Discover our delicious tahini yogurt sauce recipe, perfect as a dip, spread or dressing. Made with simple ingredients, this creamy sauce is healthy, quick, easy, and versatile. The perfect addition to any Mediterranean inspired meal.
Grant and I had the privilege to go on a pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan with my mom and her friend just after we got engaged. It was an incredible experience that immersed us in the rich Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. One thing that stood out during our trip was the variety of sauces served with every meal. Among them, tahini yogurt sauce became a favorite, with its unique earthy flavor and creamy texture.
This tahini yogurt sauce recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into their kitchen. Whether you're a beginner wanting to learn basic cooking skills or an experienced cook searching for new healthy recipes, this sauce is a great addition to your culinary repertoire. It's versatile enough to be used as a dip, dressing, or even a spread, adding a delightful nutty flavor to any dish.
But what exactly is tahini? Tahini is a sesame paste made from ground sesame seeds. It's a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, known for its rich, nutty taste. Combined with yogurt, it creates a creamy tahini yogurt sauce that is both healthy and delicious.
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This simple sauce takes just 5 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy days or impromptu parties.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday items you likely already have in your kitchen, ensuring fresh flavors.
- Super Versatile: Use it as a dipping sauce, spread, or salad dressing; it's incredibly adaptable to any meal.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy base with a boost of protein and probiotics.
- Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and is a great source of healthy fats and protein.
- Garlic Clove: Infuses the sauce with a sharp, pungent taste and offers numerous health benefits.
- Ground Cumin and Sumac: Imparts an earthy flavor and a hint of tanginess, enhancing the sauce's complexity.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, zesty acidity that balances the creaminess.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the other flavors.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Yogurt Tahini Sauce Recipe
- In a small bowl mix together the yogurt, tahini, garlic, cumin and sumac if using.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve as a dip, sauce or a dressing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt like coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Don’t have Tahini? Swap it for smooth peanut butter to maintain the creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Let’s Talk About the Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a burst of sharp flavor, but for a more mellow taste, use roasted garlic or omit the garlic cloves entirely.
- Add Some Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, fresh dill, and fresh mint are excellent options to enhance the fresh flavors.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a teaspoon of ras el hanout for a bit of heat and extra depth.
- Middle Eastern Inspired Garnish: Drizzle with olive oil, and add pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts for a delicious and colorful twist.
What to Serve With this Yogurt Tahini Sauce
- Crudité Platter: Perfect for dipping toasted pita chips or fresh vegetables like cucumber, radishes and carrot sticks.
- Mezze Platter: A delightful addition to a variety of small Mediterranean dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki and don't forget the warm pita bread.
- Shawarma, Roast or Grilled Meats, Kebabs or Meatballs: Complements the rich flavors of these dishes.
- Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted vegetables or use as a creamy topping for baked potatoes as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
- Falafel: Try this sauce with our falafel rice bowls or falafel gyros for a delicious combination.
- Salads and Grain Bowls: Drizzle as a tahini yogurt dressing for extra flavor.
- Sandwiches, Wraps, or Pitas: Enhances the taste of your favorite fillings with this amazing spread.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
- Not Freezer Friendly: This sauce does not freeze well, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
- Make-Ahead: You can make this dip 2-3 days in advance, perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead. Remember to give it a good stir before serving.
In conclusion, this delicious tahini yogurt sauce is a fantastic addition to almost any meal, offering a perfect balance of creamy and nutty flavors. It's incredibly versatile, making it an ideal healthy dip, dressing, sauce or spread. Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, this simple recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out today and elevate your dishes with the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean.
Don't forget to share your creations and tag us on social media.
Happy cooking!
PrintTahini Yogurt Sauce Recipe (perfect as a dip or dressing)
- Total Time: 5 - 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 - 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover our delicious tahini yogurt sauce recipe, perfect as a dip, spread or dressing. Made with simple ingredients, this creamy sauce is healthy, quick, easy, and versatile. The perfect addition to any Mediterranean inspired meal.
Ingredients
1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 tablespoon Tahini
1 Garlic Clove, minced
¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
Pinch of Sumac, optional
½ Lemon, juiced
Salt and freshly ground Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a small mixing bowl mix together the yogurt, tahini, garlic, cumin and sumac if using.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve as a dip, sauce or a dressing.
Notes
Fridge - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. (This sauce is not freezer friendly.)
- Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces and Condiments
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 81
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Sodium: 20.4 mg
- Fat: 5.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.6 g
- Protein: 5.3 g
- Cholesterol: 6.2 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
Leave a Reply