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–+ servings
dinner of grilled chicken with yogurt sauce, orzo, green beans and naan

Basic Savory Greek Yogurt Sauce

Jani H. Leuschel
A savory, protein-packed accompaniment to simple grilled meats or falafel
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dip, Sauces, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Indian
Servings 8
Calories 33 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl, reamer or citrus squeezer, zesting tool, garlic press, knife, measuring spoons, cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt whole milk or 2% for best taste
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic pressed
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil extra virgin, good quality
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 Start Cooking 

  • Wash hands following CDC Guidelines.
  • Place all ingredients in a medium bowl.
    Cup of Greek yogurt with other ingredients for savory sauce
  • Blend ingredients thoroughly and completely using a whisk or wooden spoon.
  • Cover. Let the sauce stand at room temperature for 30 minutes if you plan on using the sauce right away. Otherwise, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
    Serve sauce with simply prepared proteins. It can also be used as a marinade with chicken and lamb, a dip, or a dressing for salads.
    Tip: The flavor of the garlic gets stronger as the sauce sits. Cut the garlic back to a single, large clove if you plan to store the sauce for longer than a day.
    Note: You may have to pour off or stir in any accumulated liquid (whey) when you pull it out of the fridge.

Video

Notes

I like the smooth and creamy taste of whole milk Greek yogurt in this recipe. If you choose to make it with non-fat yogurt, you might want to add a little sweetener to offset the sourness of the yogurt. Stevia, agave, honey, and good ol' cane sugar are all fine.
Tahini with ground cumin and coriander

Credit: Jani H. Leuschel

Tahini-yogurt sauce: If you like the taste of hummus and sesame seeds, try this variation. Before blending the ingredients, add:
  • 3 Tablespoons of tahini, i.e., sesame seed paste
  • Scant teaspoon of ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander
Sprinkle dukkah over the top.
Dill-infused Greek yogurt sauce: This sauce is lovely on grilled fish. Omit the olive oil and black pepper. Before blending the ingredients, add:
Fresh dill with mayonnaise and oregano

Credit: Jani H. Leuschel

  • 2 Tablespoons chopped dill (or 1 Tablespoon of dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise
 
This sauce offers so many possibilities. Make it your own with your favorite spices!

Nutrition

Calories: 33kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Facts
Basic Savory Greek Yogurt Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
33
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
1
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
155
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
44
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
30
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword calcium, dairy, diabetic friendly, fermented food, garlic, immunity, lemons, low calorie, probiotic, protein
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!