This herbed yogurt dip with olive oil and garlic is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any gathering. The smooth Greek yogurt base is topped with a savory olive oil mixture infused with garlic, herbs, and chopped walnuts, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s a simple yet elegant dip that pairs beautifully with pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dip is the ideal balance of creamy, savory, and herby flavors. The rich Greek yogurt provides a smooth, tangy base that contrasts perfectly with the aromatic olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. The added walnuts give the dip a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor, while the paprika adds a touch of smokiness. Whether served at a party, as an appetizer, or simply enjoyed with your favorite snacks, this herbed yogurt dip will be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Spread the Greek yogurt evenly on a serving platter or shallow bowl.
- In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped walnuts, parsley, mint, and cilantro to the pan. Stir for another 2-3 minutes until the herbs are softened and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Pour the garlic-herb-walnut mixture over the yogurt, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Drizzle extra olive oil over the mixture, and serve immediately with pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and herb mixture for an extra spicy flavor.
- Other Nuts: Substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pine nuts, or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond-based yogurt.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs, such as dill, thyme, or oregano, depending on your taste preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
- Reheating: This dip is best served cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer a warm dip, you can gently warm it in the microwave, but the texture and flavor may change slightly.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use any variety of yogurt, including regular yogurt or dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt, depending on your dietary needs.
2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip can be made ahead of time. Prepare the yogurt base and the garlic-herb mixture separately, then combine them just before serving to keep the textures fresh.
3. Can I add more garlic to the dip?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the olive oil mixture for an even stronger garlic flavor.
4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs give the dip a bright and aromatic flavor, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about a third of the amount called for with fresh herbs. However, fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
5. What else can I serve this dip with?
This dip pairs wonderfully with pita bread, crackers, sliced vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, or even as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
6. Can I make this dip spicier?
Yes, if you like spice, you can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic-herb mixture for an extra kick.
7. Can I make this dip without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a smoother dip, or you can substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts.
8. Can I freeze this dip?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dip as the yogurt may change in texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
9. How can I make this dip tangier?
If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a little more yogurt to enhance the tang.
10. Is this dip suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this herbed yogurt dip is vegetarian-friendly, as it uses only plant-based ingredients like herbs, yogurt, and olive oil.
Conclusion
Herbed yogurt dip with olive oil and garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish that can elevate any meal or snack. The creamy yogurt base, combined with the savory olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served as an appetizer at a party or enjoyed as a light snack, this dip is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Herbed Yogurt Dip with Olive Oil and Garlic
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy yogurt dip topped with a savory, herby olive oil, garlic, and walnut mixture, creating a perfect balance of flavors for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Spread the Greek yogurt evenly on a serving platter or shallow bowl.
- In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped walnuts, parsley, mint, and cilantro to the pan. Stir for another 2-3 minutes until the herbs are softened and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Pour the garlic-herb-walnut mixture over the yogurt, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Drizzle extra olive oil over the mixture, and serve immediately with pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can toast the walnuts in the pan before adding the herbs.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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