Save I discovered this dip by accident one Tuesday afternoon when I had Greek yogurt that needed using and a handful of fresh herbs from the farmer's market sitting on my counter. Instead of tossing them, I stirred everything together with a few pantry staples and watched it transform into something so bright and addictive that my roommate ate half the bowl before dinner. That moment taught me that sometimes the best recipes come from working with what you have, not following someone else's complicated instructions.
I've made this dip for countless game nights and casual hangouts, and what strikes me most is how it disappears fastest when people think they're just grabbing one carrot. There's something about the combination of creamy and tangy that keeps hands reaching back into the bowl, and suddenly the entire batch is gone and you're frantically stirring together another one.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): This is your foundation—it's thicker and more protein-rich than regular yogurt, which means your dip stays creamy and never gets watery as it sits.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): A small amount adds richness and helps everything emulsify together smoothly; you can use light mayo if you prefer, though full-fat gives you the best texture.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons): This is what makes people ask for the recipe—it has a bright, almost grassy flavor that dried dill simply cannot replicate.
- Fresh chives (2 tablespoons): They add a gentle onion bite without overpowering everything else like onion powder alone would.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): A supporting player that adds color and a subtle herbal note that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Use real garlic powder, not garlic salt, so you control the seasoning yourself.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough to hint at savory depth without tasting like you dumped in raw onion.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Freshly squeezed if possible—bottled juice tastes flat compared to the real thing and won't brighten the dip the same way.
- Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon): A tiny amount adds complexity and acts as an emulsifier, binding everything together.
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste): Start with the amounts listed, taste, and adjust—seasoning is deeply personal and depends on your palate.
Instructions
- Whisk the base smooth:
- Pour the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise into a medium bowl and whisk them together until completely smooth—this takes just a minute or two, but it's important so you don't end up with lumps hiding in your dip. The mixture should look creamy and uniform, with no streaks of yogurt remaining.
- Fold in the herbs and seasonings:
- Add the fresh dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper all at once. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula, making sure the herbs are evenly distributed and no dry powder hides at the bottom of the bowl.
- Taste and adjust:
- This step matters—taste a small spoonful and see if it needs more salt, more lemon, or more herbs. Everyone's preferences differ, so trust your own palate. If the dip feels too thick, stir in milk or water one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you want.
- Chill and let flavors meld:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving—this gives the herbs and seasonings time to infuse into the yogurt base and deepen the overall flavor. I've found that even leaving it for just an hour makes a noticeable difference.
- Serve with your favorite vehicles:
- Bring the dip out chilled and surround it with crisp vegetables like carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery, or serve alongside chips and pita. Watch it disappear almost immediately.
Save I remember bringing this dip to a potluck where someone's grandmother was visiting, and she took one bite and said it tasted like the herb garden she used to have in her backyard. Seeing how a simple bowl of dip could trigger such a specific memory for her reminded me that food is so much more than ingredients—it's about what it makes you feel.
Making It Your Own
This base is incredibly forgiving, which is partly why I love it so much. If you don't have fresh dill on hand, use all parsley and chives instead. If you're sensitive to garlic, cut the garlic powder in half. Some people swear by adding a tiny pinch of cayenne for warmth, or a small spoonful of Greek yogurt mixed with hot sauce for a spicy version that still feels creamy.
Storage and Keep-Ahead Tips
This dip keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, which makes it perfect for preparing ahead of parties or weeknight snacking. The flavors actually deepen slightly as it sits, so if you're making it the day before an event, you're ahead of the game. Just stir it gently before serving to redistribute any liquid that may have pooled on top.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Beyond the obvious vegetables and chips, I've found this dip works beautifully as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, dolloped onto grilled chicken or baked potatoes, or even thinned slightly with a bit more lemon juice to use as a salad dressing. It's become one of my go-to recipes because it's so versatile and always makes things taste fresher and more interesting.
- Thin it with a teaspoon of milk or water if you want it to work as a salad dressing or sauce instead of a dip.
- Double the recipe if you're serving a crowd—it always disappears faster than you expect.
- Make it the day before and cover it tightly so the flavors have time to develop without the dip picking up refrigerator odors.
Save This dip has become one of those recipes I make without thinking, the way you might butter toast or make a cup of tea. It's simple enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to make people feel cared for when they taste it.
Recipe FAQs
- → What herbs are used in this dip?
Fresh dill, chives, and parsley are combined to give the dip its vibrant, herby character.
- → Can I use a substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes, you can omit mayonnaise for a lighter version and increase the Greek yogurt amount accordingly.
- → How long should the dip chill before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend fully and develop.
- → Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → Can dried herbs be used instead of fresh?
Dried herbs can be substituted at a ratio of 1 teaspoon each, keeping the flavor balanced.