Yogurt Sauce

Name: Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic (grated); ½ lemon (juiced); 7-10 mint leaves (finely chopped); 1 cucumber (grated and strained); 1 tbsp dill (finely chopped); Kosher salt (to taste)

A quick and versatile yogurt sauce with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic. Good with meats and veggies.

Why You'll Love Yogurt Sauce

The garlic marinates in lemon juice for 10 minutes to mellow its bite, then gets stirred into Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, mint, and dill. It comes together in under 15 minutes and keeps in the fridge for a few days.

Tips and Tricks

Grate and strain the cucumber well to avoid watery sauce.
Letting garlic marinate in lemon juice mellows its sharpness for a balanced flavor.
Swap herbs based on what you have-cilantro, parsley, or tarragon all work beautifully.
Make it a day ahead to let flavors meld even more.
Adjust salt gradually; Greek yogurt can vary in saltiness.

Variations

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a warm, smoky note.
Mix in a spoonful of harissa or chili paste for heat.
Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version with a subtle sweetness.

Substitutions

Swap Greek yogurt for labneh or thick sour cream.
Use lemon zest in place of lemon juice for a milder citrus flavor.
Replace fresh herbs with dried, but use less (about 1 teaspoon total).

Best Served With

Roasted squash or root vegetables
Grilled lamb or chicken
Fresh pita or flatbread
Summer salads or grain bowls

How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving as separation may occur.

Common Questions

How long does this sauce keep?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, but is freshest the first day.

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Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

You can, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier texture that works best here. If using regular yogurt, strain it to remove excess liquid.

A close-up of a glass bowl filled with a creamy white mixture, possibly a yogurt-based dip or sauce, with small green herb pieces mixed throughout, placed on a wooden surface.

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A quick and versatile yogurt sauce with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic. Good with meats and veggies.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings: 20 tablespoons

Course: Dressing/Condiment

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 169

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

1 cup greek yogurt
1 clove garlic grated
½ lemon juiced
7-10 mint leaves finely chopped
1 cucumber grated and strained
1 tablespoon dill finely chopped
Kosher salt to taste

Equipment

Small bowl
Spoon or whisk
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (to strain cucumber)
Grater (for cucumber)
Medium mixing bowl

Method

In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and grated garlic. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix the lemon-garlic mixture with Greek yogurt.
Add chopped mint, dill, and grated, strained cucumber. Stir until combined.
Season with kosher salt to taste. Adjust herbs or lemon as desired. Serve immediately or chill briefly to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 23gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 758mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 549IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 294mgIron: 1mg