Yogurt Mint Sauce

Name: Yogurt Mint Sauce
Prep time: 7 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt (I used a 2% fat yogurt); 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (finely chopped); 2 small garlic cloves (fresh grated/minced); ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (I used organic ); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); ⅙ teaspoon celtic salt ( kosher or a good quality pink Himalayan); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground ); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional ); 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin (optional) ); ¼ teaspoon cumin powder (optional ); 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional )

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This is the ultimate yogurt mint sauce recipe: It's refreshing, versatile, and super easy to make.

This mint yogurt sauce is a culinary gem. This creamy and tangy sauce or dip brings a burst of freshness to any dish, making it a must-have, especially for barbecues, curries, roasted vegetables, or crudites. Perfectly paired with lamb chops, lamb koftas, chicken kebabs, or even as a salad dressing, this sauce offers limitless versatility. Rady in 7 minutes or less.

Close up of yogurt mint sauce with a fancy spoon tucked in.

This recipe was inspired by my Sour Cream Sauce, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce, and pairs really well with this Delicious Giant Lamb Burger or even this amazing Salmon Wellington recipeor these Homemade Burgers. Oh, so good!

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Why you will love this recipe
Ingredients
How to make yogurt and mint sauce
Substitutions
Variations and serving suggestions
How to store yogurt and mint sauce
Tips
Recipe FAQs
Other sauce recipes you may like to try
Yogurt mint sauce goes well with
Other recipes you could use mint in:
Yogurt Mint Sauce

Why you will love this recipe

So quick & easy to make: Ready in 5 minutes with minimal prep.
It is super healthy: It is packed with probiotics from yogurt and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of fresh mint, garlic, lemon, and turmeric.
It is so versatile: It complements a wide variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian meals. See below for how to pair this delicious sauce and what to serve it with.
It contains a super healthy twist- turmeric and lemon, my recipe offers a unique twist, delivering bold flavors and a nice and bright appearance making it a distinct yogurt and mint sauce recipe, setting it apart from any other.

Ingredients

Greek Yogurt: only use plain and unsweetened
Fresh Mint Leaves: only fresh mint and finely chopped for the best results
Garlic: will have to be minced or grated
Turmeric Powder: this adds a lot of goodness to this dish - it makes it look good too
Lemon Juice: use freshly squeezed for the best results and benefits
Lemon Zest: this makes a great addition
Salt: use a good kosher or Celtic salt - add as much or as little as you wish
Black Pepper: - do not forget about this - it must be freshly ground for flavor addition but also to activate the turmeric and bring the best benefits out
Olive Oil: this will be optional, I used some for a silky finish and to decorate but you do not have to use any at all if you are after cutting calories.

See the recipe card below for all the exact quantities.

How to make yogurt and mint sauce

It cannot get any simpler.

Step 1 - Gather all the ingredients
Step 2 - Prepare the dish, wash, chop, juice, and rind.
Step 3 - Mix all the ingredients until homogeneous.
Step 4 - Allow to rest and serve later.

Here are the visual steps in more depth:

Chopped mint on a wooden chopping board and knife.

Step 1. Chop the washed fresh mint.

Lemon zest or lemon rind and lemon juice on a wood chopping board with a zester in the background.

Step 2. Zest and juice half a lemon.

Minced garlic and garlic mincer on a chopping board.

Step 3. Mince the garlic.

All the ingredients added to the yogurt in a green serving bowl with a teaspoon tucked in.

Step 4. Add all the ingredients to a bowl.

Step 5. Mix until homogenous.

Mint and yoghurt sauce served with potato wedges on a white and black rim serving plate.

Step 6. Serve as desired and enjoy!

Hint: The more fat percentage the yogurt contains the thicker the sauce will be. I used a 2% fat unsweetened and unflavored yogurt.

Substitutions

Yogurt

Greek Yogurt Alternative: Use plain, full-fat yogurt for a slightly thinner consistency.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: Coconut, soya yogurt or almond-based yogurt works well for a plant-based version. Choose unsweetened varieties to maintain the savory flavor.

Mint

Cilantro: Provides a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor.
Parsley or Dill: Offers a mild, herbal taste without overpowering the dish.
Dried Mint: If you do not have fresh mint, use 1 teaspoon or so of dried mint, but the flavor will be significantly less vibrant.

Garlic

Garlic Powder: Substitute ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for a milder garlic flavor.
Shallots or Red Onion: Mince a small amount of shallot for a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
Ginger - fresh or dried - will add warmth, a zesty tang, and a hint of spice to balance the cooling yogurt and mint while enhancing complexity and providing some health benefits too. I often use ginger too.

Turmeric

Curry Powder: Adds warmth and a similar golden color with a blend of spices.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a different depth of flavor or regular paprika for color.

Lemon Juice

Lime Juice: Provides a tangy and slightly sharper taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A small splash can mimic the acidity of lemon juice.

Olive Oil (Optional)

Avocado Oil: A neutral-tasting alternative for richness.
Skip It: Olive oil can be omitted without significantly compromising the flavor.

Salt

Sea Salt: Enhances flavors subtly and adds a slightly different mineral profile.
Low-Sodium Salt: Use if you are watching your sodium intake.

Pepper

White or Long Pepper: Offers a mild, earthy flavor and keeps the sauce smooth.

Variations and serving suggestions

Cucumber Mint Sauce: Add grated cucumber for extra freshness and crunch.
Spiced Yogurt Sauce: Add a pinch of coriander powder for a more complex flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or any plant-based alternative.

You may also add:

Honey or Maple Syrup a tiny amount - can balance the tanginess and add a subtle sweetness. Especially if you use a low-fat or 0 fat yogurt.

Fresh Dill or Cilantro - fresh herbs can enhance the herbaceous notes and provide a different flavor dimension.

Grated Cucumber - this will add a refreshing crunch and bring this sauce more closely to the traditional tzatziki.

Here is one delicious idea for serving this creamy mint yogurt sauce.

Yogur mint sauce served with lamb chops and potato wedges on two rectangular white serving plates.

How to store yogurt and mint sauce

Store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze it?

Well, freezing any yogurt sauce is not recommended, as the yogurt will separate upon thawing especially if low fat. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Tips

Remember that the lower the yogurt fat content you will use, the runnier this sauce might turn out. Also, pay attention to fat-free yogurts, as those contain extra ingredients that will change the nutritional values, and you may end up with more carbohydrates in case you are looking to keep this a low carbs recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Yogurt mint sauce tastes even better after a few hours.

Can I make this an Indian sauce?

Yes! Add fresh cilantro, lime juice, green chilies, cumin, sugar, and there you have it.

What variety of mint is best for yogurt mint sauce?

Fresh spearmint is ideal due to its mild, sweet flavor with a hint of spice, which complements yogurt-based sauces without overpowering them.

How does yogurt mint sauce differ from tzatziki?

Tzatziki is a Greek cucumber dip often containing dill whereas this is a simpler mint and yogurt sauce.

How do you thicken yogurt and mint sauce?

Add more higher-fat-content Greek yogurt for increased creaminess. Alternatively, bring in a small amount of almond flour or grated Parmesan cheese - these will help absorb some excess moisture.

Other sauce recipes you may like to try

Are you looking for other sauce recipes like this? Try these: