Traditional tzatziki is not dairy-free, as it is made with Greek yogurt, a dairy product. However, you can make dairy-free versions of tzatziki using dairy-free yogurt alternatives such as coconut, almond, or soy yogurt. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened and unflavored variety to maintain the authentic taste of tzatziki.
How to Make Dairy-Free Tzatziki? Simple and Quick Recipe
You can substitute traditional Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make dairy-free tzatziki. Here’s a simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored, such as coconut, almond, or soy yogurt)
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber, place it in a clean kitchen towel, and squeeze out the excess liquid. This step is important to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Combine the dairy-free yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, and lemon juice in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir the tzatziki before serving, and serve chilled. Enjoy it as a dip, spread, or sauce with your favorite dishes, such as grilled vegetables, falafel, or gyros.
Note: The consistency of dairy-free yogurts can vary, so you may need to adjust the amount of yogurt or add more olive oil or lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
Ready to Buy Dairy-Free Alternatives to Tzatziki
Kite Hill Plant-Based Dips: Made from almond milk yogurt, these dips offer a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional dips, available in various flavors.
Violife Dips: These vegan dips are made from coconut oil and starch, providing a creamy, dairy-free option for various dishes.
Fritos Bean Dip: A flavorful and dairy-free dip made from beans and spices, perfect for pairing with chips or veggies.
WayFare Dips: Dairy-free and plant-based, these dips use a blend of organic ingredients, including WayFare’s signature base of lima beans, oats, and coconut oil.
Good Foods Buffalo Style Dip: A zesty and dairy-free dip made with cauliflower and almond-based cream cheese, offering a spicy kick.
Trader Joe’s Dips and Spreads: A variety of dairy-free options are available, made from ingredients like cashews, beans, and vegetables, catering to different tastes and preferences.
How to Avoid Dairy-Free Tzatziki in a Restaurant?
Many restaurants list the ingredients along with their dishes. Since Tzatziki is a dip sauce, you may not find its ingredients in detail. However, many restaurants will mention “Vegan” if their tzatziki is dairy-free. Vegan food is always dairy-free.
You can ask the restaurant staff about the ingredients and whether they have a dairy-free option.
