Tahini Yogurt Sauce

This Tahini Yogurt Sauce recipe is rich, creamy, and tangy—perfect for falafel, shawarma, cauliflower, or simply served as a dressing or dip. Vegan-adaptable.

If you’ve been here a while you may remember this delicious sauce from our authentic falafel recipe so long ago now. It has become a staple in our house, and I just wanted to highlight it in case you needed a little refresher. We most often use it with falafels or shawarma, or as a base for roasted veggies like you see here in this Crispy Cauliflower recipe. I kid you not, whatever veggie I pile over this sauce, they magically disappear. It has become a great vehicle! The yogurt adds healthy probiotics as well as a delicious tanginess, which seems to complement most things. Of course, you can use vegan yogurt for the same effect.

Why You’ll Love This

Quick & easy. A 5-ingredient, 10-minute recipe!
Impressive flavor & texture! Rich, creamy, tangy, savory, and nutty.
So many ways to enjoy. Serve with falafel, shawarma, cauliflower, or roasted veggies—or use as a sauce or dip!
Vegan adaptable. Simply use vegan yogurt!
Probiotics! Choose a Greek probiotic yogurt for added nutrients and gut support.

Ingredients

Tahini paste: Full of minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds, tahini paste (sesame seeds) is packed with nutrients. Always refrigerate, it goes rancid quickly! This tahini brand is my favorite- fresh, rich, creamy, nutty with the best flavor.
Yogurt: Greek-style yogurt, A2 yogurt, goat kefir, or vegan yogurt—all work and are full of healthy probiotics!
Garlic cloves: Mince very finely for a tangy, aromatic bite throughout the sauce. Or use a garlic press for ease!
Lemon juice: A bright, tangy, and citrusy addition!
Salt and black pepper: Blend and enhance the flavors. Pepper adds a little kick!
Extra-virgin olive oil (optional): Add for a bit of extra earthy richness.
Optional garnishes: Fresh herbs like fresh parsley, dill, cilantro, or chives and Aleppo chili flakes or Urfa biber. Lemon zest also makes a lovely garnish. In colder months, garnish with pomegranate seeds!

How to Make Tahini Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Whisk ingredients. Bring yogurt, tahini, 1-2 clove garlic, extra virgin olive oil (optional), salt, pepper, and lemon juice together in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.

bowl with ingredients for tahini yogurt sauce and spatula - greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon, oil.

Step 2: Refrigerate. Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Garnish. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro, or chives) and sprinkle with Aleppo chili flakes or Urfa biber when serving.

bowl with spatula and tahini yogurt sauce garnished with parsley and aleppo chili flakes.

Ways to use Tahini Yogurt Sauce

Drizzle over Falafel Pita Sandwiches or Falafel Bowls
Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shawarma, or Cauliflower Shawarma
Lamb dishes like Slow-Roasted Lamb Shawarma, Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Herb Salad , Turkish Lamb Wraps or Grilled Lamb Kofta Wraps
Roasted Veggies like our Crispy Cauliflower or Roasted Veggies
Drizzle over Mediterranean Lentil bowls
Serve as a dip with pita or pita chips for an appetizer.

FAQs

Is tahini yogurt sauce the same as tzatziki?

Tahini yogurt and tzatziki are different. Tzatziki does not containe tahini and is a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill. We have an Easy Tzatziki Recipe here!

How do I make tahini yogurt sauce vegan?

Simply use dairy-free yogurt! One with probiotics will provide optimal tangy flavor and added health benefits.

What if my tahini yogurt sauce is too thick?

You can add a teaspoon or two of water or olive oil to thin out the sauce if needed.

Where can I find tahini?

You can find tahini in most grocery stores near the peanut butter and other nut butters. We love our Bowl and Pitcher brand.

Storage

Store tahini yogurt sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Great for prepping in advance!

Health Benefits of Tahini

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, not only contributes a rich, nutty flavor to this Tahini Yogurt Sauce but also offers so many health benefits.

Rich in healthy fats: Tahini contains a high amount of unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels while raising good cholesterol levels.
Packed with essential nutrients: Tahini is a good source of several essential nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. These minerals are crucial for maintaining healthy bones, red blood cells, and overall bodily functions.
High in antioxidants: Sesame seeds contain lignans, such as sesamol and sesamin, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports gut health: Tahini is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Protein-rich: Tahini provides a good amount of plant-based protein, making it an excellent addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Supports hormonal balance: Sesame seeds contain phytoestrogens, which can help balance hormones.
Boosts immune system: The nutrients in tahini, such as zinc and selenium, are vital for a robust immune system, helping your body fend off illnesses.

Hope you enjoy this versatile yogurt tahini sauce! Let me know what you think in the comments. 🙂

If you love tahini, be sure to make our Hummus Recipe!

More Sauce Recipes You’ll Love!

Tzatziki (Greek Yogurt Sauce)

Dill Sauce

Green Tahini Sauce

Easy Tahini Sauce