Name: Garlic Yogurt Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh dill or mint, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly special about a simple yet flavorful dip that elevates any dish it’s paired with. My Garlic Yogurt Dip for grilled veggies combines creamy yogurt, fresh garlic, bright lemon juice, and aromatic herbs to create the perfect partner for your grilled vegetable platter. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, this dip is both refreshing and satisfyingly rich, making it a guaranteed favorite at every gathering.

Garlic yogurt dip being scooped with freshly grilled pita bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this Garlic Yogurt Dip is how effortlessly it complements grilled veggies, adding a delightful burst of flavor and creaminess. Whether you’re grilling zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant, this dip is versatile enough to pair perfectly with them all. It transforms a simple veggie tray into something truly memorable.

Another reason you’ll fall in love with this dip is its refreshing texture and bright flavor. The cool tanginess of yogurt blended with fresh garlic and herbs creates an irresistible contrast to the smoky, charred notes of grilled vegetables. It’s incredibly satisfying yet surprisingly light, making it ideal for warm-weather grilling or an afternoon snack.

As an added bonus, this dip is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, thanks to Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for anyone looking to include a nutritious yet flavorful element in their meals. Kids love it too, as the creamy garlic flavor isn’t overpowering, and it’s an excellent way to encourage them to eat more veggies.

Garlic Yogurt Dip

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This creamy garlic yogurt dip is the perfect companion for grilled veggies, mezze platters, or fresh pita. Made with Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, it's light, tangy, and full of flavor, ideal for summer gatherings or healthy snacking.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh dill or mint, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
Gently fold in fresh herbs until well combined.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with additional herbs or lemon slices and serve chilled.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.

For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The heart of this dip is Greek yogurt, which is essential for achieving the creamy texture and slightly tangy taste. I recommend using full-fat Greek yogurt for maximum creaminess, but low-fat versions also work beautifully if you’re aiming for a lighter version.
Fresh garlic is crucial here, providing a punchy, aromatic base that deepens the overall flavor profile. If you’re sensitive to raw garlic’s strong flavor, you can roast or sauté it briefly before mixing it in. This mellow, roasted garlic adds subtle sweetness that’s truly delicious.
Lemon juice and zest add brightness and a lovely citrus undertone that balances the richness of the yogurt. Fresh herbs, especially dill or mint, elevate the freshness of the dip. However, feel free to substitute parsley or cilantro based on your taste or availability. A drizzle of olive oil not only enhances flavor but also gives the dip a silky finish.

Garlic yogurt dip ingredients arranged beautifully on marble.

Directions

Preparing the Garlic Yogurt Base

I start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. It’s important to mince or finely grate the garlic to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dip. Adding lemon zest at this stage infuses the dip with an extra layer of bright citrus flavor.

Mixing in Fresh Herbs

Next, gently fold in freshly chopped dill or mint. I like to add herbs right before serving to keep their vibrant color and fresh taste intact. If you prefer your dip extra flavorful, adding herbs a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Finishing Touches

Lastly, I drizzle the dip with high-quality olive oil and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. For an inviting presentation, garnish with additional herbs or a few lemon slices.

Garlic yogurt dip garnished with fresh parsley, lemon, and garlic on marble surface.

Mistakes to Avoid

Be cautious with the garlic. Raw garlic can easily overpower the other delicate flavors, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s in.
Avoid using overly watery yogurt. Greek yogurt’s thickness is key to achieving a creamy, luxurious texture. If your yogurt feels watery, strain it briefly to remove excess liquid before mixing.
Don’t skip the fresh herbs. While dried herbs are convenient, the fresh varieties significantly elevate the freshness and overall taste of this dip.

How I Like to Enjoy Garlic Yogurt Dip

I love serving this Garlic Yogurt Dip at summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings alongside freshly grilled vegetables, warm flatbread, and a refreshing pitcher of mint tea or cold lemon water. It’s equally delicious as part of a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and pickles for a casual, family-friendly lunch.

This dip also makes a wonderful snack paired with crunchy raw veggies, perfect for a quick and nutritious midday boost.

Creamy garlic yogurt dip topped with fresh herbs on a marble countertop.

It’s equally delicious as part of a mezze platter with Creamy Avocado Lime Dip, olives, and pickles for a casual, family-friendly lunch.

Variations You’ll Love

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding grated cucumber for a tzatziki-style twist. It’s refreshing and makes a wonderful addition to grilled chicken skewers as well.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This spicy variation pairs perfectly with heartier vegetables like grilled mushrooms or sweet potatoes.
For a dairy-free version, coconut yogurt is an excellent substitute. It adds a subtle sweetness and pairs beautifully with lime juice instead of lemon, creating a tropical twist.

If you're looking to switch things up, consider adding grated cucumber for a tzatziki-style twist.

Tips for Better Results

This Garlic Yogurt Dip can easily be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. In fact, allowing the dip to sit overnight enhances its flavor significantly.
If you’re serving this at a gathering, prep your grilled vegetables and dip ahead of time, but keep them separate until serving. This ensures your veggies maintain their delicious smoky char and crisp texture.
If your dip seems too thick after refrigeration, simply stir in a little extra lemon juice or a small splash of water to restore the creamy consistency.

FAQs

How to make garlic yogurt dip?

Simply whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Add chopped herbs like dill or mint, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

How to make a veggie dip with yogurt?

Start with Greek yogurt as your creamy base, add flavorings like garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and a touch of olive oil. Mix thoroughly and serve chilled with grilled or fresh vegetables.

What to dip grilled vegetables in?

Grilled vegetables pair beautifully with creamy dips like this Garlic Yogurt Dip, hummus, tahini sauce, or even a fresh herb chimichurri sauce.

How to make yogurt dipping sauce?

To make a yogurt dipping sauce, whisk Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil. Adjust seasonings to taste, and serve with veggies, grilled meats, or bread.

Garlic Yogurt Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe