Say goodbye to boring dips and hello to the ultimate Mint Sauce with Yogurt! It’s the cool, creamy, and minty sidekick your meals have been missing—get ready to swoon!
Hi, folks! I’m Andrea. The gal who’s middle name would be “creamy sauce” if it were based on what we eat most of. I just never turn down a good dipping sauce and am a firm believer that “there’s a dipping sauce for that!” (aka anything…). I’ve said it before and I’ll (proudly and firmly) say it again: IF IT’S GOOD WITHOUT A DIPPING SAUCE THEN IT’S EVEN BETTER WITH. You feel me?
And we could be talkin’ ANYTHING. From chicken wings dipped in blue cheese (of course) to french fries dipped in ranch dressing (don’t knock it til you try it) – if it’s thick, creamy, and full of flavour then I WANT IT. I’M HERE FOR IT. I LOVE IT. And there ain’t no stoppin’ me!
But today, I’m sharing my newest obsession: mint sauce with yogurt! This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a tangy, refreshing burst of flavour that’s perfect for those days when you want something light but still crave that punch. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be slathering it on everything from grilled veggies to juicy lamb chops.
The good news is that this mint yogurt sauce is ridiculously easy to whip up yourself at home. We’re talkin’ just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to those heavy, calorie-laden dips (that I undeniably love)—because who doesn’t love a guilt-free sauce that still tastes amazing? (ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU’RE SLATHERING IT ON ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING??!)
So, grab your mixing bowl and whisk (that’s right – no fancy equipment needed for this one!), and get ready to whip up some magic! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just need a quick snack upgrade, this mint sauce with yogurt is your new BFF. It’s light, it’s fresh, and it’s guaranteed to have everyone asking, “What’s your secret?” And, at that point, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to tell them that this mint and yogurt sauce only took all of 5 whole minutes to make!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE MINT SAUCE WITH YOGURT
Only 7 simple ingredients come together to create this light and refreshing mint and yogurt sauce – and that’s if we’re counting salt and pepper. I’m willing to bet you already have most of them lying around your kitchen right now! Let’s discuss each one in a little bit more detail down below:
- Greek Yogurt: This is the creamy base of our sauce. Greek yogurt is thick, rich, and tangy, providing a perfect balance to the fresh herbs and other flavours. It’s also packed with protein, making it a healthier option compared to mayonnaise-based sauces. Full fat and plain work best in this recipe. However, you can use regular plain yogurt instead, if you prefer.
- Fresh Mint: The star of this yogurt sauce, adding a cool, refreshing flavour. Be sure to finely chop the leaves to release all those lovely essential oils, giving the sauce a vibrant, herby taste. Because we’re really going for that profound minty flavour, fresh mint works best in this recipe.
- Dill: Adds a subtle earthy note that complements the mint perfectly. It also adds a hint of sweetness and anise-like undertones Fresh or dried dill work well in this recipe for mint sauce with yogurt.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a zesty tang. It also helps balance the creaminess of the yogurt, giving the sauce a light, refreshing finish. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavour and results.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavour and a bit of heat. It’s a classic addition to many yogurt-based sauces, bringing depth and a savory note. Fresh minced garlic works best in this recipe. However, if all you have on hand is garlic powder, use 1/4 of a teaspoon instead of the 1 fresh clove.
- Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavours, while a dash of black pepper adds a hint of spice. Adjust these to taste to get the perfect seasoning for your sauce.
HOW TO MAKE MINT SAUCE WITH YOGURT (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this refreshing yogurt mint sauce in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh and good quality ingredients. In particular, fresh mint and herbs will provide the best flavour. If possible, avoid dried mint, as it doesn’t have the same vibrant taste and aroma.
- Use high quality Greek yogurt. Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the creamiest texture and richest flavour. It also helps the sauce stay thick and luscious. Full fat Greek yogurt works best in this recipe. However, if you’re watching calories, a lower-fat version works too, but the texture may be thinner.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavour compared to bottled juice. It also adds a fresh, zesty note that complements the yogurt and mint.
- Finely chop the herbs. Specifically, for the best texture and flavour distribution, finely chop the mint and any other fresh herbs you’re using. This ensures the herbs blend well with the yogurt and don’t overpower the sauce.
- To ensure all the ingredients are well combined, use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly mix the yogurt, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Doing so helps break down any herb clumps and evenly distributes the flavours throughout the sauce. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you mix to incorporate everything evenly.
- Balance the flavours. Taste the sauce as you go, adjusting the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your preference. The sauce should have a nice balance of creamy, tangy, and herby flavours.
- Let it sit. If you have time, let the sauce sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together and intensify. This mint yogurt sauce definitely becomes more yummy the longer it sits!
- Store properly. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may separate slightly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For making mint sauce, fresh spearmint is the best variety to use. Spearmint has a mild, sweet flavour with a hint of spice that complements the yogurt and other ingredients beautifully. Its bright, refreshing taste is perfect for balancing out rich or savory dishes. While other types of mint, such as peppermint, can also be used, they tend to have a stronger, more intense flavour that might overpower the sauce. Stick with fresh spearmint to achieve that classic, well-rounded minty flavour that enhances your sauce without overwhelming it.
If you find your mint yogurt sauce is a bit too thin, there are a few easy ways to thicken it up. Start by adding a bit more Greek yogurt, which will increase the thickness and creaminess. Alternatively, if you prefer a thicker texture without changing the flavour, try incorporating a small amount of almond flour or grated Parmesan cheese, which can help absorb excess moisture.
Another option is to strain the yogurt before mixing it with the other ingredients to remove extra liquid. Just place the yogurt in a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and let it drain for a few hours. These simple adjustments will give you a rich, creamy sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Mint sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Traditionally, it’s a classic accompaniment to roast lamb, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavours of the meat. Try it on my lamb meatballs! However, it’s not just limited to lamb; mint sauce also enhances grilled or roasted vegetables, adding a vibrant, herby kick.
Try it with chicken, fish, or even as a zesty dip for pita bread and fresh veggies. Its cool, tangy flavour profile can also complement dishes like kebabs, falafel, and even some salads, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Mint sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days. To keep it fresh and flavourful, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to 1 month, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once thawed. To maintain its quality, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.
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MINT SAUCE WITH YOGURT
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Full-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 tbsp Fresh Mint finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Dried Dill (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the Greek yogurt, mint, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well mixed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Give it a final stir to ensure all of the flavours are evely distributed.
Video
Notes
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