Vegan Tzatziki with Fresh Dill and Coconut Yogurt

This creamy Vegan Tzatziki with coconut yogurt, cucumber, herbs and garlic tastes like the original Greek dip and it’s quick and easy to make!

Growing up in a family that basically craved Mediterranean food on a daily basis, tzatziki was a familiar friend.

My mom made it for us at home often. She served it as a dip for pita, a sauce for sandwiches and wraps, as well as a dip for her world famous grape leaves!

I loved it so much I would eat it with a spoon! Which as far as I’m concerned is a totally acceptable way to serve it! After all, it’s a savory yogurt.

I hadn’t had tzatziki in years since becoming vegan, but I figured it was probably just as easy to make a vegan version as the regular one I had growing up.

All I needed to do was find a dairy free unsweetened yogurt substitute, and that’s exactly what I did!

This vegan tzatziki is so quick and easy to make. It will be done in minutes and you’ll have a fabulous dip, sauce, or afternoon lunch when served with pita!

Why You’ll Love this Vegan Tzatziki…

• Easy and Quick Dip
• 6 Ingredients
• Done in 10 minutes
• Great as a party appetizer with pita chips
• Serve as a sauce on your favorite Mediterranean sandwiches like this Lavash Wrap
• Enjoy as a healthy snack or lunch

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Plain Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt-I used store bought, but you can also make your own at home. See below for the homemade recipe.
• Cucumber-It’s what makes this dip original!
• Dill-Brings fresh herbal flavor to the dip.
• Garlic-A nice flavor enhancer.
• Lemon-For needed acidity.
• Salt and Pepper-Use more or less depending on your taste preference.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cheese Grater or Food Processor-You’ll use this to grate the cucumber. You can use a cheese grater, or a food processor to save you time and effort.
• Mixing bowl-You’ll need just one bowl to mix all the ingredients
• Garlic Press-I like to use a garlic press to finely mince my garlic, but you can finely mince your garlic without one if you choose.
• Zester-You’ll use this to zest your lemon.

How to Make Vegan Tzatziki – Step by Step

Step 1: Finely grate 1 cup of shredded cucumber. Squeeze all access water out of the cucumber using a paper towel or cheese cloth.

Step 2: Mince garlic, zest lemon, and finely chop dill.

Step 3: Fold shredded cucumber into coconut yogurt. Add minced, garlic, lemon zest, dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

Note: Keep chilled until ready to serve.

How do I make this recipe without using store bought vegan yogurt?

I know store bought vegan yogurt can be difficult to find for some. Lucky for me the grocery store down the street carries it regularly, but it can be rather expensive.

If that’s the case for you, you’re in luck! It’s easy to make your own homemade coconut yogurt at home to use in this recipe.

You will need to do a little planning though.

Ingredients for Homemade Coconut Yogurt

• 1 15 oz can of full fat coconut milk
• 2 vegan probiotic capsules

How to Make Homemade Coconut Yogurt – Step by Step

Step 1: Shake can of coconut milk well.

Step 2: Pour into sterilized glass jar. If coconut milk is still a bit chunky whisk together with a fork or spoon until smooth.

Step 3: Pour probiotic capsules into the coconut milk, and stir with a wooden or plastic spoon. Do not use a metal spoon as it will have a negative reaction with the probiotic.

Step 4: Cover with a cheese cloth, and secure with a rubber band.

Step 5: Allow to sit in warm area for 24-48 hours to activate. For a tangy thick yogurt allow to activate for 48 hours.

Step 6: Once it has activated and you’ve reached your desired thickness and tang, refrigerate to cool.

This method for making homemade vegan coconut yogurt was adapted from the The Minimalist Baker’s recipe for Easy 2-Ingredient Coconut Yogurt.

What is tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce or dip made from plain thick Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic and lemon.

It is often used as a sauce on top of the famous Gyro wrap.

Top Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Tzatziki

• Most of the water from a cucumber comes from the seeds. Remove the seeds from the cucumber before grating.
• Use a food processor with the grating attachment to quickly grate the cucumber.
• You’ll need about half of a large English cucumber. If using a regular cucumber, peel first, remove seeds, and then grate.
• If making your own coconut yogurt plan in advance. It will take up to 48 hours for the yogurt to activate.

What do you serve with Vegan Tzatziki?

Serve on top of your favorite wraps and sandwiches! Traditionally tzatziki is served on top of a Greek Gyro.

For a healthier option serve with fresh chopped vegetables and use as a healthy dip.

I also enjoy serving this with baked whole wheat pita chips!

How do you store and keep?

Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container. It will keep for up to 5 days.

Check out these other Mediterranean inspired vegan recipes!

• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Gluten-Free Hummus
• No Yeast Flatbread

If you’ve tried my Vegan Tzatziki recipe, please rate it and let me know how it turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!