Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt (Full-Fat or Low-Fat): The star of the show, Greek yogurt is what transforms this dip from ordinary to extraordinary. Its thick, creamy texture provides the perfect base, mimicking the richness of sour cream or mayonnaise while being significantly lighter and healthier. You can use full-fat Greek yogurt for the most decadent, creamy result, or opt for low-fat or non-fat to reduce calories without sacrificing too much texture. Pro-Tip: For the absolute best consistency, choose a Greek yogurt that is labeled “strained” or “authentic Greek yogurt.” This process removes excess whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier product. Avoid yogurts that are overly watery or have added sugars.
- ½ cup Mayonnaise (Regular or Light): While Greek yogurt forms the base, a touch of mayonnaise adds that classic onion dip creaminess and richness that we all crave. Mayonnaise provides a subtle tang and emulsifies the dip beautifully, ensuring a smooth and cohesive texture. You can use regular mayonnaise for a richer flavor, or light mayonnaise to further reduce calories and fat. Consider This: For a tangier dip, try using a mayonnaise made with olive oil or avocado oil. If you’re looking for a vegan option, there are excellent vegan mayonnaises available made from soy or other plant-based ingredients – these work wonderfully in this recipe!
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced: The heart and soul of onion dip, the onion provides the signature savory and slightly sweet flavor. Yellow onions are a great choice because they offer a balanced flavor that isn’t too pungent or overpowering. Preparation is Key: Finely dicing the onion is crucial for texture. Large chunks of onion will be unpleasant in a dip. Aim for a very small dice, almost minced, so the onion blends seamlessly into the creamy base. Flavor Boost: Some people prefer to sauté the diced onion lightly in a bit of butter or olive oil until softened and slightly caramelized before adding it to the dip. This mellows the raw onion bite and adds a layer of sweetness. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, consider using sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. For a more intense onion punch, white onions can be used, but be mindful that they can be sharper in flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightening up the richness of the yogurt and mayonnaise, lemon juice is the secret ingredient that adds a refreshing tang and prevents the dip from tasting heavy. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Why Lemon Juice Matters: The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the dairy and mayonnaise, creating a more balanced and palatable dip. It also helps to keep the dip tasting fresh and vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle savory depth that complements the onion flavor beautifully. It’s a convenient and consistent way to add garlic flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic. Garlic Alternatives: If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, you can use 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced very finely. However, be cautious with raw garlic as it can become quite pungent over time. Garlic paste is another good option, offering a more mellow garlic flavor than fresh minced garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Boosting the overall onion flavor, onion powder adds another layer of savory depth and enhances the oniony goodness of the dip. It complements the fresh diced onion and creates a well-rounded onion flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon Dried Dill: Dried dill adds a classic herbaceous note that is often associated with onion dip. Its slightly grassy and subtly citrusy flavor complements the onion and garlic beautifully, adding a layer of complexity to the dip. Fresh Dill Option: If you have fresh dill on hand, you can certainly use it! Use about 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill instead of dried. Fresh dill will have a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried dill.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial for bringing all the flavors together and ensuring the dip is perfectly balanced. Salt enhances all the other flavors and brings them to life. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a touch of spice. Seasoning Tips: Start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and then taste and adjust as needed. Remember that flavors will meld and deepen as the dip chills, so it’s always best to slightly under-season initially and adjust after chilling. Salt Varieties: Consider using sea salt or kosher salt for a cleaner, less metallic taste compared to iodized table salt.
- Optional Garnishes (Fresh Chives, Parsley, Paprika): Garnishes are not essential for flavor, but they add visual appeal and a touch of freshness. Finely chopped fresh chives or parsley sprinkled on top add a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note. A dusting of paprika adds a touch of color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
With these simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a Greek Yogurt Onion Dip that is both healthy and incredibly delicious. The quality of your ingredients will shine through, so choose the best Greek yogurt and fresh onion you can find for optimal flavor and texture.
Instructions
- Combine Greek Yogurt and Mayonnaise: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt and ½ cup of mayonnaise. Using a whisk or a rubber spatula, gently stir them together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Why This Step is Important: This initial mixing creates a uniform base for the dip, ensuring that the yogurt and mayonnaise are evenly distributed and will create a creamy texture. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can make the yogurt slightly thinner. Just gentle stirring until combined is all you need.
- Add Onion, Lemon Juice, and Spices: To the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture, add the 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of dried dill. Stir everything together until the spices and onion are evenly incorporated throughout the creamy base. Ensuring Even Distribution: Take your time to mix thoroughly in this step. You want to make sure that the onion and spices are not clumped together in one area of the dip. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is well mixed.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Now it’s time to season the dip to perfection. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and then taste the dip. Taste as You Go: This is a crucial step. Taste the dip after adding the initial amount of salt and pepper. Does it need more salt? Does it need a little more pepper? Add salt in small increments, tasting after each addition, until the flavors are balanced and the dip is seasoned to your liking. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
- Chill for at Least 30 Minutes (Ideally 1-2 Hours): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor development, chilling for 1-2 hours is highly recommended, and even longer (up to overnight) is perfectly fine. The Magic of Chilling: Chilling is not just about cooling the dip down; it’s essential for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. As the dip chills, the flavors of the onion, garlic, dill, and lemon juice will marry together, creating a more complex and harmonious taste. The texture will also thicken slightly as it chills, resulting in a more satisfying dip consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the dip a final stir. If desired, garnish with finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve chilled with your favorite vegetables, chips, crackers, or bread. Presentation Matters: A simple garnish can elevate the presentation of your dip. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or paprika adds a pop of color and makes the dip look even more appealing. Serve the dip in a nice serving bowl and arrange your dippers attractively around it.
Following these simple instructions will lead you to a delicious and satisfying Greek Yogurt Onion Dip every time. The minimal effort required belies the incredible flavor payoff – a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and a little bit of chilling patience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 75-90 calories
- Fat: 4-6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams