The true star of any cookout spread worth its stuff? The snack table, of course. And this grilling season, even if we’re just gathering in the backyard for a Father’s Day burger-flipping fest with the fam, scoring big picnic points is as easy as DIY-ing a delicious dip that pairs perfectly with crisp veggies, savory carbs, and your favorite sizzling mains.
For those of us who typically rely on the ready-made supermarket variety, a homemade dip might be a revelation. Luckily, all you need to assemble one on the fly is a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Following a simple 5-step formula (creamy base, pinch of herbs, squeeze of citrus, crunchy topping), you can create a fresh and flavorful, compulsively snackable spread, that’s customized to your heart’s content. Ready to get dipping?

Creamy Herb Yogurt Dip
Whipping up this versatile dip is as simple as combining the ingredients and chilling for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. You can either replicate my recipe exactly, or read on for more mouthwatering combos you can DIY based on what you’ve got on hand.
You will need:
- 1 cup plain, whole-fat yogurt
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A few twists of pepper
- Za’atar, to top
Step 1: Choose a base

Begin with a creamy foundation to bind and showcase your mix-ins. I used plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for its rich, velvety tang, but you could also try a mild, fluffy ricotta, a silky smooth crème fraîche, or a non-dairy sour cream, depending on your desired texture and flavor profile.
Step 2: Season liberally

Fold in tender chopped herbs. I picked a handful of bright, aromatic cilantro and a few sprigs of chives that recently bloomed from my windowsill garden, but feel free to mix and match using whatever you have that’s fresh—like basil, mint, tarragon, or parsley. To give your dip that extra spicy kick, add a clove (or two) of minced garlic, or alternatively, toss in some diced red onion or scallions. Salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Select your citrus
A bit of citrus is your key to creating some zesty complexity. Brighten your base with a healthy squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or add a splash of vinegar to the mix for a sweet, sharp contrast.

Step 4: Top off with texture
Dollop the dip in your prettiest bowl and chill for 30 minutes. Finish by topping your spread with a sprinkling of spice blend like the za’atar I’ve used here, or give it a defined crunch with a handful of sesame seeds or toasted nuts. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you might even spoon on a fiery, chunky chili oil. Now’s the time to get creative, so raid the back of your pantry and see what you find: A package of crispy shallots or fried onions? Toss them into the mix!
Step 5: Serve with sides

Equally important: the dippables! I like to set out a plate of crunchy pretzels and potato chips alongside wedges of crisp fennel, cucumbers, and sugar snap peas. If you’ve already got the grill fired up, brush some pita or sourdough with olive oil and toast it right on the hot grate. And if you find yourself dragging a forkful of grilled steak or sausage through your garlicky, herbaceous concoction, I promise no one will fault you—they might even follow your lead.
Hungry for more dip inspo? Here are a few of my go-to combos:
Dip into these flavors to channel a mediterranean meal al fresco:
- Combine yogurt, mint, basil, parsley, garlic, and lemon
- Top with sesame seeds
- Serve with grilled bread and fresh fennel
Stir up a bright and kicky pairing for your potato chips:
- Combine sour cream, cilantro, scallions, and lime
- Top with chili oil
- Serve with ridged potato chips and cooling cucumber spears
Turn up the elegance with a whipped ricotta dip:
- Combine whole-milk ricotta, parsley, basil, tarragon, and lemon
- Top with toasted chopped hazelnuts
- Serve with seedy crackers and delicate endive leaves
Upgrade your barbecue basics
Set the stage for ultimate snacking success, just in time for Father’s Day.

Shop more kitchen and dining supplies
Recipe photographed by Aravis Moore.
50 comments
Karen said 278 days ago
Definitely trying this for the weekend!
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 278 days ago
Very timely, we are frying shish kebab today.
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 278 days ago
We love dips for every occasion! I have a bottle each of jalapeno seasoning and red chile seasoning that I buy from my local farmers market. I've never tried yogurt as a base for my dip, but I just might have to try it!
Robyn from PillowscapeDesigns said 277 days ago
Thank you so much for these tasty snacks ideas ..... I plan to try for my next ZOOM Happy Hour!
Mariya from MagicArtForYou said 277 days ago
What a delicious recipe! It's a great match for meat. Thank you! I wrote it down, and I'll try it.
Eva Miller from KapKaDesign said 277 days ago
I had no idea about Za’atar seasoning. Exited to try something new. Thank you! I love making dips for snacks for kids.
Olha from ElfyWorkshop said 276 days ago
Wow! Such an interesting and simple recipe🤩 Thanks a lot🥰 I just can’t wait to try it🤗
Olga Mironova from PorcelainKingdom said 275 days ago
Great recipe and advises! Can't wait for the warm weather here in Moscow to try it outside at a picnic :)
Ekaterina from katrinshinesupplies said 275 days ago
WOW! Seems so delisciuos! I will try it! I like tzaziki sauce and this one seems similar.
Julia from FavoriteToyStore said 275 days ago
Already cooked, very tasty
Anna from LissiKids said 274 days ago
Great recipes! I will definitely cook these barbecue sauces
Lyudmila Lyadova from ArtdollsDIY said 274 days ago
Good ideas!
Anastasia from YourAdventureInGlass said 274 days ago
Looks great! Just what I need, thank you!
Nina from OriginalJewelrByNina said 274 days ago
Спасибо! Забрала в копилочку, буду экспериментировать!
Agnieszka from Makramianki said 274 days ago
Thank you, really nice dip recipe. :))))
Barb from Blingyourdoorandmore said 274 days ago
This dip sounds amazing and I can't wait to try it. It sounds so fresh and delicious. Thank you for sharing.
Shannon Woodhouse from PolkaDotsAndSnails said 274 days ago
Yummy! Can't wait to try these out!
Amanda Klein from MandaMakesCo said 273 days ago
LOVE! Trying this weekend -- thanks for the yummy tips!
Ana C. Gomez from MixBerryDesignsShop said 273 days ago
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing fresh recipes. Loved it.
Pinky Kitty from PalaceOfPinky said 273 days ago
This looks delicious! I am always hungry and can't wait to try this!
Rebecca Harris said 272 days ago
What brand Za'atar did you use.
Jennifer from IceBreakerPrintables said 272 days ago
Simple steps, thank you!
Anna Sypalo from XstitchbyAnna said 271 days ago
I think it's so delicious! Thank you!
Natalya from LadiesDressingRoom said 271 days ago
Very "tasty" photo...Thank you for it...Immediately remembered my sister and I picnics in nature.
Carol from MasCollected said 270 days ago
Sounds and looks terrific! I have the Za'atar, lemon, yogurt and garlic on hand! Thanks Aravis, lovely piece!
Olga Arendarchuk from KiviBijou said 270 days ago
Thanks for the recipe! Looks appetizing!
kimberly Rush from MindsetGym said 270 days ago
Oh my goodness, This looks delicious! I love food inspiration!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 269 days ago
Hummmmm.... looks delicious.
drunkmansdaughter from NaturallySonia said 269 days ago
Fun recipes :)
Taylor Dunworth from taydunworth said 268 days ago
I'm a sucker for ricotta, so the whipped ricotta dip sounds amazing with some fresh veggies!
Olivia from oliviowo said 268 days ago
now i'm hungry!!
Tatyana from FragrantToys said 267 days ago
Fine! Thanks for the recipes! Be sure to beat this summer
Marina Rozmi from Rainbowyarnstore said 267 days ago
Thank you so much. I will try it today for my Father
Mariia Shevchenko from MariUkraine said 266 days ago
yummyyy!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 266 days ago
What a mouthwatering dip recipe! Will make it soon. Thank you for sharing!
Lira Allayarova from LiraAllayarova said 265 days ago
This is very beautiful. You can work with me to be a designer, determining the color, style and decor of the future product, and I will try to implement
Carla Seaton from CarlasFunkyArt said 264 days ago
Something to look forward to this summer! I need some positivism! :)
Thuy said 263 days ago
I love etsy. I just can’t wait to try it
Watts DryGoods from WattsDryGoods said 263 days ago
Love a dip!
jnahoum2 said 263 days ago
Can’t wait to try the mason jar cakes with my grandkids!! Very creative and fun idea.
Lisa Ladonski said 263 days ago
I love how versatile this is!! I look forward to more!!
Marianna Bellantoni from BeachBaublesTM said 263 days ago
Looks and sounds delish! Going to give it a try-thanks for sharing!
Julia Kucharewicz from RyzhylikWorkshop said 261 days ago
We tried this recipe last weekend. This is delicious!
Mary Tok from MaryandMuse said 261 days ago
Thank you very much for the recipe !!! Now I know what I have for dinner today.
Aticha Thongchai from GetWellPlan said 260 days ago
Thanks for sharing!
Elena from TINARTEprintables said 260 days ago
oh dear, it looks delicious! ......
Irina Shcherbinina from AmiguRinaDesigns said 258 days ago
Thanks, I will definitely try
Vintage Beso from VintageBeso said 256 days ago
Had no idea this section even existed and love it - just got an email about and have been clicking, clicking, clicking. Will try. Thanks.
psychicgranny said 249 days ago
Sounds wonderful, will put it on the list after the banana bread !
Carol Anne Williams from 16thAvenueCreative said 213 days ago
I'm about to have to get up and make myself some dip about now. And also order one of the za'atar that were linked! Yum!