Shawarma Sauce Recipes: 5 Easy, Flavor-Packed Variations (Under $3.00/Serving)

By Rossi Voss | April 18, 2025 | Prep: 5–10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Servings: 4–6 | Cost: $2.20–$2.90/serving (as condiment)

Difficulty: Easy | Appliance: Bowl & Whisk | Author: Rossi Voss

As someone who wrote 90 Beginner’s Shawarma Sauce Recipes (only $0.99!), I know few sauces transform meals like a good **shawarma sauce** — that creamy, garlicky, tangy magic that turns grilled chicken, falafel, or rice bowls into something unforgettable.

These 5 Shawarma Sauce Recipes are made with pantry staples, cost under $10 total per batch, and keep for weeks. Plus, I’ll show you exactly where to buy spices cheapest, how to stock up in bulk, and when to shop for maximum savings.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 (Based on 88 Reviews)
Readers love how rich and affordable these flavor bombs are!

Why This Works

• All ingredients under $10 total — proven budget win.
• No specialty stores required — most items found at Walmart, Kroger, or Middle Eastern markets.
• Freezer-friendly — freeze in ice cube trays for future wraps or bowls.
• Versatile — works on proteins, salads, roasted veggies, sandwiches.

1. Classic Creamy Garlic Shawarma Sauce

Yield: 1 cup | Prep: 5 mins | Cost: $2.40 total | Per Serving: $0.60 (as condiment)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin)

1. Whisk yogurt and tahini until smooth.
2. Add garlic, lemon juice, spices, salt, and pepper.
3. Thin with water as needed.
4. Chill 30 mins before serving.

TIP: Double the batch and freeze in small jars for future meal prep.

2. Spicy Harissa Shawarma Sauce

Yield: ¾ cup | Prep: 5 mins | Cost: $2.60 total | Per Serving: $0.65

• ½ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

1. Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust spice level.
3. Use immediately or chill for deeper flavor.

TIP: Great on turkey burgers or roasted sweet potatoes.

3. Lemon-Tahini Shawarma Sauce

Yield: 1 cup | Prep: 5 mins | Cost: $2.80 total | Per Serving: $0.70

• ⅓ cup tahini
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp cumin
• Pinch of sumac (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 3–4 tbsp water (to thin)

1. Whisk tahini and lemon juice — it will thicken, then loosen.
2. Add garlic, spices, salt, and water gradually.
3. Mix until creamy and pourable.

4. Dairy-Free Avocado Shawarma Sauce

Yield: 1 cup | Prep: 10 mins | Cost: $3.00 total | Per Serving: $0.75

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Add water if too thick.
3. Use within 1–2 days (avocado browns fast).

5. Smoky Yogurt & Dill Sauce

Yield: 1 cup | Prep: 5 mins | Cost: $2.20 total | Per Serving: $0.55

• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Chill 30 mins before serving.
3. Perfect for fish, chicken, or pita wraps.

Smart Shopping Guide: How to Buy Spices & Save Money

📍 Where to Buy It Cheapest

• Middle Eastern Markets: Often sell cumin, sumac, paprika for half supermarket prices.
• WinCo, Sprouts, or Bulk Bins: Buy only what you need — no waste.
• Amazon Subscribe & Save: Set up auto-delivery for tahini, harissa, or lemon juice (save 15%).

📅 Best Day & Time to Shop

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Grocery restock day — look for markdowns on dairy and produce.
• First Week of Month: New coupons released in digital apps (Kroger, Safeway, Target).
• Late Evening (7–8 PM): Perishables get discounted.

📦 Bulk Buying Strategy

• Buy spices in bulk and store in dark glass jars (lasts 1–2 years).
• Split large tahini or mayo containers with a friend.
• Freeze sauce in ice cube trays — 1 cube = 1 tbsp.

💰 Cost-Saving Tips

• All ingredients under $10 total — track every recipe this way.
• Use store-brand yogurt, mayo, and spices — same quality, lower price.
• Double batches and freeze — saves time and prevents impulse takeout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make shawarma sauce without yogurt?

Yes! Use mayonnaise, sour cream, or blended silken tofu for a creamy base. For vegan, use unsweetened plant-based yogurt or mayo.

How long does homemade shawarma sauce last?

Up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Where can I buy spices cheaply?

Look for bulk bins at stores like WinCo, Sprouts, or ethnic markets. Middle Eastern and Indian grocery stores often have lower prices on sumac, cumin, and paprika.

Related Recipes

• More Sauce Recipes
• Easy Meal Prep Ideas
• Air Fryer Favorites

Cookbook Pick: Want 85 more ways to use shawarma sauce? Get 90 Beginner’s Shawarma Sauce Recipes for just $0.99 on Kindle!

Free Printable: Download your Free 4-Week High-Protein Meal Plan PDF — includes grocery lists and appliance guides.