This delicious shawarma sauce comes together in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. It delivers a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
Whether drizzled over chicken shawarma salad, served alongside falafel, or used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps, this easy homemade sauce is the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
This recipe is the perfect addition to your favorite Middle Eastern dishes. With its creamy texture and tangy finish, it's a perfect dressing to drizzle on shawarma rice or salad bowl.
This creamy sauce also pairs wonderfully with falafel, za'atar fries, musakhan rolls, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables.
Jump to:
What is Shawarma Sauce?
Shawarma sauce is a creamy condiment commonly served with chicken, beef, or lamb shawarma. Depending on the region, it may be made with garlic, yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, or a combination of these ingredients.
The sauce enhances the savory spices of shawarma and provides a refreshing contrast to grilled meats.
Equipment
This post may include affiliate links
- Blender
- Measuring Cups
- Small Mason Jar - For storing.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek Yogurt - Greek yogurt creates a creamy, tangy base for the shawarma sauce while adding richness and a boost of protein.
- Sesame Oil (tahini) - It is important to find a good brand of tahini paste. Most Arabic brands are good and can be found at any store that sells Middle Eastern products.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder adds savory depth and classic shawarma flavor. Freshly grated garlic can be used instead of garlic poweder for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Gives the dressing a lemony, tangy taste.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Olive oil is a smooth, rich, and slightly peppery oil that adds depth and silkiness to dishes
- Sea salt
Instructions
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1 | Add all ingredients in blender.
Step 2 | Blend ingredients until sauce smooth, creamy and well combined.
Step 3 | Serve with your favorite dishes.
Why You'll Love Shawarma Sauce?
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Rich, creamy texture
- Perfect for wraps, sandwiches, and dips
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences
Variations & Substitutions
- While some shawarma sauce recipes include mayonnaise, I prefer a lighter version without it. However, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for extra creaminess if desired.
- Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce or harissa paste
- For extra flavor, add herbs such as parsley, cilantro or dill. Wash well and lightly chop them and stir them into the sauce after blending to add color and texture.
- Make it extra tangy and sprinkle some sumac spice.
What to Serve it With?
- Chicken shawarma
- Grilled kebabs
- Falafel
- Roasted potatoes
- Fresh vegetable platters
- Za'atar Fries
- Musakhan Rolls
Storage and Pro Tips
- Store the shawarma sauce in an airtight container or sealed glass jar.
- Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water or extra lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- The sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days when properly stored.
- Stir well before serving, sauce might thicken while refrigerated.
- I don't recommend freezing, because yogurt-based shawarma sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Yes. While tahini adds a subtle nutty flavor, you can omit it and still enjoy a delicious creamy garlic sauce.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Homemade shawarma sauce can be a healthier option than store-bought versions because you control the ingredients.
Click here to subscribe to my newsletter and receive free and new recipes right into your inbox!
If you made shawarma sauce I would love it if you could give me a 5-star rating and leave a comment below.
I also would like to hear about your experience making it, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
More Delicious Recipes
Print
Shawarma Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup
- Category: Dressing
- Cuisine: Palestinian/Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious shawarma sauce comes together in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. It delivers a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame oil)
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (about half of a lemon) adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 glove of fresh garlic)
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
-
Add all ingredients in blender
-
Blend ingredients until sauce smooth, creamy and well combined.
-
Serve with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water or extra lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Store the shawarma sauce in an airtight container or sealed glass jar.
- Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
- The sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days when properly stored.
- Stir well before serving, sauce might thicken while refrigerated.
- I don't recommend freezing, because yogurt-based shawarma sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing.
Leave a Reply