This quick 5-minute shawarma sauce blends mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a creamy yet tangy finish. Freshly minced garlic and chopped herbs elevate the flavor, resulting in a bright, versatile white garlic sauce perfect for wraps, bowls, or as a dip.
This refreshing sauce is made from simple, high-quality ingredients and keeps well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep. Use it on beef, lamb, or chicken shawarma, in shawarma bowls, or as a creamy dressing for salads and roasted vegetables.
If you enjoy finishing dishes with flavorful sauces, try this shawarma white sauce — its balance of creaminess, tang, and garlic makes it a new go-to in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
- Shawarma Sauce
- Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Variations
- Substitutions
- How To Make Garlic Sauce For Shawarma
- Tips For Perfect Shawarma White Sauce
- What To Serve The Sauce With
- How Long Does It Last?
- Serving
- More Easy Homemade Sauces/Dips
- Shawarma Sauce Recipe
Shawarma Sauce
This recipe takes minutes and requires no special equipment—just finely mince garlic and parsley, then whisk everything together in a bowl. It’s approachable for cooks of any skill level and pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern dishes, adding balance and texture to your meals.
Once you try it, this sauce is likely to become a staple in your kitchen thanks to its fresh flavor and ease of preparation.
Ingredients Needed
Only a few simple ingredients are required. Notes on key components:
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened whole-milk Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and balances the tang of the yogurt. Choose a clean, high-quality mayo.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the sauce and complements the garlic.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best savory punch—avoid powdered or jarred garlic for optimal flavor.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley are enough to enhance the overall taste without overpowering the lemon and garlic.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, clean flavor. Bottled lemon juice often lacks freshness and may contain preservatives.
Exact ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
Customize this sauce to your taste with a few additions or swaps:
- Tahini: Add a tablespoon for a nutty, earthy depth.
- Heat: Stir in sriracha, cayenne, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lime: Swap lime for lemon for a different citrus profile.
- Sumac: Add sumac for a tangy, citrus-like note that pairs well with shawarma seasonings.
- Egg-Free: Omit the mayo and use more Greek yogurt if you want an egg-free version.
Substitutions
- Pepper: Substitute ground black pepper for white pepper if preferred.
- Sour Cream: Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream in a 1:1 ratio for a different creaminess and tang.
- Herbs: If you don’t have parsley, try fresh dill, mint, or cilantro. Use one herb so it doesn’t compete with the lemon and garlic.
How To Make Garlic Sauce For Shawarma
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
Tips For Perfect Shawarma White Sauce
- Finely mince the garlic so it blends smoothly throughout the sauce.
- If raw garlic is too strong, soak minced garlic in ice water or lemon juice for about 10 minutes, then drain to mellow the flavor.
- Choose a high-quality mayonnaise without artificial additives for noticeably better taste; homemade mayo works especially well.
Tip: Homemade mayonnaise gives the sauce a richer, fresher flavor.
What To Serve The Sauce With
This white garlic sauce is ideal with shawarma—lamb, beef, or chicken—but it’s also excellent with grilled kebabs, skewered chicken, falafel, roasted chickpeas, or fresh vegetables. Use it as a salad dressing, a dip, or even a quick marinade for baked chicken.
Try it on flatbreads, tacos, or as a finishing sauce for grilled meats—its creamy texture and bright flavor pair with many dishes.
How Long Does It Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this shawarma sauce will keep for 1–2 weeks. Proper sealing helps maintain freshness and prevents premature spoilage.
Serving
Serve this shawarma sauce with:
Beef Shawarma Recipe
Shawarma Bread
Lettuce Salad
Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
More Easy Homemade Sauces/Dips
Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce
4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
African Pepper Sauce
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Shawarma Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup Greek yogurt plain, whole milk, unsweetened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 3–4 cloves)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper or substitute black pepper
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
2. Substitute parsley with 1 tablespoon chopped dill if preferred.
3. Use high-quality mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for the best results; organic products work well.