This Green Leaves Yogurt Sauce is my go-to for elevating any dish with its fresh and vibrant flavor, thanks to the perfect mix of cilantro, parsley, and a zesty kick from lemon juice. I love how quick and easy it is to whip up this nutritious sauce, transforming simple meals into Instagram-worthy creations with minimal effort!
I adore how adaptable and health-packed my yogurt sauce is. It’s so rich with protein—being made, really, mostly of Greek yogurt—that you could almost call it a dip for an army of Green Leaf salads.
It’s also bright with the kind of green you usually find only in salads, since it’s not all that common to find spinach or parsley in dips. A few luscious spoonfuls will amp up the flavor, freshness, and nutritional profile of any everyday dinner you might serve.
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt:
Elevated in protein and loaded with probiotics, contributes a rich, creamy consistency.
Spinach:
High in iron and vitamins, boosts fiber content.
Parsley:
Composed of antioxidants, it increases freshness.
Cilantro:
Offers detoxifying benefits, contributes vibrant flavor.
Garlic:
Provides anti-inflammatory benefits, contributes zesty flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, mix the yogurt, spinach, parsley, and cilantro.
2. Incorporate the crushed garlic clove into the mixture.
3. Add the lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Include the honey, salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine the components in a high-powered blender until they reach a silky, creamy texture.
6. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to make sure everything is blending evenly.
7. When the sauce is smooth, taste it and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. You might need to add more salt or pepper, or you could add some lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
8. Move the sauce to a bowl or a container that can be sealed tightly.
9. Refrigerate the sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes to facilitate flavor melding.
10. The Green Leaves Yogurt Sauce can be served as a dip; it can be a dressing for salad; it can be sauce to your favorite dishes.
Equipment Needed
1. Blender or food processor
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spoon or spatula
7. Bowl or sealable container
8. Refrigerator
FAQ
- Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?Yes, you are able to use normal yogurt; however, your resulting sauce will be a bit runnier than if you’d used Greek yogurt.
- Q: Can I substitute the spinach with kale?Kale can be used instead of spinach, providing both a different flavor and texture.
- Q: Is it possible to make the sauce vegan?A: Replace Greek yogurt with a yogurt alternative made from plants. Omit the honey or substitute it with maple syrup.
- Q: How long can I store this sauce in the refrigerator?You can keep the sauce in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days, provided you store it in an airtight container.
- Q: What can I serve this sauce with?A: This sauce goes well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a salad dressing.
- Q: Can I freeze the sauce?Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the yogurt.
- Q: Is there a way to make it spicier?A: To achieve the desired amount of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño.
Substitutions and Variations
1 cup fresh kale, chopped (use instead of fresh spinach)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (in place of fresh parsley)
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (as opposed to fresh cilantro)
1 tablespoon juice from a lime (instead of juice from a lemon)
1 teaspoon agave nectar (instead of honey)
Pro Tips
1. Enhanced Flavor Infusion Consider adding a few fresh mint leaves to the blender for a refreshing twist that complements the existing ingredients beautifully.
2. Texture Tuning If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add a little water or additional olive oil while blending. For a thicker dip, consider including a small amount of avocado or adjusting the Greek yogurt amount.
3. Nutritional Boost Incorporate a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds before blending to add a nutty flavor and boost the sauce’s nutritional value with extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Spice Adjustment For a bit of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small piece of jalapeño when blending the ingredients.
5. Serving Suggestions Pair with roasted vegetables or grilled meats for an elevated flavor experience. For a delightful appetizer, serve with a variety of colorful vegetable sticks or pita chips.
Green Leaves Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
My favorite Green Leaves Yoghurt Sauce Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Blender or food processor
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spoon or spatula
7. Bowl or sealable container
8. Refrigerator
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, mix the yogurt, spinach, parsley, and cilantro.
2. Incorporate the crushed garlic clove into the mixture.
3. Add the lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Include the honey, salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine the components in a high-powered blender until they reach a silky, creamy texture.
6. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to make sure everything is blending evenly.
7. When the sauce is smooth, taste it and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. You might need to add more salt or pepper, or you could add some lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
8. Move the sauce to a bowl or a container that can be sealed tightly.
9. Refrigerate the sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes to facilitate flavor melding.
10. The Green Leaves Yogurt Sauce can be served as a dip; it can be a dressing for salad; it can be sauce to your favorite dishes.