Sour Cream and Chive Dip
A cool, creamy, and tangy dip bursting with fresh chive flavor. Perfect for potato chips, crunchy veggie sticks, or as a quick party appetizer, this classic comes together in under five minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Prep the fresh chives.
1.Rinse the fresh chives under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.2.Using a sharp knife, finely chop the chives until you have 3 tablespoons. - mix · ~2 min
Combine all the ingredients.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cold sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together with a whisk or rubber spatula until the chives are evenly distributed and the dip is smooth.
- rest · ~15 min
Chill the dip before serving.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step makes a big difference in taste.
TIPDon't skip the chill time — it softens the garlic bite and lets the oniony chive flavor fully bloom into the cream. - serve · ~1 min
Give a final stir and serve.
Remove the dip from the fridge, give it a quick stir, and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve alongside potato chips, crudités, or crackers.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use full-fat sour cream — low-fat varieties can taste watery and thin.
- 2Pat the chives completely dry after washing; excess water will make the dip runny and dilute the tang.
- 3Let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, to let the garlic powder mellow and the chive flavor deepen.
- 4Taste and adjust the salt and lemon juice just before serving; chilling can dull the seasoning slightly.
- 5Make a double batch for parties — this dip keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- 6For a smoother texture, whisk the sour cream alone first to loosen it before adding the other ingredients.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dill and onion
Replace the chives with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill and 1 teaspoon of dried minced onion for a classic dill-sour cream dip perfect with potato chips.
spicy chipotleSpicy chipotle
Add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder or 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky-spicy kick that pairs great with tortilla chips.
veganVegan
Use 1 cup of dairy-free sour cream (like cashew or coconut-based) and follow the same steps for a fully plant-based dip.
jain friendlyJain-friendly
Replace chives with chopped green onion tops (only green leaves) and skip the garlic powder — add a pinch of asafoetida for a similar savory note.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Live probiotics from sour cream
Full-fat sour cream contains beneficial live cultures that support gut health, especially when used fresh and cold.
Rich in chive antioxidants
Fresh chives are a source of allicin and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Portion-friendly fat source
The rich sour cream provides satiating fats, making it easy to enjoy a small serving as a satisfying snack.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh chives are strongly recommended — dried chives lack the vibrant, mild oniony flavor and crunchy texture that make this dip shine.
