Level up your mains with this 5-minute spicy Greek yogurt sauce. It's the perfect balance of cool and fiery, perfect for crispy chicken or adding a kick to your other favorites.
This creamy sauce, made with just a handful of ingredients, is a lighter, healthier alternative to typical creamy sauces. A touch of Sriracha brings packs the punch, while a sprinkle of paprika adds a fiery hue. Plus, the protein-packed Greek yogurt base keeps you satisfied.
This is our go-to sauce for everything from spicy chicken wraps to lunchtime sandwiches.
Need it dairy-free 
or vegan 
? No problem. Check the Substitutions section for easy modifications.
Ingredients
- Light mayonnaise
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce (we use Sriracha)
- Lemon juice
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined.
Cover and if you have time, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld!
Substitutions
- Gluten-free: This sauce is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if you have a severe allergy.
- Vegan: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or blended silken tofu. Use vegan mayonnaise.
- Low-calorie: Choose non-fat Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. Increase the yogurt-to-mayo ratio for fewer calories.
Variations
- Extra hot: Increase hot sauce to 3-4 tablespoons, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Mild: Use 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, increase Greek yogurt to ⅓ cup, add 1 teaspoon honey or sugar.
- Kid-friendly: Omit hot sauce and black pepper, use ½ cup Greek yogurt, add 1 tablespoon of honey, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Optional: add 2 tablespoons of pureed roasted red peppers or carrots.
Flavor Variations:
- Garlic-herb: Add minced garlic, finely chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or cilantro), and a pinch of dried oregano to the base sauce recipe.
- Smoky chipotle: Substitute chipotle hot sauce for sriracha and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, complex flavor.
- Curry-turmeric: Add curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of cumin to the base sauce for an Indian-inspired twist.
- Pesto: Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto for an Italian-inspired, herbaceous sauce.
- Avocado crema: Blend in half an avocado for a creamy, cooling element.
Storage
Make ahead/Leftovers: Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before using.
Freeze: Due to the mayonnaise content, freezing this sauce is not recommended. Mayonnaise can separate and become watery when frozen, resulting in an undesirable texture once thawed.
Top tip
For a smoother, more flavorful sauce, allow the Greek yogurt to come to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps the flavors meld together better and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
FAQ
Greek yogurt pairs well with a variety of spices, depending on the desired flavor profile. For savory dishes, try cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like dill, mint, or parsley. In sweet recipes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla complement the tangy yogurt beautifully.
While you can heat Greek yogurt, it's important to do so gently and gradually to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling or exposing the yogurt to direct high heat; instead, stir it into warm ingredients or sauces at the end of cooking, or temper it by slowly whisking in a small amount of the hot liquid to gradually raise its temperature.
Greek yogurt can be used as a base for various sauces, both sweet and savory. Some popular options include tzatziki (with cucumber, garlic, and dill), raita (with cucumbers, mint, and spices), tahini sauce (with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic), and fruit sauces (with pureed berries or mangoes, honey, and vanilla).
Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be mixed with a wide range of flavors and ingredients. For sweet dishes, consider mixing in fresh or frozen fruits, honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or nut butter. In savory recipes, combine Greek yogurt with herbs (such as dill, mint, or cilantro), spices (like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder), finely chopped vegetables (cucumber, onion, or bell peppers), or even mix in some salsa or pesto for a flavorful twist.
Related
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Pairing
The fiery kick of this spicy sauce pairs perfectly with any of these chicken dishes, adding a burst of flavor that'll leave you wanting more.
Get ready to love this easy and delicious spicy yogurt sauce! Whether you're drizzling it over crispy chicken, jazzing up your sandwiches, or using it as a dipping sauce for veggies, this versatile sauce is always a hit.
So get saucing! And don't forget to leave us a rating and a comment when you try it. Your stories fuel these better cheat meals. We love sharing the experience of cooking and eating feel-good food with you.
Recipe
Spicy Greek Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (65 g) mayonnaise (light)
- ¼ cup (65 g) Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)
- 2 tablespoon (30 g) hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot or Sriracha)
- 2 teaspoon (10 g) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined.¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cover and if you have time, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld!
Jude
Can pair this with so many different food options, tastes great
Steve & Ash
Thanks! Dial up the heat to whatever you like 🙂
Baldrick
Piece of cake to make - easier to add to everything 😋😋 Absolutely delish. Thanks Steve - this sauce alone was worth the purchase price. 😍
Steve
Thanks so much for sharing, and I'm stoked you are finding value with these recipes!