Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, 2%, or nonfat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried chives)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Optional additions:
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk (to thin for dressing consistency)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
- Dash of hot sauce (for kick)
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for extra creaminess while still being healthier)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: If using fresh herbs, wash them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Finely chop the dill, chives, and parsley. Mince the garlic cloves very finely using a garlic press, microplane, or sharp knife—the finer the better to distribute flavor evenly.
- Combine base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the plain Greek yogurt. Make sure you’re using plain, unsweetened yogurt. If there’s any liquid (whey) separated on top of your yogurt, you can either stir it in or pour it off depending on your consistency preference.
- Add herbs and seasonings: Add the chopped fresh dill, chives, and parsley to the yogurt. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. If using any optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce, add them now as well.
- Mix thoroughly: Using a whisk or fork, stir everything together vigorously until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the yogurt. Make sure there are no pockets of seasoning or herbs—everything should be well incorporated. The dip should be smooth and uniformly green-flecked throughout.
- Taste and adjust: This is the most important step! Taste your dip and adjust seasonings as needed. Ranch should be flavorful, so don’t be shy with seasonings. Add more salt if it tastes flat, more garlic for stronger garlic flavor, more vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess, or more herbs for freshness. Remember, the flavors will develop and intensify as it sits.
- Adjust consistency: If you want a thinner consistency for use as salad dressing or drizzling, whisk in milk or buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For dipping, keep it thick as is.
- Chill (optional but recommended): Transfer the dip to an airtight container or serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and develop. The dip will also thicken slightly as it chills. You can serve it immediately if needed, but it tastes significantly better after resting.
- Serve: Give the dip a quick stir before serving, as it may have thickened or separated slightly in the refrigerator. Transfer to your serving bowl and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve with your favorite dippers and enjoy!
Notes
- Herb flexibility: Can’t find all three herbs? Use what you have! All dill, all chives, or a combination of any two works fine. You can even use Italian parsley or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
- Dried herb conversion: If using all dried herbs, the total should be about 2 tablespoons dried herbs total. Remember dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
- Consistency control: Greek yogurt brands vary in thickness. If your dip seems too thick, thin with milk. If it’s too thin, use a thicker brand next time or drain your yogurt through cheesecloth for 30 minutes.
- Flavor development: The dip tastes good immediately but is significantly better after 2-4 hours or overnight as flavors meld.
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavor actually improves over the first 2-3 days.
- Make it traditional: For a creamier version closer to traditional ranch, mix in 2-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise or sour cream while still being healthier than fully traditional versions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 0g (with nonfat yogurt) / 1g (with full-fat yogurt)
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg (nonfat) / 4mg (full-fat)