Authentic Greek Tahini Yogurt Sauce with baked garlic and olive oil. This Mediterranean sauce can be used as salad dressing, for cooking gyro(s), falafel, grilled veggies, chicken and anything Greek that comes to mind.
Today we are preparing an easy recipe for Greek sauce with yogurt and tahini, spiced up with some baked garlic and olive oil. The beauty of this sauce (or dressing for salads if you wish) is that it’s simple, flavorful and cream without even using mayo.
Behind the Bites
Tahini has been a part of Greek culinary traditions for centuries, with its roots tracing back to the Middle East and North Africa. Sesame seeds have long been cultivated in the Mediterranean, and tahini, a paste made from these seeds, likely entered Greece through trade with the Eastern Mediterranean.
During the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, tahini became more common in Greek kitchens, particularly in regions influenced by Eastern flavors. One of the key reasons tahini became popular in Greece was its role during fasting periods, such as Lent, when dairy and animal products are avoided.
In addition to sweets like Halva or Tahinopita, tahini found its way into savory Greek dishes. it’s commonly used in sauces, dips, and dressings, adding depth and richness to the flavors of the dish.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Plain Greek yogurt – regular or drained (strained).
- Tahini paste from sesame seeds -homemade or store bought
- Olive oil
- Garlic bulb – baked
- Fresh lemon juice
- Parsley – fresh, optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to make Greek yogurt tahini sauce?
1st: Cut the garlic clove hat top. Pour over some olive oil and bake in the oven (low heat). Squeeze out the garlic.
2nd: Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate or serve.
TIP: I always recommend using baked garlic as opposed to fresh due to the rustic and mild flavor that it adds to the sauce. However, depending on your time and preferences fresh garlic can be used too. You can always add the garlic to the tray of another meal that is being baked to save some time.
What to serve with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?
Authentic Greek Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Equipment
- 1 baking tray
- 1 Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 garlic bulb, baked
- 4 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. tahini paste
- 400 g (1, 2/3 US cups) Greek Yogurt, plain
- 1 tbsp. parsley
- 3-4 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, or to taste
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, cut the top off the whole garlic and pour olive oil over it (1-2 tbsp). Bake in preheated oven (best alongside another meal to save energy & time) on 180C/360F for 30 minutes (or until cooked).
- Then, place all ingredients (lemon juice, tahini paste, remaining olive oil, yogurt and parsley plus baked garlic (peeled)) in food processor and blend until smooth.
- Finally, season with sea salt and black pepper. Refrigerate in air tight container up to 48h or use immediately.
Really good! Even my picky teenage daughter loved it.