Cucumber Yogurt Dip
A refreshing and creamy cucumber yogurt dip with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, perfect for snacks, appetizers, or as a cooling accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chives, minced ⓘ
- pinch of red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Put all ingredients, except cucumber, in a bowl and blend well with a whisk.
- Fold in the cucumber, stirring to combine and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Tips & Substitutions
To make this dip even creamier, consider using full-fat yogurt instead of nonfat. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried versions can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be less vibrant. Adjust the garlic to taste if you're sensitive to its strong flavor. This dip can also be spiced up with a touch of cumin or paprika for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Dip as a starter with pita chips or fresh veggie sticks. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, and it pairs beautifully with Horiatiki Salata (Greece) for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. You can also use it as a sandwich spread for wraps or sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. However, if you plan to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture without separating the yogurt.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Yogurt Dip contains roughly 189 calories, with 15g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (271% of the Daily Value), iron (109% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value). At about 189 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop more fully. Just be sure to stir it well before serving, as it may separate slightly.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or a cashew-based yogurt substitute. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture, but keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly. For a tangy taste, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Is this dip suitable for a party?
Absolutely! This dip is perfect for parties and gatherings, as it’s light and refreshing. Consider serving it alongside an assortment of appetizers like Vegetable Pitas or as part of a larger spread of Mediterranean recipes to appeal to diverse tastes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).