Alright Lina, this one’s gonna be fun! You know that addictive spicy yogurt dip from Cactus Club? The one they serve with calamari that makes you wanna lick the bowl clean?
Lina: Oh, don’t get me started, Samad. I could dip everything in that. Fries, veggies, a spoon…
Samad: I got you. Let’s recreate it today MapleEats-style. We’ll give it a little homemade twist, but keep that creamy-spicy kick we love.
Table of Contents
Copycat Cactus Club Spicy Yogurt Dip
The Best Spicy Yogurt Sauce Ever
Lina: Alright, spill it what’s in this magical stuff?
Samad: It’s super simple. Think creamy yogurt, spicy sambal oelek, garlic, a touch of mayo for richness, and some lemon to brighten it up. I swear, it tastes just like the real thing from Cactus Club.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat works best)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp sambal oelek (or adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste (start with 1/8 tsp)
Lina: I love how you don’t need fancy stuff. This is all probably in my fridge already.
Samad: That’s the idea. Simple, pantry-friendly, and Canadian-kitchen-approved.
How to Make It
Stir, Chill, Devour
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and mayo until smooth.
- Stir in the sambal oelek, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Add salt to taste, give it a final stir, and chill for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust maybe a bit more sambal if you like it spicy.
Lina: Sooo easy. I might just double the batch.
Samad: Same. It’s perfect for dipping calamari, grilled shrimp, even as a spicy spread for wraps or burgers.
Kitchen Tips & Hacks
Samad’s Quick Tips:
- No sambal oelek? Swap it with sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Want it smoother? Blitz everything in a mini food processor for a silky texture.
- Make it ahead: The flavour deepens after a few hours in the fridge ideal for meal prep.
Lina’s Lazy Hack:
- I just toss all the ingredients in a mason jar, shake it like a cocktail, and call it a day. Fewer dishes!
Family-Friendly Swaps
- Kids’ version: Dial down the heat with less sambal or use a mild chili sauce.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut yogurt and vegan mayo it still works beautifully.
- Extra creamy: Add a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of cream for richness.
🇨🇦 Perfect for Canadian Kitchens
Lina: This dip is such a win for Canadian families looking for cozy snacks or BBQ sides.
Samad: Right? It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Serving Ideas
Where This Dip Truly Shines
Samad: Okay, Lina, you’ve got the dip made now what do you serve it with?
Lina: Everything. No seriously everything. But if you need inspo…
Top Ways to Use It:
- Calamari (like the Cactus Club classic)
- Grilled chicken skewers or shrimp
- Roasted sweet potatoes or fries
- Pita chips or naan bread
- Burger spread or sandwich sauce
- Drizzle over grain bowls or buddha bowls
Samad: I even slather it on leftover rotisserie chicken and wrap it in a tortilla. Instant lunch.
Lina: Ooh, that’s genius. And it makes a killer party dip just add a drizzle of olive oil and some chopped herbs on top to fancy it up.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Keep it Fresh, Keep it Spicy
Samad: Here’s how to make your dip last without losing flavour.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Not ideal yogurt texture gets weird after freezing
- Meal prep tip: Double the recipe and portion it into small containers for weekday lunches
Lina: I’ve also used leftovers as salad dressing just whisk in a little olive oil and boom, it’s a spicy dressing.
For More idea visit: Quick & Cozy
FAQ Section
Questions Canadians (and beyond!) are asking:
Q: Can I freeze this recipe for later?
A: It’s best fresh! Freezing will change the creamy texture. Store in the fridge up to 5 days instead.
Q: What’s a good substitute for sambal oelek?
A: Sriracha or chili garlic sauce works well, but sambal gives the closest match to the Cactus Club version.
Q: Is this spicy yogurt sauce gluten-free?
A: Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your labels to be sure.
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
A: You can, but the dip may be a bit thinner. Strain it with a coffee filter if you want it thicker.
Q: How can I make this vegan?
A: Use plant-based yogurt and mayo coconut yogurt and vegan mayo work great.
Conclusion
Lina: Honestly, this dip deserves a permanent spot in my fridge.
Samad: Same. It’s creamy, spicy, and a total crowd-pleaser perfect for anything from game night to BBQ season.
Lina: We hope this little copycat recipe brings a taste of your fave restaurant right into your kitchen.
Samad: And don’t forget the best meals are the ones shared with family (and good dips).
Copycat Cactus Club Spicy Yogurt Dip
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp Sambal oelek adjust to taste
- 1 clove Garlic finely minced or grated
- 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- to taste Salt start with 1/8 tsp
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the sambal oelek, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes to let the flavours develop.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or spice as needed before serving.
