Mouth-Watering Vegan Tzatziki Recipe for Summer
Looking for a delicious and refreshing dip to pair with your favorite Mediterranean dishes? Look no further than this vegan tzatziki recipe! This recipe offers all the creamy, tangy goodness of traditional tzatziki, but without the use of dairy. Perfect for those who follow a vegan or lactose-free diet, this vegan tzatziki sauce is made with firm silken tofu or non-dairy yogurt which compliments the cucumber, garlic, and herbs beautifully.
The texture of the tofu or coconut yogurt perfectly mimics that of traditional tzatziki with almost no difference in taste. The fresh dill and mint add an additional dimension of flavor that will have your taste buds begging for more. This easy-to-follow recipe can be prepared in just a few minutes using simple ingredients right from your pantry, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious homemade meal to impress your guests.
Whether you’re pairing it with falafel, pita bread, or just dipping your vegetables into it as a snack – this vegan tzatziki recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So let’s get started and discover just how easy it is to create this healthy and mouth-watering vegan dip that everyone can enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan tzatziki recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, this vegan tzatziki sauce recipe is dairy-free, which makes it perfect for people who have lactose intolerance or who follow a vegan diet. Using plant-based ingredients such as firm silken tofu or coconut yogurt, this tzatziki sauce brings all the flavors you love without any animal products.
Secondly, this easy vegan tzatziki recipe uses simple and fresh ingredients such as cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill/mint that make it healthy and flavorful. If you can get your hands on organic produce from your local farmers’ market, even better!
Thirdly, this vegan tzatziki sauce is incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy cooking equipment or special skills to make this delicious dip. All you need is a food processor or blender and your ingredients.
Fourthly, this vegan tzatziki dip pairs perfectly with many dishes. From Mediterranean-style dishes such as pita bread, falafel or hummus to roasted veggies like carrots and cauliflower. It will add a refreshing flavor and creamy texture that will elevate your meals.
Finally, this tzatziki sauce recipe yields enough dip to feed a crowd or keep in the fridge for later (up to 5 days) without losing its flavor. The versatility of tzatziki means you can use it as a salad dressing, sandwich spread or dip for grilled vegetables.
In conclusion, you’ll love this vegan tzatziki recipe because it’s dairy-free, healthy, easy-to-make, versatile and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an everyday dip for your meals, this tzatziki sauce has got you covered!
Ingredient List
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 cups of firm silken tofu
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp of white wine vinegar
- Sea salt and black pepper
This recipe for vegan tzatziki sauce calls for simple ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store. The base for this recipe is firm silken tofu, which is a great dairy-free alternative to yogurt that provides a creamy and smooth texture. To up the flavor profile of this tzatziki sauce, fresh dill and mint are added for a refreshing taste, whilst garlic cloves add depth and intensity to the dish. Grated cucumber adds a crisp texture to the dish, which makes it perfect as a dressing or dip. Finally, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper are used to tie all the flavors together.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start making the vegan tzatziki, let’s prepare all the ingredients first. Wash and peel 2 large cucumbers, then grate them using a box grater or a food processor. Afterward, place them in a sieve and press gently to remove any excess water. Set aside.
Next, chop some fresh dill and of fresh mint, about 1/4 cup each. Peel and mince 3 cloves garlic or use a garlic press. Finally, get one block of firm silken tofu, the juice of 1 fresh lemon, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and some salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Vegan Tzatziki Sauce
Now, let’s make the vegan tzatziki sauce. In a blender or food processor, add the grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill and mint, silken tofu, lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt or lemon juice.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Before serving, let the tzatziki sauce chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it with crackers, veggies sticks, pita bread or use it as a dip or spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Enjoy your homemade vegan tzatziki recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Vegan tzatziki is a versatile sauce that can be customized to your liking, making it perfect for all diets and preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you could try:
– Cucumber: Try using an English cucumber or a smaller, seedless cucumber instead of a large one. You could also experiment with adding other vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini to the mix.
– Yogurt: Vegan yogurt is readily available in most grocery stores, and there are many options to choose from such as soy, coconut and cashew yogurt. You could try a plain or greek-style yogurt, depending on your preference.
– Firm Silken Tofu: If you do not have firm silken tofu on hand, you can substitute it with any soft tofu of similar consistency.
– Dill and Mint: While dill and mint add a lot of flavor to the recipe, feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or cilantro.
– Garlic: If you are not a big fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount in this recipe or omit it altogether.
– Lemon Juice and White Wine Vinegar: If you do not have white wine vinegar on hand, you could use apple cider vinegar instead. Additionally, the amount of lemon juice can be adjusted to your liking depending on how tangy you prefer your tzatziki sauce.
– Salt and Pepper: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste.
Overall, feel free to experiment with different variations of this vegan tzatziki recipe until you find what works best for you. You can also use store-bought versions if you are short on time or access to ingredients, but nothing beats the taste of homemade sauces made with fresh ingredients.
Serving and Pairing
The tangy and refreshing vegan tzatziki sauce is a versatile addition to any meal, perfect for dipping fresh veggies, pita bread or crackers. The sauce can also be used as a condiment for falafel, grilled vegetable skewers, or in wraps.
For a light and refreshing appetizer, serve the vegan tzatziki with some fresh chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes or cherry tomatoes. For a heartier dish, use the sauce as a topping for falafel or grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed in pita bread.
Pair this vegan tzatziki with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or an aromatic Riesling to balance out its flavors. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try pairing it with some sparkling water infused with fresh herbs or slices of cucumber.
During summer barbecues or picnics, this vegan tzatziki makes for an excellent side. Drizzle it over grilled veggie skewers or spread it on top of portobello burgers. It’s also delicious when paired with crunchy sweet potato fries topped with smoked paprika.
Whether enjoyed as a dip or spread, this easy-to-make vegan tzatziki will be the perfect addition to any meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making vegan tzatziki ahead of time not only saves you time, but it also allows the flavors to meld together. After preparing the tzatziki, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When refrigerated, it will develop a thicker consistency, making it perfect for spreading on sandwiches or using as a dip.
To reheat the tzatziki, gently warm it up in a saucepan over low heat while continuously stirring until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the tzatziki as it may break.
Alternatively, you can freeze vegan tzatziki for up to 2 months. Before freezing, make sure that the tzatziki has cooled down completely. Place it in an airtight container and label it with the date frozen. To thaw the tzatziki, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a thorough stir before serving.
If you don’t have time to make your own vegan tzatziki, store-bought dairy-free yogurt can be used as a substitute; just add garlic, cucumber and lemon juice to taste. Remember that dairy-free yogurts vary in thickness and flavor compared to traditional yogurts. So, adjust your recipe accordingly by adding more or less of those ingredients mentioned above.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy vegan tzatziki anytime.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a creamy and delicious vegan tzatziki sauce, there are a few tips that can ensure perfect results every time. Here are some of the best tips for making the best vegan tzatziki sauce:
1. Choose the Right Cucumber
For the best texture and taste, choose a firm, seedless cucumber. English cucumbers work well for this recipe because they have a thin skin and less seeds than other types of cucumbers. Make sure to grate the cucumber using either a food processor or box grater and then squeeze out any excess water with a cloth or paper towel.
2. Add Plenty of Fresh Herbs
Fresh dill and mint are essential for adding flavor to this dish. Be sure to use freshly chopped herbs rather than dried herbs for the best taste.
3. Use Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is an excellent dairy-free alternative to traditional Greek yogurt when making vegan tzatziki sauce. It has a smooth texture similar to sour cream and adds extra creaminess to this recipe.
4. Don’t Overdo It with the Garlic
Garlic is an important ingredient in vegan tzatziki, but too much garlic can overwhelm other flavors in the dish. Start with one clove of minced garlic and add more if necessary.
5. Let It Chill Before Serving
After preparing the sauce, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow all of the flavors to meld together, resulting in a perfectly balanced dip that will be loved by vegans and non-vegans alike.
By following these simple tips, you can create a creamy, flavorful vegan tzatziki sauce that will be perfect for dipping vegetables, pita bread, or as a topping on falafel or gyros.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions or concerns that come up as you prepare your vegan tzatziki. In this section, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their respective answers to help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure that your plant-based tzatziki comes out perfectly each time. So, let’s dive into the FAQs!
What is vegan tzatziki made of?
To create a delicious vegan dip, we’ll begin by using my 2-Ingredient Coconut Yogurt as a smooth and creamy base. We’ll then mix in grated cucumber, fresh garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. To top it off, we’ll add some dill, which will add a delightful herby flavor. Mixing all of these ingredients together will result in a tasty and easy-to-make dip.
What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s tzatziki sauce?
For this recipe, we will be using Greek yogurt made from a combination of pasteurized skim milk, milk protein concentrate, cream, pectin, lactase enzyme, and cultured ingredients. We’ll also be working with fresh ingredients such as ripe avocados, crisp cucumbers, tangy lemon juice, spicy jalapenos, fragrant garlic, savory sea salt, flavorful dill, aromatic black pepper, xanthan gum for texture, and refreshing mint. These ingredients will come together to create a mouth-watering dish that is both tasty and nutritious.
What can I use instead of white vinegar in tzatziki?
To add a tangy flavor to the dish, try opting for lemon juice instead of white wine vinegar. In case you are unable to find dill, you can always try mint, cilantro or parsley as a substitute to give a similar flavor profile.
Is tzatziki healthier than sour cream?
Tzatziki is often acknowledged as a more nutritious dip option when compared to hummus and sour cream. It is laden with various vitamins, boasts a decent amount of protein and fewer carbohydrates and calories. Moreover, tzatziki also has a low-fat content unlike other dips.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegan Tzatziki Recipe is not only delicious but it is also a healthier alternative to traditional tzatziki sauce. It is dairy-free and packed with nutrients from the fresh herbs and vegetables used in the recipe.
By using simple substitutions such as vegan yogurt or firm silken tofu, raw cashews, and coconut yogurt, you can create a perfect vegan tzatziki that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to meet various dietary requirements or preferences. You can also store it easily for future use or as an interesting contribution to your next potluck party.
Give this easy vegan tzatziki sauce recipe a try today and get ready to taste the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Vegan Tzatziki Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces firm silken tofu (1 box)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 -3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- pepper, to taste
- 1 cucumber, seeded and grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional) or 1 tablespoon of fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender/food processor blend silken tofu, lemon juice, vinegar and 1/2 tsp salt. When creamy, add chopped garlic and oil. Blend again.
- Taste, add pepper to taste and more salt if needed. Set aside.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber between hands. (Squeeze out as much water as possible.).
- Add cucumber (and herbs, if using) to tofu dip, and stir to blend.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.