Easy Vegan Tzatziki
Don’t miss out on this creamy, vegan tzatziki recipe. This easy tzatziki is made with vegan sour cream (or yogurt) and lemon juice for a tangy cucumber sauce without using cashews or coconut. Makes about 2 cups.
Why I love this vegan tzatziki sauce
Creamy cucumber sauce has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve loved it since the first time I had a gyro, and I have been making my own version for as long as I can remember (which was way before I ever heard the term tzatziki sauce).
When we went dairy free, I started make a super simple version of it with dairy free sour cream. I use it for my favorite kofta recipe and my Greek meatballs. I even use the sauce to make an creamy version of my favorite cucumber salad.
I love it because it’s super easy and only requires a few ingredients. Sure, you could make your own vegan sour cream, or use unsweetened yogurt, but I the ingredients for this recipe are readily available at most grocery stores. That’s why it’s my go-to choice.
If you like this vegan tzatziki sauce, you have to try this dairy free pesto, and this no cook homemade pizza sauce and this 3 ingredient bang bang sauce.
Searching for more homemade condiments? garlic aioli / tartar sauce / balsamic reduction / cocktail sauce
Ingredients:
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
- Cucumber – I love to use english cucumbers for recipes, they have a much thinner skin. They’re also less watery and have smaller seeds, making them perfect for sauces and dips. If you can’t find them, you can use regular cucumbers, but you’ll want to peel them, scoop out the seeds, and let them drain in a colander for 15 minutes after dicing to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.
- Onion – Opt for a yellow or vidalia onion so the onion does not overpower the sauce.
- Vegan sour cream – If you don’t have vegan sour cream available, you could make your own or substitute unsweetened vegan yogurt.
The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to make vegan tzatziki sauce
Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients and use a whisk to mix them together thoroughly. Make sure that everything is well-blended then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Let it rest. After mixing and seasoning, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the sauce chill for about 15 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together.
Store your sauce. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. Vegan sour cream doesn’t do well in the freezer, but luckily, the sour cream lasts in the fridge for a while so you can still prepare this ahead of serving.
Want to customize this sauce? Feel free to add fresh herbs like dill or chives. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander to it depending on what you’re serving.
Ingredients
- 1 12- ounce package vegan sour cream (or unsweetened, plain coconut yogurt)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together ingredients until evenly combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt & pepper, to taste.
- Allow sauce to sit for 15 – 30 minutes (in the refrigerator) before serving.
Hi Melissa, this looks delicious, going to be making this for Christmas as my grandson has dairy issues, I see you don’t shred your cucumbers you dice them , I am going to make it this way and I will definitely let you know how the gang likes it. I am so happy I found this , he always wants to have some and can’t but now he can.
Happy holiday.
Hi! You could totally shred them if you want. It won’t make a difference really.
Thanks so much , i will let you know what the gang thinks of this once Christmas is done , but i am sure they will love it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Ann