Herbed Labneh Dip with Crudités
A vibrant and creamy Herbed Labneh Dip, featuring the rich tang of strained yogurt blended with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, perfect for a healthy and satisfying snack alongside crisp crudités.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Herbs and Garlic:** Finely chop the fresh dill and parsley. Mince the garlic clove.
**Combine Dip Ingredients:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the labneh, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley.
**Mix and Season:** Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon juice for tang or herbs for freshness.
**Prepare Crudités:** Wash and prepare your assorted vegetables. Peel carrots and cut into uniform sticks. Slice cucumber and bell peppers into sticks or wedges. Trim and halve radishes. Cut celery stalks into sticks. Arrange them attractively on a serving platter.
**Serve:** Transfer the herbed labneh dip to a small serving bowl. Drizzle generously with an additional tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
**Garnish (Optional):** For an enhanced presentation and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sumac or red pepper flakes over the dip. Serve immediately with the prepared crudités.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Make Ahead:** The labneh dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
- 2**Thickening Labneh:** If your labneh seems too thin, you can strain it further by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to remove excess whey.
- 3**Herb Variety:** Don't limit yourself to dill and parsley. Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint, chives, oregano, or a blend of Mediterranean herbs to customize the flavor.
- 4**Temperature Matters:** Serve the dip chilled for the best texture and refreshing flavor contrast with the crisp, cool vegetables.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dip for a subtle heat that complements the tangy labneh.
Roasted GarlicRoasted Garlic
Roast a head of garlic until soft and caramelized, then mash and incorporate into the labneh for a deeper, sweeter, and more mellow garlic flavor.
Mediterranean TwistMediterranean Twist
Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for a more robust, savory, and briny profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Labneh, being a strained yogurt, is concentrated in protein, promoting satiety, aiding in muscle repair, and supporting overall metabolic health.
Rich in Probiotics
Like yogurt, labneh contains beneficial live and active cultures (probiotics) that support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and immune function.
Vitamin and Mineral Rich
Paired with a colorful assortment of fresh crudités, this snack provides essential vitamins (like Vitamin K, C, A), minerals, and dietary fiber for overall well-being and antioxidant support.
Frequently asked questions
A: Labneh is a thick, creamy cheese-like spread made by straining yogurt to remove most of its whey, resulting in a product with a texture similar to cream cheese but with a distinct tangier flavor and higher protein content.
