Save to Pinterest I used to think fruit platters were boring until a neighbor showed up at a picnic with this yogurt dip tucked in a small glass bowl. Everyone kept going back for more strawberries just to get another scoop. It wasn't fancy, but it made the whole spread feel intentional. I asked for the recipe on the spot, and she laughed because there wasn't really a recipe—just yogurt, honey, and whatever citrus was in the fridge.
The first time I brought this to a potluck, I almost didn't because it seemed too simple next to casseroles and layered desserts. But it was gone before the main course even came out. A kid told me it tasted like cheesecake you could eat with your hands. That stuck with me. Sometimes the easiest thing you make ends up being the one people remember.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): The thick, tangy base that holds everything together without feeling like a dessert—whole milk or 2% gives the best creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Just enough to take the edge off the yogurt's tang and let the fruit shine, and it blends in smoother than granulated sugar ever could.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little warmth that makes the dip smell like something you baked, even though you didn't turn on the oven.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): I skip it in summer and add it in fall—it shifts the whole vibe toward cozy without overpowering anything.
- Freshly grated lemon zest (1 teaspoon): This is the secret—it brightens every bite and makes the dip taste alive instead of flat.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness and keeps the sweetness from feeling cloying, especially with ripe fruit.
Instructions
- Combine the base:
- In a medium bowl, add the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, cinnamon if you're using it, lemon zest, and lemon juice. It looks like a mess at first, but that's normal.
- Whisk it smooth:
- Whisk everything together until it's creamy and there are no streaks of honey left hiding at the bottom. Taste it now—if you want it sweeter or tangier, adjust before chilling.
- Let it rest:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can settle into each other. You can skip this if you're in a rush, but the dip tastes more balanced after it sits.
- Serve with fruit:
- Transfer to a pretty serving bowl and surround it with strawberries, apple slices, grapes, pineapple, or melon. Watch it disappear.
Save to Pinterest One afternoon my niece refused to eat anything green or healthy until I let her dip apple slices in this. She ended up eating half the platter and asking if we could make it again tomorrow. It reminded me that sometimes getting someone to try something new is just about the delivery, not a lecture.
Making It Your Own
If you want it richer, stir in a few spoonfuls of softened cream cheese and whisk until it's completely smooth. For a vegan version, swap in coconut or almond yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey—it won't taste identical, but it still works. A pinch of nutmeg or grated fresh ginger can take this in a spiced direction that's great with pears and apples in the fall.
Best Fruits to Serve
Strawberries and pineapple are crowd favorites because they're sweet and sturdy enough to scoop. Crisp apple slices and pear wedges add crunch and don't get soggy. Grapes are easy for kids to grab, and melon chunks make it feel more like a party. I've even seen people dip dried apricots and it worked surprisingly well.
Storing and Serving Tips
This keeps in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container, though the lemon flavor fades a bit over time. If you're making it ahead for a party, prepare it the night before so the flavors deepen. Serve it cold, and if it's sitting out for a while, nestle the bowl in a larger dish filled with ice to keep it from getting warm and runny.
- Use a shallow bowl so every piece of fruit can reach the dip easily.
- Garnish the top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest for a finished look.
- Pair it with sparkling water, white wine, or even champagne at brunch.
Save to Pinterest This dip has become my default when I don't know what to bring but want to show up with something people actually eat. It's proof that simple things, done right, can be the most memorable.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dip vegan?
Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based yogurt alternative for a vegan variation.
- → How long should the dip be chilled?
Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop a smoother texture.
- → What fruits work best with this dip?
Fresh berries, apple slices, grapes, pineapple, and melon all pair wonderfully with this creamy dip.
- → Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Yes, a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add a warm, spiced twist to the dip.
- → Is it possible to make the dip thicker or creamier?
For extra creaminess, replace part of the yogurt with whipped cream cheese or a thicker plant-based yogurt.