Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that elevate any meal in seconds. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up and feels like a gourmet treat with minimal effort—ideal for my busy, flavor-loving life!

My Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce is a sauce of creamy, tangy delight. With the rich texture of Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest, it’s perfect for drizzling over grilled fish or vegetables.

Fresh dill and a touch of garlic add flavorful pops to the sauce, while olive oil smooths out the slightly too thick sauce, making it perfect for dipping and drizzling. I just finished the last of it with some leftover grilled shrimp, and I’m already fantasizing about its next appearance, possibly with a whole grilled fish.

Ingredients

• Plain Greek Yogurt: High in protein, creamy texture, supports gut health.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Rich in vitamin C, adds tangy flavor, boosts immune system.
• Lemon Zest: Intense citrus aroma, enhances flavor, adds antioxidants.
• Fresh Dill: Aromatic herb, rich in vitamins A and C, supports digestion.
• Garlic Clove: Powerful antioxidant, supports heart health, adds robust flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl of medium size, add 1 cup of Greek yogurt that is plain.

2. Add 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and mix well.

3. To the yogurt mixture, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and stir to mix.

4. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill.

5. Add 1 clove of garlic, minced, and mix until evenly distributed.

6. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil by drizzling it in, and stir to integrate it smoothly into the sauce.

7. To taste, mix salt into the sauce and render it thoroughly.

8. According to your preference, add freshly ground black pepper and blend well.

9. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors have a chance to meld.

10. Chill and serve as sauce or dip. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Zester or fine grater (for lemon zest)
4. Garlic press or knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic)
5. Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
6. Refrigerator (for chilling the sauce)

FAQ

• What can I use as a substitute for fresh dill?If you can’t find fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. Substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill for the 2 tablespoons of fresh dill called for in the recipe. Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
• Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?You can use non-Greek yogurt for this sauce, but you might want to remember that the sauce will be thinner—maybe even a bit runnier than you’d like. To thicken the sauce, you can try straining the yogurt through cheesecloth to remove whey. You might think of it as a stretched-yogurt method for thickening that makes the sauce closer in consistency to if you had just used the regular yogurt heymann they call for in the recipe.
• How long can I store this sauce?The Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and still taste fresh and flavorful. Here are some tips for keeping your sauce in the best shape possible.
• Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?Indeed, this sauce is friendly to vegetarians. Its versatility allows it to accompany many different kinds of vegetarian dishes.
• Can I make this sauce in advance?Of course, you can prepare it one day in advance. The tastes will combine, and it may even prove to be more delicious.
• What dishes pair well with this sauce?This sauce is superb with fish cooked on the grill, with vegetables roasted till tender, or as a sharp and lively dressing for salad.

Substitutions and Variations

A substitution for plain Greek yogurt may be found in either plain, regular yogurt, which has a consistency not as thick as that of Greek yogurt, or in sour cream, which has a richness not found in Greek yogurt.
Lime juice can be used in place of fresh lemon juice, giving the dish a different citrus flavor. For a slightly tangy note, use apple cider vinegar.
Dried dill can take the place of fresh dill. (Use about 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs tend to be more concentrated.) Another possibility is to use fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.
For convenience, you can replace the minced garlic clove with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or you can use shallots for a milder garlic taste. List item 1
You can substitute avocado oil for olive oil and get the same mild flavor and texture. If you want to go for a richer component, opt for melted butter.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients For the best flavor, ensure all your ingredients, especially the lemon juice, zest, and dill, are fresh. Fresh dill gives the sauce a vibrant taste, while freshly squeezed lemon juice is more aromatic than bottled.

2. Adjust Garlic Intensity If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before mixing with the yogurt. This will mellow the raw garlic taste while intensifying its flavor throughout the sauce.

3. Consistency Control If you prefer a thicker sauce, strain the Greek yogurt with a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for about an hour to remove excess liquid before mixing. This technique is especially useful if your yogurt is on the runnier side.

4. Flavor Fusion Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This resting time permits the flavors to meld together more thoroughly, enriching the overall taste.

5. Garnish for Presentation Just before serving, sprinkle a bit more lemon zest or a few fresh dill fronds on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh burst of flavor right before it’s enjoyed.