How to Make the Perfect Vegan Tzatziki
Greek · Easy · 15 min · 8 servings
This cool and refreshing vegan tzatziki replaces traditional Greek yogurt with thick coconut yogurt creating a creamy and tangy dip that is indistinguishable from the original. It is a simple and delicious vegan recipe bursting with fresh dill, cucumber, and garlic that pairs beautifully with pita and vegetables.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Tzatziki recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 75 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups plain unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cucumber
Grate the cucumber using the large side of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a watery tzatziki.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the coconut yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
Step 3: Chill for best flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the vegan tzatziki for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the garlic and dill flavors to fully develop and meld into the creamy yogurt base.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Transfer the chilled tzatziki to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill. Serve alongside warm pita bread, cucumber slices, sweet potato bites, or fresh vegetables.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- coconut yogurt → plain cashew yogurt for an equally creamy and tangy dairy-free base
- fresh dill → fresh mint leaves for a more traditional Greek flavor variation
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not squeezing enough water from the cucumber which makes the tzatziki thin and watery instead of thick and creamy
- Serving immediately without chilling which means the garlic flavor is too sharp and the dip lacks depth
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 75 calories, 2g protein, 6g carbs, 5g fat, 1g fiber.
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