Carrot Sticks & Herby Yogurt Dip
Elevate your snack game with crisp, high-fiber carrot sticks paired with a vibrant, protein-packed herby Greek yogurt dip. This quick and easy recipe is a powerhouse for gut health and a delicious way to boost your daily vegetable intake.
For 2 servings
Prepare the carrots: Wash and scrub the carrots thoroughly. Trim off both ends. If desired, peel the carrots, then cut them into uniform sticks, approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/4-inch thick. For maximum crispness, you can place them in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry.
Prepare the herbs and garlic: Finely chop the fresh dill. Mince the garlic clove very finely using a knife or a microplane for a smoother texture in the dip.
Make the herby yogurt dip: In a small mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Mix and adjust seasoning: Stir all the dip ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference. For a thicker dip, use a thicker Greek yogurt or strain it slightly.
Serve: Arrange the crisp carrot sticks on a serving platter or in individual glasses. Serve immediately with the herby yogurt dip on the side for dipping. For best flavor and to allow the herbs to infuse, chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crisp carrots, soak the cut sticks in ice water for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps them become extra crunchy.
- 2Make ahead: The dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time.
- 3Vary your veggies: This dip pairs wonderfully with other raw vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, or even blanched broccoli florets.
- 4Choose your yogurt wisely: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier dip, or non-fat for a lighter option. Ensure it's plain and unsweetened.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Substitute dill with other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, mint, or a combination of your favorites for a different flavor profile.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for a touch of heat.
Creamy Avocado DipCreamy Avocado Dip
Blend half an avocado into the yogurt dip for an extra creamy texture and healthy fats, turning it into an avocado-yogurt hybrid.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Carrots are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Probiotic Powerhouse
Greek yogurt provides beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption.
Vitamin A Boost
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried dill. Use about 1/3 of the fresh herb quantity (e.g., 1/3 tsp dried dill for 1 tbsp fresh) as dried herbs are more concentrated.
