If you want a flavor packed dip that is a total crowd-pleaser, this creamy fried pickle dip is IT! Its Greek yogurt base delivers a boost of protein (almost 25 grams per cup) and calcium, complemented by the tang of dill pickles, and flavor explosion of ranch seasoning, and fresh dill. The toasted panko topping adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Whether for a game day party, family gathering, or a simple weekday snack, you’ll be making this on repeat!
![Seriously Good "Fried" Pickle Dip with Greek Yogurt in a white bowl with a scoop on a spoon and dishes on the side](https://www.lindsaypleskot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Seriously-Good-Fried-Pickle-Dip-with-Greek-Yogurt-HERO-1024x1536.jpg)
I’m a total snack girl, and for me, savory is where it’s at! When I saw this viral fried pickle dip going around I knew I had to jump on it and put my spin on it!
As an Intuitive Eating Dietitian, I’m all about embracing food freedom and savoring the joy of eating without those pesky diet rules. This means ditching both the “rule” that everything must be healthified AND the rule that we can’t honor nutrition if we want to be intuitive eaters.
In my version of this creamy fried pickle ranch dip I decided to opt for Greek yogurt as the base — there is absolutely no sacrifice to my enjoyment while also adding some extra nutrition that will help me feel full, satisfied and energized after eating it.
With that said, you don’t always have to consider nutrition! Pleasure and enjoyment are equally important aspects of intuitive eating AND you can consider the combination of what will leave me feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally pleasant after eating.
If you want to learn how to embrace intuitive eating and find a place of peace and confidence with food, my Make Food Feel Good Program walks you through exactly how to get there
This dip is a perfect reminder that intuitive eating is all about honoring your hunger and enjoying your food without compromise. The Greek yogurt packs calcium and a solid dose of protein to help you feel full and satisfied (almost 25g per cup!), while the diced pickles add that irresistible tangy flavor. And let’s not forget the buttery panko topping for that satisfying crunch (something that totally ups the satisfaction factor for me!).
Pair this dip with your favorite chips, fresh veggie sticks, or a handful of crackers and you’ve got a snack that dreams are made of! Whether you’re sharing it at a party or enjoying a quiet snack at home, it’s the perfect way to add some enjoyment to your day!
If you love dips, you have to check out more of my favorite dip recipes, like this 5-Minute French Onion Cottage Cheese Dip, this Honey-Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip, and this Quick Baked Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Dip!
What You Need For Fried Pickle Dip
Greek Yogurt: The backbone of this fried pickle dip, Greek yogurt provides a rich, creamy texture and an impressive boost of protein. I opt for a 2-5% fat content as it’s slightly less tangy and super creamy! It’s not just a base; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that makes this dip as satisfying as it is delicious!
Dill Pickles: You can’t talk about fried pickle dip without its star player – dill pickles. Their tangy, briny flavor is what defines this dip. I prefer them diced for a nice texture and that burst of pickle taste with every scoop.
Cream Cheese: For that irresistible creamy consistency and a hint of tang, cream cheese is essential. It softens easily and blends smoothly with the yogurt, making the dip a bit thicker and creating a perfect dipping texture.
Ranch Seasoning: This is the secret weapon for packing a flavorful punch with minimal effort. Ranch seasoning combines herbs and spices that complement the yogurt and pickles beautifully, infusing the dip with layers of flavor.
How To Make Fried Pickle Dip
Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the panko to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the panko is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then stir in the chives.
To a medium bowl, add cream cheese, yogurt, pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, ranch seasoning and dill and stir to combine well (alternatively you can add everything to a food processor, in which case no need to dice the pickles. Blend until well combined, but pickles are still a bit chunky)
Gently fold half of the panko mixture into the dip and stir to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining panko mixture and more dill if you’d like.
Serve with chips, crackers or fresh veggies and enjoy!
Mistakes and Fixes
Dip consistency too thick or thin: If your dip turns out thicker than you prefer, gradually stir in a bit more pickle juice or a splash of milk to thin it out without diluting the flavor. If it’s too thin, add a little more Greek yogurt or cream cheese to thicken it up.
Over-salting: It’s easy to go overboard with salt, especially with the natural brininess of pickles and the savory notes of the ranch seasoning. If it’s too salty, add a bit more Greek yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired taste is reached!
Nutrition by Addition
Before I jump into the nutritional benefits of this fried pickle dip, I want to talk about the philosophy of nutrition by addition. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that this involves focusing on what you can add to your plate versus what to cut out.
Often I’ll talk about it in regards to an ingredient. For example adding greek yogurt into a cinnamon roll smoothie recipe for an extra dose of protein. But it also applies to what you eat throughout the day like adding a snack in between meals instead of “holding off” until dinner. This will help you feel energized and keep your blood sugars stable throughout the day.
The importance of snacking is often overlooked, but adding 1 to 3 snacks into your day can be a total game changer in terms of energy, cravings and not feeling out of control around food (often triggered by low blood sugars).
I often hear from clients that this one simple change has an immediate ripple effect on everything from mood, relationship with food, reducing binges and “overeating” and decreased preoccupation with food.
Just a few of the reasons why I’m such a snack champion as a dietitian.
Greek Yogurt: This creamy base is loaded with protein, offering almost 25 grams per cup. Protein helps provide a feeling of fullness and also supports muscle building and repair. Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium, which is crucial for bone health, and probiotics that support gut health.
Dill Pickles: Pickles provide a tangy flavor while contributing some fiber and antioxidants. The pickle juice also provides electrolytes like potassium and sodium.
Fresh Dill: This fragrant herb not only adds a refreshing flavor but also delivers antioxidants, vitamins A and C.
Recipe, Kitchen, & Time Saving Hacks
Use a food processor: This gives the dip a smoother consistency and saves time on chopping. Simply pulse all the ingredients (except the panko) until you reach your desired texture.
If you make this Fried Pickle Dip with Greek Yogurt, it would make my day if you would leave a comment and/or star rating below— I love hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot.rd so I can see your versions! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! Xo
PrintSeriously Good “Fried” Pickle Dip with Greek Yogurt
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
If you want a flavor packed dip that is a total crowd-pleaser, this creamy fried pickle dip is IT! Its Greek yogurt base delivers a boost of protein (almost 25 grams per cup) and calcium, complemented by the tang of dill pickles, and flavor explosion of ranch seasoning, and fresh dill. The toasted panko topping adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Whether for a game day party, family gathering, or a simple weekday snack, you’ll be making this on repeat!
Ingredients
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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1 cup plain greek yogurt ( I like 2-5%)
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1 tablespoon pickle juice
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1 cup diced dill pickles
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
For the panko topping:
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1 tablespoon salted butter
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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Salt and pepper
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¼ cup fresh chives, minced
Instructions
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Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the panko to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the panko is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then stir in the chives.
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To a medium bowl, add cream cheese, yogurt, pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, ranch seasoning and dill and stir to combine well (alternatively you can add everything to a food processor, in which case no need to dice the pickles. Blend until well combined, but pickles are still a bit chunky)
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Gently fold half of the panko mixture into the dip and stir to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining panko mixture and more dill if you’d like.
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Serve with chips, crackers or fresh veggies and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Meghan says
Delicious Lindsay! Flavour explosion is right. Perfect Friday after school snack.
Lindsay Pleskot, RD says
Haha yes I love it!! So happy you’re enjoying it! Gotta love an afterschool snack you look forward to!