlic to Your Taste: Raw garlic can be quite potent. If you prefer a milder flavor, use just one clove or opt for roasted garlic. Roasting garlic brings out a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the yogurt beautifully.
- Consistency Adjustments: If your tzatziki is too thick, add a small amount of water or extra olive oil to thin it out. If it’s too runny, you can refrigerate it for a bit longer to help thicken it.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go! You can add more salt, vinegar, or dill depending on your preferences. If you like a stronger vinegar flavor, increase the amount of vinegar; if you want more tang, add an extra garlic clove.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
In this article, I’ll guide you through every step of making vegan tzatziki, from prepping the ingredients to serving suggestions. Not only will you learn how to prepare this delicious dip, but I’ll also provide helpful tips for beginners and variations to suit different tastes. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to create a batch of this creamy vegan tzatziki to enjoy with your favorite dishes or as a dip at your next gathering.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to cooking or simply looking for a quick and easy recipe, this vegan tzatziki is the perfect place to start. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is simple to make yet full of vibrant flavors. It’s an ideal recipe for beginners because it doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques, just a bit of mixing and chilling. Furthermore, it’s a forgiving recipe—there’s room for adjustments in terms of ingredients, and even if you’re unsure about your garlic or dill preference, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste.
Not only is this recipe beginner-friendly, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dip, a topping for wraps, or even as a sauce for roasted vegetables and grains. Plus, it’s a healthy addition to any meal, as it’s packed with fresh ingredients like cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Vegan Greek-style yogurt gives this tzatziki a rich and creamy texture, but it’s entirely dairy-free, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or those following a plant-based diet. The flavors in this dish are fresh, light, and vibrant, making it the perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients
To make the best vegan tzatziki, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (400g) vegan Greek-style yogurt
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
For garnishing and additional flavor:
- Extra olive oil
- Fresh dill
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about making your own vegan tzatziki is the flexibility of the ingredients. If you don’t have a particular ingredient on hand, there are several substitutions you can make.
- Vegan Greek-style Yogurt: While this yogurt provides a rich, creamy base for the dip, it’s important to use a plant-based yogurt that is thick and tangy. Vegan Greek-style yogurt is the best option, but you can also use other plant-based yogurts such as coconut or cashew-based versions. Just make sure they’re unsweetened and have a similar thickness to Greek yogurt. You could also strain regular plant-based yogurt through a fine mesh to achieve a thicker consistency.
- Cucumber: The cucumber is a key ingredient in tzatziki, providing a refreshing crunch. If you can’t find regular cucumbers, English cucumbers are a great alternative. They have fewer seeds and a smoother skin. If you don’t like cucumbers, you can try swapping them out for zucchini for a similar effect.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a pungent kick to tzatziki, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can roast the garlic first, which will make it sweeter and less intense. Alternatively, you can use garlic powder for a less potent flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Dill is a signature herb in tzatziki, but if you don’t like dill or can’t find it, try substituting fresh mint for a slightly different, yet still fresh flavor. Parsley is another great substitute, though it will give the tzatziki a different taste.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity note to the tzatziki, but you can substitute it with avocado oil for a more neutral taste. Coconut oil will also work if you want to add a touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making vegan tzatziki is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of creamy, refreshing tzatziki ready in no time.
1. Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, add the 1.5 cups of vegan Greek-style yogurt, minced garlic (2-3 cloves), 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly. For the best flavor, I recommend placing the yogurt mixture in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the garlic to mellow and blend beautifully with the yogurt. The longer it rests, the more developed the flavors will become.
2. Grate and Drain the Cucumber
While the yogurt mixture is chilling, prepare the cucumber. Wash it thoroughly, then use a box grater to grate the cucumber. Once grated, you need to squeeze out the excess moisture. This is an essential step—if you don’t remove the extra water, the tzatziki can become too watery. You can place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl to drain, or use a clean kitchen towel or nut milk bag to squeeze the water out by hand. Make sure to get rid of as much water as possible to ensure your tzatziki has the right consistency.
3. Combine the Cucumber and Dill
Add the drained cucumber to the yogurt mixture. Then, add the freshly chopped dill (1.5 tablespoons) and stir until the cucumber and dill are well incorporated into the yogurt.
4. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well mixed, transfer the tzatziki into a serving dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill for a beautiful finish.
5. Enjoy!
Your vegan tzatziki is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a topping for grain bowls, gyros, or roasted vegetables. You can also refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Drain the Cucumber Well: If you skip draining the cucumber, your tzatziki may become watery. You can use a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Although you can serve the tzatziki immediately, it’s best to let it chill for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The garlic will mellow and infuse into the yogurt, giving you a much smoother, more balanced taste.
- Adjust Garlic to Your Taste: Raw garlic can be quite potent. If you prefer a milder flavor, use just one clove or opt for roasted garlic. Roasting garlic brings out a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the yogurt beautifully.
- Consistency Adjustments: If your tzatziki is too thick, add a small amount of water or extra olive oil to thin it out. If it’s too runny, you can refrigerate it for a bit longer to help thicken it.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go! You can add more salt, vinegar, or dill depending on your preferences. If you like a stronger vinegar flavor, increase the amount of vinegar; if you want more tang, add an extra garlic clove.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan tzatziki is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving ideas to make the most of this creamy dip:
- As a Dip: Serve tzatziki as a refreshing dip for pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Tzatziki is the perfect accompaniment to grilled vegetables. Try serving it with roasted eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- On Wraps and Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on wraps or sandwiches to add a creamy, tangy element. It pairs wonderfully with falafel, veggie burgers, or grilled tofu.
- On Grain Bowls: Add a dollop of tzatziki to your favorite grain bowl for an extra burst of flavor. It’s delicious on bowls filled with quinoa, farro, chickpeas, and roasted vegetables.
- With Vegan Gyros: For a quick and easy Mediterranean meal, serve tzatziki with homemade vegan gyros or a veggie-loaded pita sandwich.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir before serving, as some separation may occur over time.
- Freezing: While tzatziki isn’t ideal for freezing, if you must, freeze it in small portions and let it thaw before serving. Once thawed, blend it to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This vegan tzatziki recipe is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and packed with fresh, healthy ingredients that can be enjoyed by everyone—whether vegan or not. The flavors are bold yet refreshing, and it’s a great way to add a creamy, dairy-free element to your meals. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your go-to dip for every occasion. Have fun with it—whether you serve it with pita, veggies, or your favorite wraps, you’ll love the versatility and the fresh, vibrant taste. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your creative twists in the comments!