Fresh Dill Two Ways... Yogurt Dip and Creamy Apple Salad

The scent of a lush bunch of dill is one of my greatest sensory pleasures. Taking in a long whiff of it's heavenly fragrance- a blend of mint, citrus and fennel always remind me of the freshness in spring and conjures images of all the delicious things I could do with it... from pickling to pairing it with shrimp and smoked salmon to salads and dips. It has been a welcomed reoccurring herb over the week as we can't seem to get enough of its delightful taste, using it in a dill lemon yogurt dip and apple salad. So simple to do and so healthy to eat, the dip has been the go-to snack after school and the salad a hands-down favourite side at the dinner table!

Lemony Dill Yogurt Dip (use as reference to adjust the amounts and flavourings to your taste)

3 parts plain natural yogurt (I like to use Balkan-style)
1 part mayonnaise or sour cream
lemon juice
fresh dill, chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
green onions or chives, chopped (optional)
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Mix everything together in a bowl and refrigerate for one hour to let the flavours meld.
TIP: This is an awesome tip by my husband to create a viscous run-free dip. Extract extra water from the yogurt by scooping the amount you need into a paper lined coffee filter and let it drip away for 15 minutes or so. Otherwise the dip will be thin and runny, which means you likely have to clean up little Johnny's drippy mess. 

See the excess water dripped out into the cup.

To pretty it up, sprinkle dip with paprika and a swirl of lemon oil or EV olive oil if desired. 

Encourage new tastes by trying out new dippers such as radishes and snap peas.

Creamy Dill Apple Salad

3 eating apples, such as Gala, cored and diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 mini cukes or 1/2 English cucumber, diced
A handful of dill ferns only, chopped
1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise (I like to use 2 parts regular and 1 part Japanese Kewpie mayo)
1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients and refrigerate for one hour to let flavours meld.

Enliven your dishes with your favourite herbs and bring a little welcomed fresh spring flavour into your kitchen!