Vegan Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

This Vegan Cucumber Yogurt Sauce recipe is so creamy and delicious. It is sweet, tangy and refreshing. The secret to addictive yogurt dip that is not sour is using both plain vegan yogurt and vegan sour cream. When the two are combined it produces a thick and creamy yogurt sauce that is slightly sweet and delicious. The tart lemon is balanced with sweetness of pure maple syrup and the garlic and herbs make this dip aromatic and delicious. Use this dairy-free delight for dipping pita bread or crackers or as a topping for burgers, kebabs and wraps.

Why you will love this Vegan Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

There is so much to love about this dairy-free recipe. First, it tastes amazing. The combo of ingredients is addictive in it's deliciousness. This is such a versatile recipe that can be used as a dip or a condiment. Bring it to parties as an appetizer or add it to burgers and wraps to up level flavor instantly. Second, it has only 8 ingredients and can be made very quickly. This vegan recipe is easy enough for a beginner and has no fancy or complicated techniques. And since it is a no-cook recipe it is perfect for Summer.

What is Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Cucumber yogurt sauce is a thick and creamy dip containing yogurt, cucumbers, lemons, garlic and herbs. It is amazing with pita bread or chips to dip. This recipe was inspired by the Mediterranean dip, tatziki and the Indian sauce Raita. I don't call it tatziki or raita because it is not exactly like either one. Yet it is similar to both and can be eaten with either Mediterranean dishes or Indian dishes. This sauce is cooling, hydrating and so crave craveworthy.

Ingredients for Vegan Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

This cucumber yogurt sauce has only 8 ingredients!

• Plain vegan yogurt (I used Kite Hill brand) Any plain vegan yogurt will work for this recipe. Shy away from coconut yogurt because the flavor is stronger than almond, cashew or soy yogurts. But if it is the only kind available, it will work.
• Vegan sour cream (I used Tofutti brand)You may wonder why I use sour cream here as traditional recipes do not include it. It is added to balance the tartness of the yogurt. I learned this at a Greek restaurant that I worked in for many years called Troy, in Berkeley California. If vegan sour cream is not available, you may just use more plain yogurt.
• Cucumbers- I like Persian cucumbers for this recipe because they have seeds without an unpleasant texture and they produce less water than many other varieties. If you cannot find these mini cucumbers, use regular ones but I recommend deseeding. This will prevent your cucumber yogurt sauce dip from being too watery.
• Lemon- Lemon gives a citrusy undertone to this dip.
• Pure maple syrup- Pure maple syrup balances out the lemon and makes it less puckery. You can sub date syrup, agave or honey if you prefer.
• Garlic-garlic makes the flavors pop. If chopping garlic is not your thing, sub garlic powder. ½ tsp should do it!!
• Italian seasoning- Italian Seasoning is the hero of all pantry spices. It has rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, parsley and sometimes sage and marjoram. This little spice hero packs so much flavor. You can skip it and use fresh herbs from the garden if you prefer!
• Fresh parsley- Fresh flat leaf parsley packs such a nice fresh flavor punch(mint is a great sub here.
• Salt

How to make Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

This recipe comes together in a flash! Simply chop and mix and it's ready to eat!

• Chop cucumbers into tiny cubes and put in a large bowl. Forget squeezing and straining the cucumbers. Persian cucumbers don't release as much water as other types.
• Add Vegan Yogurt and Sour cream
• Add lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and herbs
• Mix until combined
• Eat within 3 days

What to eat with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

This dip is delightful with pita bread or in a sandwich. It also works well in any place you would use ranch dressing as a dip or salad topper. Cucumber yogurt sauce is a welcome addition to any mezze platter or charcuterie board. I also like to make this with falafel.

Other Mediterranean Recipes

• Fluffy Homemade Pita Bread
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter
• Quinoa and Lentil Tabbouleh