These delightful Greek yogurt balls combine creamy texture with fresh herbs for an irresistible Mediterranean appetizer.
Ready in just 10 minutes of hands-on time, these protein-packed bites are perfect for parties or healthy snacking.
Each ball delivers a satisfying 4.5g of protein while keeping calories low at just 50 kcal, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers who don’t want to compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt: 1kg thick strained yogurt – make sure it’s full-fat for best results
- Citrus Zest: Fresh zest from 1 lemon and 1 lime for bright flavor
- Seasonings: 1 tsp each of salt and pepper
- Fresh Herbs: 5-6 tbsp mix of basil, mint, and parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Strain the Yogurt: Place yogurt in muslin cloth, tie with string, and drain in refrigerator for 12-14 hours for perfect consistency
- Mix Ingredients: Combine strained yogurt with fresh herbs and citrus zests until well blended
- Shape the Balls: Form golf ball-sized portions with clean hands
- Chill: Arrange on baking tray and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm
- Serve: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and pair with cherry tomatoes and crackers for a delightful appetizer
Storage Tips
These tasty yogurt balls will stay fresh in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them covered in olive oil to maintain their texture and prevent them from drying out.
Just take them out about 15 minutes before serving to let them come closer to room temperature – this helps bring out all those lovely herb flavors!
Serving Suggestions
Make these yogurt balls the star of your next appetizer spread! Try serving them on a rustic wooden board alongside warm pita bread, fresh cucumber slices, or colorful bell pepper strips.
They’re perfect for parties and can be part of a bigger Mediterranean spread with hummus, olives, and grilled vegetables. For a light lunch, scatter them over a fresh green salad with some toasted pine nuts.
Variations
While this recipe uses basil, mint, and parsley, you can play around with different herb combinations.
Try dill and chives for a more tangy flavor, or add some crushed garlic for extra punch. Not a fan of lime?
Just double up on the lemon zest instead. You can also roll the finished balls in chopped nuts or za’atar spice mix for added texture and flavor. If you’re watching your fat intake, use low-fat yogurt – it will still work beautifully!
Make-Ahead Tips
The draining step takes 12-14 hours, so start this recipe the day before you need it. You can prep all your herbs and zest while the yogurt drains.
Once shaped, these balls need 2-3 hours to firm up in the fridge, making them great for preparing ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
Yogurt Balls with fresh Herbs
Equipment
- muslin cloth
- Large bowl
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 1 kg strained, thick yogurt (35 ounces)
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 lime zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 5-6 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, mint, parsley)
Instructions
- To prepare these amazing yogurt balls, you need to drain all the excess water from the yogurt. Lay a piece of muslin (loosely woven cotton fabric) on a workbench and place the yogurt in the centre. Gather up the muslin sides and tie with string; place on a drainer over a large bowl and leave to drain in the fridge for 12-14 hours.
- Remove the muslin and place the yogurt in a large bowl. Add the fresh herbs, the lemon zest and lime zest and blend. Roll the yogurt into golf-sized balls, lay on a baking tray and put them in the fridge for another 2-3 hours.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve with some cherry tomatoes and crackers aside as a delicious snack. Enjoy!