Zesty Yogurt Mint Sauce Recipe – Ina Garten’s Cooling Delight
Zesty and vibrant, this yogurt mint sauce brings Mediterranean flair to any dish with Ina Garten’s touch.
Fresh herbs dance through creamy yogurt, creating a condiment that sings with bright flavor.
Tangy and smooth, the sauce provides a cool counterpoint to grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a versatile accompaniment that elevates every bite.
Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this sauce comes together with minimal effort.
Drizzle it over kebabs, salads, or use as a dipping sauce to add instant excitement to your meal.
You won’t believe how a few fresh ingredients can make such a delightful difference.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 45691 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 80 kcal
Servings: 4
What Goes in Ina Garten Yogurt Mint Sauce
For Herb Base:
Scallions/Spring Onions: Adds a sharp, fresh kick that brightens the entire sauce with mild onion complexity.
Mint: Provides a cool, refreshing herbal note that transforms the sauce into a vibrant condiment.
Dill: Introduces a delicate, tangy undertone that complements the creamy yogurt base.
Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers a subtle heat that creates depth and subtle excitement in the sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and adds a rich, fruity undertone.
Lemon Juice: Brings bright acidity that balances and lifts the overall flavor profile.
For Creamy Base:
Greek Yogurt: Creates a thick, luxurious foundation with a tangy, smooth texture.
For Seasoning:
Salt: Enhances and amplifies the natural flavors of all ingredients.
Black Pepper: Adds a warm, slightly spicy dimension that rounds out the sauce's complexity.
Mixing Tools for Ina Garten Yogurt Mint Sauce
Food processor with steel blade: Essential for blending herbs and creating a coarse, vibrant paste.
Sharp knife: Perfect for finely chopping scallions and fresh herbs before processing.
Cutting board: Sturdy surface for prepping ingredients neatly.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining yogurt mixture and storing sauce while it rests.
Spatula: Helps scrape down processor sides and transfer sauce smoothly.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise salt and pepper amounts.
Ina Garten Yogurt Mint Sauce – Step-by-Step
Herb Mixture The core of this vibrant sauce starts with fresh scallions, mint, dill, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Toss these fragrant ingredients into a food processor to create a rustic, chunky base bursting with garden-fresh flavor.
Yogurt Fusion Swirl creamy Greek yogurt into the herbal blend, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. A quick pulse transforms the mixture into a smooth, tangy sauce that dances with bright, zesty notes.
Flavor Infusion Cover the sauce and let it rest in the refrigerator. This quiet waiting period allows the herbs and yogurt to become best friends, melding their individual personalities into a harmonious, refreshing condiment that will elevate any dish.
Twist It Up: Ina Garten Yogurt Mint Sauce Ideas
Chop herbs just before blending to maximize their vibrant, aromatic qualities and ensure the sauce bursts with bright, garden-fresh flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a subtle warmth to a zesty kick that tingles the palate.
Experiment with different yogurt types like strained Middle Eastern labneh for a thicker texture or lighter versions for a more delicate consistency.
Drizzle over grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, Mediterranean-style fish, or use as a dipping sauce for warm pita bread and kebabs.
Serving Tips for Ina Garten Yogurt Mint Sauce
Drizzle Over Grilled Meats: Elevate your barbecue game by pouring this zesty sauce over grilled lamb, chicken, or beef for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired touch.
Dip for Veggies and Pita: Serve as a vibrant, cool companion for roasted or raw vegetables, creating a delightful appetizer or snack that brings excitement to the table.
Spread on Sandwiches: Transform ordinary sandwiches and wraps into extraordinary culinary experiences by spreading this herb-packed sauce for an instant flavor boost.
Salad Dressing Upgrade: Thin the sauce with a bit of extra olive oil to create a light, tangy dressing that will make your salads pop with herbal freshness.
How to Store Ina Garten Yogurt Mint Sauce
Refrigerate Quickly: Store the yogurt mint sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh herb flavor and creamy texture.
Prevent Separation: Gently stir the sauce before serving if any natural liquid separation occurs, ensuring a smooth and consistent consistency.
Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the sauce may slightly change in texture due to the yogurt's water content, so fresh preparation is recommended for best results.
Serve Chilled: Keep the sauce cold until ready to serve, pairing perfectly as a dip, dressing, or condiment for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Ina Garten’s refreshing yogurt mint sauce blends tangy yogurt with cool mint leaves. Mediterranean-inspired condiment adds zesty flavor to grilled meats and vegetables, inviting culinary adventurers to explore delicious possibilities.
Ingredients
Scale
7 oz (198 g) Greek-style yogurt, such as Fage Total
6 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
½ cup (120 ml) chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tbsps minced fresh dill leaves
1 tbsp good olive oil
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Herb Preparation: Combine scallions, mint leaves, dill, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor, pulsing until a coarse, vibrant green herb mixture develops.
Yogurt Integration: Fold thick Greek yogurt into the herbal blend, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Pulse minimally to preserve a slightly textured consistency while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Chilling and Flavor Melding: Transfer the sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing the herbs to deeply infuse their aromatic essence into the creamy yogurt base, creating a complex and refreshing condiment that will elevate your dish with bright, zesty notes.
Notes
Maximize Herb Freshness: Use freshly picked mint and scallions for the most vibrant, intense flavor profile.
Perfect Texture Technique: Pulse ingredients briefly to maintain a rustic, slightly chunky consistency that preserves herb integrity.
Flavor Infusion Strategy: Chilling the sauce for 2-3 hours allows herbs to release their essential oils, creating a more complex and rounded taste.
Temperature Tip: Serve slightly chilled or at cool room temperature to enhance the sauce’s refreshing herbal notes and creamy texture.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.