Bring fresh, tangy flavors to the table in no time with this easy recipe for a classic Middle Eastern condiment.
I first discovered tahini in a local Mediterranean restaurant several years ago. I ordered falafel—with no idea what the dish was—on the recommendation of a friend. I enjoyed the mild, nutty taste of those fried chickpea patties, but the sauce that came with it blew my mind! It was creamy, tangy, garlicky, and utterly sublime. The server told me that the owner made the tahini sauce fresh every day. I returned every week to indulge in falafel, ordering extra tahini sauce and slurping up every last drop with pita bread.
When I discovered this tahini yogurt sauce recipe, it felt like the universe was giving me a gift. Now I can have that delectably tangy and garlicky sauce whenever I want it! I’ll drizzle it over zoodles and omelets, dip french fries into it, smear it on burgers, and make every single person who dines with me try it. They inevitably love it—how could you not? It’s got such a fresh, light flavor profile—plus it’s super easy to make. I haven’t yet gone so far as to make my own tahini from sesame seeds, but I could see that happening in my future.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a main ingredient in this sauce recipe and a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it’s used in dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva. Tahini is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan and is high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients. It has a rich, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor.
You can find tahini in most grocery stores and specialty food stores—but you could make homemade Tahini very easily with nothing more than hulled sesame seeds, olive or avocado oil, a little salt, and a food processor.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate tahini yogurt sauce within 2 hours of making it. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, simply stir in a splash of water or lime juice to reach your desired consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can separate or become grainy once thawed.
Serving suggestions
This tahini yogurt sauce pairs beautifully with a host of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like Chicken Shawarma, Oven-Baked Lamb Chops, and this vibrant Mediterranean Bowl. It’s also delightful as a dipping sauce for Gyro Bread, Air-Fryer Falafel, or Tiropita. Try drizzling it over a Greek Omelette or spreading it on a Breakfast Sandwich to wake up your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce for 15-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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