Swap Sour Cream With Greek Yogurt For A More Lighter Take On Dip

Greek yogurt is one of the culinary world's most decadent superfoods. Thick and tangy, with a satisfying velvety texture and almost cream cheese-like taste, the versatile strained yogurt has been consumed since as far back as 100 B.C. It is often served with a drizzle of honey and nuts and possesses numerous health benefits, such as a high protein content and a vitamin-heavy nutritional profile. Simply put, it's as nutritious as it is delicious. Naturally, Greek yogurt can be used in many different ways, especially as a health-forward alternative to other creamy recipe ingredients, including heavy cream, buttermilk, and sometimes even eggs. 

In fact, due to its similar texture and equally tangy taste, Greek yogurt also makes a gold-medal alternative to sour cream. It works not only in baking but also in both sweet and savory dips, contributing a rich and zesty flavor profile while keeping your recipe light. Substituting Greek yogurt (in its non-flavored varieties, which are lower in sugar and carbs) for its higher-fat counterpart is an excellent way to deliver a dip that delights. 

Substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream is relatively simple: It's typically a one-to-one swap,meaning you can use an equal amount of yogurt when your recipe calls for sour cream, assuming that you're using full-fat Greek yogurt, which is closest to sour cream in flavor. While you can indeed use nonfat yogurt for results that are just as light and tasty in cold dips, note that the texture of fat-free varieties will be slightly different and won't work as well in hot dips, such as spinach artichoke or queso dip.

When you're ready to switch, simply add the same amount of Greek yogurt as you would sour cream before mixing your dip as usual. This substitution will deliver a thicker consistency and lighter taste with less fat and calories than sour cream, while adding more protein and potassium. Additionally, Greek yogurt contains less lactose than sour cream, so dairy-sensitive consumers can indulge without worry. However, it's important to note that Greek yogurt will be a bit tangier in flavor than sour cream in a dip, so you might want to adjust the quantities of other ingredients and seasonings for balance. 

Alternatively, if you're looking for a richer taste to your dip — or are making a dessert dip — add about one cup of heavy cream. Simply whisk your heavy cream until you have stiff peaks, then fold in your Greek yogurt and other ingredients for a rich, fluffy accompaniment to fruit or graham crackers. 

A wide variety of flavors pair well with Greek yogurt to create delectable dips. For a lighter go-to queso dip, add in some plain Greek yogurt. The lightness of the yogurt will pair well with your cheese to add texture and deliver a seriously decadent taste with less fat. And if you want to thin your dip out a bit due to the thickness of the yogurt, you can add a bit of milk to your other ingredients. 

Additionally, if you're in the mood for a flavorful tzatziki sauce, a popular Greek dip featuring dill and cucumber, you're in business. While many tzatziki recipes include sour cream as well as yogurt, you can instead swap the sour cream to use entirely Greek yogurt (by using an additional amount of Greek yogurt in an equal measurement to the sour cream) and enjoy a lighter, but still delicious dip for your pita chips. Feel free to add a little extra garlic, which will bring out the flavor of the yogurt and dill. And for a light but creamy spinach artichoke dip, mix in some Greek yogurt with your cheeses, spinach, and artichokes. The tanginess of the yogurt will pair beautifully with the salty flavor of the Parmesan and deliver a delectably savory dip that no one tasted coming.