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Yogurt dip with mint has it all: great flavor, good health, and it comes together with just a couple of ingredients, lightening fast!
Yogurt dip is one of those things I have been making so many years that I don’t even think of it, I just do it. My husband Dan recently took notice as I stirred up a dip bowl of yogurt with dried mint, literally as our friends walked through the door, for a quick nibble. “That’s really something!” he marveled. I suppose it really is something! And here’s why.ย
Why Choose Yogurt for Your Dip?
Yogurt is a perfect base for creating the kind of creamy, herb-flecked dip we love to tuck into. The fact that this is such a healthy yogurt dip is also great, but almost secondary. If you have only used sour cream or mayonnaise as a base for commercial dry dip mix, you’re in for a treat with the yogurt. It offers a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that wakes up a dip and pairs well with herbs and spices. You can feel great that it can be a low-fat, high-protein alternative to sour cream and commercial ranch dressingโwithout compromising on flavor, texture or richness.ย
Ingredients & Notes
I’m listing the ingredients you need to make your own version of dried mint blend. Make it fast and easy using my custom blend of Garlic Mint Salt available in my shop!
- Plain Yogurt:ย The star of this recipe. Thick yogurt in the form of labneh or Greek yogurt offers a thick, creamy texture but any plain yogurt offers a certain tartness. Standard plain yogurt results in a saucier (thinner) dip, so if you’re looking for a thicker dip, use labneh or Greek yogurt.
- Dried Mint:ย Our Lebanese icon! Spearmint adds a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor that complements savory herbs. Itโs a great way to add flavor without extra calories.ย
- Garlic Powder:ย Provides a savory, aromatic depth. Use fresh garlic if you prefer a more pungent flavor, but garlic powder is convenient and disperses evenly.
- Salt & Black Pepper:ย Enhances all the flavors. Use kosher salt is recommended for its clean taste.
- Lemon Juice or Fresh Lime Juice:ย Adds a bright, tangy note, but take care when adding more liquid to yogurt dip because it will thin the dip out.
- Fresh Herbs:ย I consider these optional because they take a little more time and the dip is so good even without them. But adding finely chopped fresh mint, cilantro, dill or parsley adds freshness and color, making the dip more vibrant and flavorful.
Tips for the Best Homemade Dip
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil:ย Pretty much every dip I make gets a drizzle on top and this is no exception, for extra richness and flavor. Try Lebanese extra virgin olive oil in my shop!
- Add a little green onion:ย for an extra layer of savoriness. Cut thin slices from both the white and green parts of the onion.
- Give it some heat:ย For a spicy kick, add chili flakes, harissa, a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Chill out:ย After blending everything, you can refrigerate the dip for 1-2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld.
Serving ideas
This flavorful dip is right at home as the centerpiece of a platter of raw vegetables. Go with an array of raw veggies like cucumber slices, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips. I love to slide homemade pita chips or potato chips or crackers nearby too! A creamy yogurt dip like this is great with chicken wings or grain bowls for a healthy way to add flavor and complexity.
Storage
Even though this is a crazy fast dip to make right when you want to serve it, it also makes ahead really well. I like to keep an airtight container with yogurt dip at the ready all of the time.
Yogurt Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garlic mint salt, or a combo of crushed dried mint, garlic powder, salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir to combine the yogurt with the garlic mint salt. Serve immediately or chill, then serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Dip Recipes to try
My site is loaded with wonderful dips to make individually or to serve together as part of a mezze spread.
- Make homemade hummus for a very creamy version of hummus.
- Muhammara is roasted red pepper dip with pomegranate and walnuts (and much more!)
- Smokey eggplant dip, or baba gannoush, is another simple, quick favorite with tons of healthy flavor.
- Check out my Lebanese Mezze post for lots of ideas!
