Greek yogurt is big in my house. We keep two tubs of plain in the fridge so we won’t run out. There’s just so much you can do with it…and it tastes so good! With a drizzle of maple syrup and some nuts it’s a quick and easy breakfast for my young son; my husband makes it his mid-day snack with a dollop of almond butter and chopped fresh fruit, and I love it mixed with honey as a nighttime sweet.
Since Greek varieties are strained to remove the whey (the watery part of the milk that remains after it’s been cultured), it leaves the yogurt thick and decadently creamy, making it useful in all kinds of ways in the kitchen. Try these simple yet delicious ideas to use your Greek yogurt, along with some recipes to inspire you.
1. Jazz it up.
Greek yogurt is delicious all on its own, but tasty add-ins can elevate your yogurt to another level. Try fresh fruit, toasted nuts, fresh herbs, drizzled honey and more.
2. Bake with it.
Baked goods like cakes and breads come out moist and flavorful with the addition of a bit of yogurt.
3. Make a marinade.
Yogurt is a natural meat tenderizer. Mix it with spices and use on all manner of meats, from chicken to lamb to fish.
4. Drink it.
Make a lassi, a favorite refresher from India, or add creaminess and probiotic goodness to your morning smoothie.
5. Replace mayo.
Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt and you’ll still get tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
6. Dress up fruit and vegetables.
Mix with honey or herbs and your yogurt becomes a zingy, creamy dressing.
View recipe: Waldorf Salad with Honey-Yogurt Dressing and Fresh Mint
7. Top off spicy dishes.
Cooling yogurt is a great foil for the heat of curries and other spicy dishes.
8. Make a Greek classic.
Tzatziki sauce, a common condiment in Greek cuisine, is a perfect way to use Greek yogurt.
9. Make your own cheese.
Straining yogurt removes the whey, yielding a thick, creamy yogurt cheese (aka labneh) that’s perfect for slathering on toast and pita.
10. Freeze it.
A simple frozen dessert of fresh fruit and rich Greek yogurt – no fancy equipment required.
1`1. Whip it.
Make a sweet topping by combining yogurt with honey.
12. Frost a cake.
A simple combo of powdered sugar and plain Greek yogurt really is the icing on the cake!
13. Dip things in it.
Make a lighter dip by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
14. Enhance a sauce.
Add a bit of body and a touch of tartness to finish a rich sauce.
View recipe: Classic Braised Chicken with Celery and Potatoes
More Greek Yogurt Recipes
Looking for even more inspiration? Check out these yogurt recipes:
Classic Braised Chicken with Celery and Potatoes opens in a new tab
Creamy Braised Turnips and Kohlrabi with Peas opens in a new tab
Roasted Cod and Carrots with Turmeric Tzatziki opens in a new tab
Gyro-Style Lamb with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce over Quinoa opens in a new tab
Mini Blueberry Waffles with Orange Cream Yogurt Dip opens in a new tab
Peanut Butter and Date Breakfast Smoothie opens in a new tab
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil-Yogurt Drizzle opens in a new tab
Green Beans with Tangy Shallot-Yogurt Dressing opens in a new tab
