Dairy Free Tzatziki: A Plant-Based Delight

Dairy Free Tzatziki sauce is a creamy, delightful condiment that is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. For those on a dairy-free diet, this plant-based version of Tzatziki offers all the flavors of the original without the dairy. You will love it, as did my neighbor who couldn’t tell it was dairy free! He loved it! The Base for our Dairy Free Tzatziki is a vegan plant-based coconut yogurt that’s easy to find in your local grocer. 

When crafting Tzatziki, the heart of the sauce lies in the yogurt used. Vegan yogurt made from coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives like Kite Hill Greek yogurt or Culina coconut yogurt. Both brands we love especially they offer the thick and creamy texture signature to our tzatziki sauce.

Key Ingredients for our Tzatziki

The magic of Tzatziki lies in the combination of simple, fresh ingredients.

Here’s what you need:

• Grated Cucumber: Essential for freshness and crunch. Cucumbers are wonderful with lots of good for you benefits! They are considered a hydrating vegetable during summers months. They are great for digestion too! 

• Minced Garlic: Bold flavor that elevates the sauce. Garlic is loaded with medicinal properties making this a beneficial condiment when added along side with your dishes. It’s a powerful immune booster as well as helps to reduce high blood pressure! 

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and beneficial fat.
• Fresh Dill: For those that love dill like we do, it also has wonderful benefit for our bodies.

Making Dairy Free Tzatziki sauce is a simple process. 

1. Choose a Yogurt: Choose a dairy-free a coconut based yogurt like Culina Plain and Simple, or an almond based yogurt such as Kite Hill Greek style .
2. Grate the Cucumber: Adds texture and freshness.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine all in a bowl.
4. Chill: Allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Enjoy with pita bread, as a dip with veggies and as a condiment for meat, chicken, fish or grilled vegetables. More serving suggestions below.

Ideas for Pairing Tzatziki with Other Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Eggplant, zucchini, red onions, scallions, or cauliflower.
• Vegan Gyros: Replace traditional tzatziki with our Dairy Free Tzatziki.
• Salad Dressings: Add for an extra flavor kick.

Embracing Dairy Free Tzatziki

Embracing a dairy-free lifestyle with this dish proves that you can enjoy a thick and creamy sauce without the dairy. This super simple recipe, balancing cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill, is sure to become a kitchen staple.

The world of plant-based cooking is rich and varied to your taste, and this is just one example of how traditional favorites can be adapted. Enjoy the freshness and let your culinary creativity soar with Dairy Free Tzatziki!

Print

Serve with Mediterranean Lamb Kabobs, Lamb Meatballs, Seared Salmon, Mediterranean Whitefish, Herbed Chicken, Mediterranean Tomato Salad or a simple Greek Salad. Recipe is in Damn Good Gluten Free lifestyle cookbook. A great gluten free pita bread is BeFree traditional pita.

A great gluten free pita bread is BeFree traditional pita.

Variations:

• Use Green onions or chives instead of red onion
• Use shallot to replace garlic.
• Use 1/2 tsp. dried garlic granules instead of fresh garlic

Tzatziki is an incredibly versatile sauce that can be used in various ways. 

Here are some wonderful other uses for our Dairy Free Tzatziki:

1. Dip for Vegetables and Chips: Tzatziki is a fantastic dipping sauce for fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, kohlrabi, sugar snap peas and bell peppers, as well as chips or pita bread.
2. Sandwich Spread: Replace mayonnaise or mustard with Tzatziki to add a tangy, refreshing twist to sandwiches and wraps.
3. Salad Dressing: Thin the Tzatziki with a little water or white balsamic vinegar, and it becomes a delightful salad dressing, perfect for Mediterranean salads or green leafy salads.
4. As a Marinade: Tzatziki can be used as a marinade for chicken, beef or lamb,  adding flavor and helping to tenderize the protein.
5. Topping for Grilled Fish or Meat: Serve Tzatziki on top of grilled fish, chicken, or beef as a light and fresh accompaniment.
6. Accompaniment to Curry or Spicy Dishes: The cool, refreshing nature of Tzatziki makes it a great side for spicy dishes, helping to balance the heat.
7. Topping for Baked Potatoes: Add a dollop of Tzatziki on top of a baked potato for a rich and flavorful alternative to sour cream.
8. In Breakfast Dishes: Tzatziki can be used in breakfast dishes such as omelets, frittatas, or breakfast burritos, adding a Mediterranean twist.
9. With Stuffed Vegetables: Serve Tzatziki with stuffed peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini for a rich and tangy flavor contrast.
10. In Grain Bowls: Tzatziki adds moisture and flavor to grain bowls, pairing well with quinoa, rice, farro, and more.

The uses for Tzatziki are virtually limitless, and it’s refreshing flavor can enhance and elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you use it as a condiment, dip, marinade, or sauce, Tzatziki’s unique taste can bring a touch of the Mediterranean into your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Question

1. What can I put on a gyro instead of tzatziki? You can fill your Gyro with fresh diced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion and fresh minced dill. You can also use Majestic Garlic Spread found in the hummus section. 
2. Is Tzatziki and pita healthy? Tzatziki is for sure a healthy option. And now with our diary free version it helps those with an allergic to dairy to make it super healthy! Plus I’ve shared above why tzatziki is a healthy condiment and addition to so many healthy Mediterranean dishes.  Pita, like any gluten full bread wouldn’t be healthy for those with a gluten intolerance.  However having the choice of a gluten free pita makes for a wonderful option! I’ve mentioned above a gluten free pita brand found in many super markets.
3. What is the difference between Greek and Turkish tzatziki? Turkish Cacik is also a yogurt and cucumber based condiment Tzatziki, but with more herbs. They also use it for a cooling soup!  I love learning how Turkish cuisine uses Cacik.

I hope you will make this delicious and satisfying Dairy Free Tzatziki as a complement to a meal! I’ve been loving adding it over fish and lamb all summer. It’s been a cooling condiment, especially with the heat we’ve been experiencing. I know you will delight in its deliciousness too! Please comment below. We’d love to know what you think and what you paired with your Tzatziki sauce.

Love,

Pegs