Mint Yogurt Sauce (with Garlic and Lemon)

This refreshing mint yogurt sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors. Whether you call it a mint yogurt sauce or a garlic mint yogurt dip, it’s your new favorite way to cool off a spicy dish or dress up a grilled platter.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS GARLIC MINT YOGURT DIP

More simple than simple! You’ll love how fast and easy this sauce is to make, just stir and chill. With bright mint, a hit of garlic, and creamy yogurt, it elevates everything from shawarma to roasted vegetables. Great for building a Shawarma salad bowl! 

INGREDIENTS FOR MINT YOGURT SAUCE

• Greek Yogurt – This creamy, protein-rich base gives the sauce its luxurious texture and a cool contrast to bold dishes.
• Fresh Mint – Brings a pop of brightness and cooling flavor, balancing out the richness of the yogurt.
• Lemon Juice – Adds acidity and sparkle, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Dried Mint – Offers a deeper, slightly earthy mint note that compliments the fresh mint beautifully.
• Garlic Cloves – Adds a subtle punch of flavor and warmth without overpowering the mint. Garlic is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; salt sharpens flavors while black pepper adds a tiny kick.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC MINT YOGURT DIP

1. Combine. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, chopped fresh mint leaves, dried mint, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Rest and Adjust Seasoning. Let the sauce rest in the fridge for 15 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

TIPS FOR THE CREAMIEST MINT YOGURT SAUCE

Use full-fat Greek yogurt or even labneh if you want a thicker, more luxurious texture. Chop your fresh mint finely for better distribution, and don’t skip the resting time, it allows the garlic and mint to infuse the yogurt. A little olive oil can add richness if you're using a lighter yogurt.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MINT YOGURT SAUCE

This sauce is made for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Serve it with grilled lamb, chicken shawarma, falafel, or as a bright topping on roasted eggplant. It's also delicious drizzled over grain bowls, tucked into pita wraps, or used as a dip for crudités.

CAN I MAKE MINT YOGURT SAUCE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! This garlic mint yogurt dip can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the flavors deepen and improve over time.

VEGAN OR DAIRY-FREE? TRY THIS EASY SUBSTITUTE

To make this sauce dairy-free or vegan, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based version like almond, coconut, or cashew yogurt. Choose an unsweetened, unflavored variety for best results.

FRESH MINT VS. DRIED MINT: WHICH IS BETTER?

Fresh mint brings brightness and a pop of color, while dried mint offers a more mellow, herbaceous flavor. For best results, use both, just remember dried mint is more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

IS THIS MINT YOGURT SAUCE GOOD FOR MEAL PREP?

Absolutely. It stores well and tastes even better the next day. Prep a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long with veggies, wraps, grilled meats, or grain bowls.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

The main way I use mint yogurt sauce is to build and nice levant style dinner, or meal prep middle eastern mezza style salad bowls using Chicken Shawarma, Jerusalem Salad, Hummus, this yogurt mint sauce, all paired with pita bread. It can be used I so many ways!  

• Spoon over lamb or chicken shawarma
• Serve with falafel or roasted eggplant
• Use as a dip for crudités or pita chips
• Drizzle over grain bowls or salads

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Garlic press or microplane (optional)
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Meet the Mint Growers: Marble Family Farm in Utah

While most of the world’s mint comes from the Pacific Northwest, Utah has its own hidden gem. The Marble family, one of only two registered mint growers in the state of Utah, tending to 160 acres of mint in Corinne, UT. Imagine 160 football fields of fragrant green! Their farm celebrates a deep-rooted American tradition in mint farming, contributing to the U.S.’s leading role in global mint production. Chances are you have had their mint in something you have purchased in your grocery store, things like toothpaste, mouthwash, breath mints, chewing gum, candies, teas, ice cream and so much more!

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Mint Yogurt Sauce (with Garlic and Lemon)

This refreshing mint yogurt sauce is creamy, tangy, and cooling—perfect with grilled meats, shawarma, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for warm pita. Cool, creamy, and herbaceous, it’s simple, vibrant, and full of flavor.

Course Dip, Sauces, Side Dish

Cuisine Levantine, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Keyword Garlic Mint Yogurt Dip, Mint Yogurt Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting (for flavor melding) 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 17kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (240 g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint (about 6 g), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
• 2 teaspoons dried mint (1 g)
• 1-2 large garlic cloves (about 3–6 g), minced
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Combine. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, chopped fresh mint leaves, dried mint, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Rest and Adjust Seasoning. Let the sauce rest in the fridge for 15 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoon | Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.2mg

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

The diet categories listed below are offered as a helpful guide, not as nutritional advice. While I’m not a dietitian, I am a professional baker by day with a deep love for seasonal produce and savory cooking at home. Bite Me Industries is a produce-forward blog that celebrates the flavors of each season through crave-worthy bakes and vibrant, flavor-driven recipes — the kind that transport you to your favorite bakery, café, or cozy bistro.

Here is a quick reference if you are trying to meet a dietary consideration.

• DF (Dairy Free): No – Contains Greek yogurt.
• EF (Egg Free): Yes – No eggs are used in this recipe.
• GF (Gluten-free): Yes – Naturally free from gluten.
• NF (Nut Free): Yes – This recipe contains no nuts.
• PB (Plant Based): No – Made with dairy-based yogurt.
• SF (Sugar Free): Yes – No added sugars included.
• VE (Vegetarian): Yes – Suitable for a vegetarian diet.
• VG (Vegan): No – Not vegan unless using a plant-based yogurt.
• Paleo: No – Dairy is not allowed on a Paleo diet.
• Keto: Yes – Low in carbs if made with full-fat yogurt.
• Whole30: No – Not compliant due to dairy.