Yogurt Dressing - Recipe Card
This simple yogurt dressing recipe uses Greek yogurt, lemon, and honey to create a creamy and tangy dressing. It’s perfect for enhancing salads, roasted veggies, and more. A healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought options. Quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt – The base of this dressing Greek yogurt, offers a creamy texture while providing protein and probiotics. Its tangy flavor is perfect for creating a light, refreshing dressing. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond milk yogurt) for a non-dairy version.
- Olive Oil – A bit of olive oil helps to thin out the yogurt and adds a silky texture. If you prefer a lighter option you can reduce the amount or substitute with avocado oil for a milder taste.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and a zesty kick to balance the creaminess of the yogurt. Lime juice works as a great alternative if you want a different twist.
- Garlic Powder – For a savory touch garlic powder adds depth without overpowering the dressing. Fresh minced garlic can also be used, but be careful with the quantity as it’s stronger.
- Salt and Pepper – These common seasonings are essential to bring out the flavors. Adjust them to taste keeping in mind that you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
- Honey – If you’re making a honey salad dressing just a teaspoon or two will add a hint of sweetness. For those looking for sugar-free options, try stevia or maple syrup.
Instructions
- Start by combining the Greek yogurt and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl. Stir them together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. The olive oil will help create a creamy texture, while the yogurt adds the tangy base that gives this dressing its unique flavor.
- Next, squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the mixture. The acidity of the lemon balances the richness of the yogurt, bringing a zesty kick to the dressing. For a smoother texture, you can strain the lemon juice before adding it to the bowl to avoid pulp.
- Add garlic powder to the mix. Garlic adds depth and savory flavor without being overpowering. If you prefer a fresher taste, feel free to substitute with finely minced fresh garlic, but remember that fresh garlic has a stronger taste, so start with a small amount.
- Season with salt and pepper. This is where you can really customize the flavor. Start with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, then taste and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out, so season gradually.
- Drizzle in honey if you’re aiming for a honey salad dressing. The honey will add a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the tang of the yogurt. For a savory version, you can skip the honey or use a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Whisk everything together until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable, so if you feel it’s too thick, add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Taste your dressing and adjust. If you’d like more tang, add extra lemon juice. For more sweetness, a bit more honey will do the trick. If you’re making a Greek yogurt salad dressing for a specific salad, consider adding extra seasonings or fresh herbs like dill or parsley to match the flavor profile of the dish.
- Once your dressing is perfectly balanced, serve it immediately, or store it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will develop even further as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option for meal prep.
Video
Notes
- Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: While low-fat or non-fat versions are fine, using full-fat Greek yogurt will give your dressing a creamier and richer texture. The extra richness really balances the tangy flavors from the lemon and yogurt.
- Adjust Thickness: If you find the dressing too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a small amount of water or extra olive oil. Adding liquid in small increments is the best way to avoid making it too runny.
- Flavor Variations: For a more robust flavor, you can experiment by adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. A little mustard can also give it a unique twist if you’re aiming for a honey mustard salad dressing. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning based on your personal taste!
- Avoid Over-mixing: While it’s tempting to whisk everything at once, avoid over-mixing the dressing. This could cause it to separate and lose its smooth, creamy texture. Gently stir the ingredients together until fully incorporated.
- Double the Recipe: If you need to make more dressing for a larger batch, simply double the ingredients. This dressing is great for meal prep, so you can keep a larger batch in the fridge for future meals.
- Taste as You Go: As with any dressing, always taste and adjust seasonings. Add salt, pepper, or honey gradually and test frequently to get the perfect balance.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: The acidity from the lemon is what makes this dressing pop. It brightens the yogurt and gives it that classic tang. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Storage and Freezing
If you’ve made a large batch of this yogurt dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It will thicken over time, so if you find it too thick after a few days, simply stir in a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen it up. Unfortunately, yogurt dressings don’t freeze well due to their creamy texture, which can separate when thawed. For the best results, it’s recommended to make this dressing fresh or store it in the fridge for short-term use.Nutrition Information: Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a 5-star review ⭐ below if you loved it! Tag @Heat_recipes on Instagram.