Pin it My friend Sarah brought this exact dip to our summer rooftop potluck last year, and I honestly hovered over the bowl the entire evening. She caught me red-handed with a carrot stick in hand for the third time and just laughed. The next morning I texted her for the recipe, and now it is a permanent fixture in my refrigerator.
Last weekend my roommate walked in while I was making this and immediately asked if we were having people over. I told her it was just for us, just a regular Tuesday snack situation, and she looked at me like I had announced we won the lottery.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt: The thick creamy base that holds everything together, whole milk gives you that luxurious mouthfeel but low-fat works beautifully too
- Fresh dill: Those feathery little fronds bring this bright almost grassy sweetness that makes the dip taste unmistakably summery
- Fresh chives: Add a gentle onion bite that rounds out the herbs without being overpowering
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh peppery backbone that keeps the dip from tasting too delicate
- Fresh mint: Totally optional but such a lovely surprise, just a handful makes everything pop
- Garlic clove: One small clove gives you this subtle warmth that people notice but cannot quite put their finger on
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed cuts through the rich yogurt and wakes up all those sleepy herbs
- Lemon zest: The oils in the zest carry so much more aromatic lemon flavor than the juice alone
- Kosher salt: Essential for making all those flavors actually sing together
- Freshly ground black pepper: Just enough to add this tiny spark of heat
Instructions
- Dump and stir:
- Scoop that gorgeous thick yogurt into a medium bowl and dump in all your chopped herbs, the dill chives parsley and mint if you are using it
- Add the punchy stuff:
- Toss in your minced garlic lemon juice lemon zest salt and pepper, everything goes into one bowl which is exactly why I love this recipe
- Mix it up:
- Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and you have this smooth speckled green dip that looks absolutely inviting
- Taste and trust your palate:
- Dip in a spoon or maybe a carrot stick and adjust the salt or pepper if needed, sometimes garlic hits harder than other days
- The waiting game:
- Cover the bowl and tuck it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes because those herbs need time to become friends with the yogurt
- Party time:
- Serve it chilled with whatever crunchy vehicle you prefer, raw vegetables pita chips or honestly just a spoon works too
Pin it My mom now makes a double batch every Sunday and keeps it in a glass container in the fridge. She says having something this fresh and delicious ready to go makes her feel like she has her life together even when everything else is chaos.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. Sometimes I add basil when that is what is growing in my window box, other times tarragon finds its way in. Last summer I discovered that a pinch of cayenne makes it this whole different experience, just enough warmth to make people lean in and ask what that subtle kick is.
Serving Ideas Beyond The Obvious
This dip lives in that beautiful space between condiment and snack. I have spread it on turkey sandwiches instead of mayo dolloped it on baked potatoes and even thinned it with a little extra lemon juice to make a sauce for grilled salmon. My friend mixes it into her potato salad instead of traditional dressing and her family now requests it exclusively.
Storage And Meal Prep Magic
This dip actually gets better after a day or two in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop. I have successfully stored it for four days though around day three the herbs start to lose their vibrant green color. The flavor holds up beautifully but for the prettiest presentation I recommend making it no more than two days before you need it.
- Use a glass container if you have one, the dip stays fresher longer
- Give it a good stir before serving again as sometimes liquid separates
- Never freeze this dip, the yogurt texture changes completely
Pin it Hope this becomes your go-to dip for everything from lazy afternoons to fancy dinner parties. It certainly has a permanent home in my recipe rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I refrigerate the dip before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together properly. This resting time lets the herbs infuse the yogurt and creates a more cohesive taste.
- → Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you must use dried herbs, use about one-third the amount and add them earlier to give them time to rehydrate and infuse the yogurt.
- → How long does this dip last in the refrigerator?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- → What can I serve with this dip?
Serve with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery. It also pairs well with pita chips, crackers, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
- → Can I make this dip spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when mixing. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred heat level.
- → Can I substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is recommended because it's thicker and creamier. If using regular yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for a few hours to remove excess whey and achieve a similar consistency.