3-Minute Yogurt Tahini Sauce
Rich, creamy, and totally dippable, this yogurt tahini sauce is perfect for serving with lamb, falafel, chicken, pita, or as the center of a vibrant vegetable platter. It’s like the fluffy, protein-packed cousin of your favorite hummus dip (trust me, you’ve got to try this one asap!).
5 star review
“Delicious and everything I hoped it would be! I went a little harder with the lemon juice because I love it. But so, so good!!”
– Cheri
About this Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dip!
This yogurt tahini sauce is like the fluffy, creamy, protein-packed cousin of your favorite hummus (but you don’t even need a blender or food processor to make it!).
You can whip this recipe up in one bowl or a mason jar in under 5 minutes, with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
The secret to the high protein content in this easy healthy appetizer is the Greek yogurt and tahini.
Together they give this simple dip some seriously satisfying staying power (plus a serving of healthy fats).
So anytime you’re craving a snack, you can quickly throw this dip together and it’ll help fuel you through whatever the day brings.
PS – This is a great make-ahead dip to bring to a potluck, brunch party or really anytime you need to feed a crowd! It’ll keep in the fridge, covered, for up to 3-5 days.
Process & Tips
The good news is that making your own easy healthy sauces at home doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a ton of fussy steps & ingredients.
This recipe truly couldn’t be simpler (or faster) to make – just add all your ingredients to a bowl or mason jar and mix together until velvety, smooth and delicious.
In my opinion, with all the flavor that you get from the lemon & garlic, this sauce is pretty addicting exactly as is.
But if you wanted to make it feel extra special feel free to add your favorite toppings, spices or herbs on top to mix it up.
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, some fresh chopped flat leaf parsley, a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top would all be great additions!
Fun Ways to Serve Yogurt Tahini Sauce
As a dipping or drizzle sauce for grilled or braised lamb.
As a delectable dipping sauce for falafel or a veggie burger patty.
As a drizzle or dipping sauce for grilled chicken or baked chicken, such as with this or Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Greek Inspired Quinoa Bowls or these Greek Inspired Chicken Bowls!
As a dipping sauce for toasted pita bread, crunchy pita chips or gluten-free crackers.
As a creamy spread in a wrap or veggie-loaded sandwich.
As the centerpiece of a vibrant vegetable platter.
How to Make Yogurt Tahini Pasta
I’d really be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention that you can also use this to make a yogurt tahini pasta sauce!
All you have to do is thin the sauce with a bit of pasta cooking water, then toss with ½ pound of any cooked pasta of your choice.
And just like that you’ve turned this healthy dip into a craveable pasta sauce.
You can even add your protein of choice (say white beans or grilled chicken), steamed green veggies, and maybe even some wilted spinach for a quick & last minute pasta dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients & Modifications
Whole plain Greek yogurt: If you want to make this a dairy free and vegan yogurt tahini sauce, simply swap the traditional Greek yogurt for an unsweetened plant-based option of your choice. Just be sure to select a Greek-style plant based yogurt, otherwise the sauce will be too thin. I don’t recommend using low-fat yogurt for this recipe, as the sauce will be too watery.
Tahini: If you’ve never used it before, tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and it’s what makes hummus so creamy and delicious! It plays the same role in this recipe, giving the dip a thick and luscious texture (as well as adding some healthy fats and a nutty, earthy flavor).
Garlic: Since we’re using so few ingredients, the fresh minced garlic cloves add a lot of flavor. But you can use granulated garlic powder in its place if that’s what you have on hand (or if you prefer a more mellow garlic flavor).
Lemon juice: Just like in a good homemade hummus, the fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing bright flavor to this yogurt tahini dip.
Kosher salt: Look for kosher salt with the regular iodized salt at the grocery store (it has a subtler flavor). Use less iodized salt if that’s what you have on hand.
Make a spicy yogurt tahini sauce by stirring in ¼ teaspoon (or more!) of cayenne or other hot pepper powder.
3-Minute Yogurt Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole, plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional serving suggestions
- extra virgin olive oil, flat leaf parsley, sprinkle of sesame seeds
Equipment
Instructions
- In a mason jar or medium-sized bowl, stir together the yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and salt until smooth.
- Serve immediately or store, refrigerated and covered, for up to 5 days.
Delicious and everything I hoped it would be! I went a little harder with the lemon juice because I love it. I might cut the salt just a bit next time out too. But so, so good!!
Yay, so glad you enjoyed, Cheri! And I agree, if you up the lemon juice you don’t need as much salt. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
can this be freezed? how long does it last if not?
I made it..like it and love lemon yet the amount was to much for me so added honey to tame and did the EVOO you suggested. Very nice!
So happy to hear you enjoyed! I haven’t tried freezing it, but I image it will work. It may separate upon defrosting, but a good stir should get it together again.