Get ready to delight your taste buds with these 19 delectable recipes that feature plain Greek yogurt as a key ingredient. From sweet treats like pancakes and muffins, to savory dishes like marinades and sauces, this versatile yogurt can do it all. And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy too! With its high protein content and probiotic benefits, plain Greek yogurt is the perfect addition to any meal.
In this article, we’ll be exploring a variety of creative ways to use plain Greek yogurt in your cooking and baking. From classic breakfast bowls to indulgent desserts, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get creative, and discover the amazing things you can do with a simple tub of plain Greek yogurt!
Greek Yogurt Berry Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a refreshing and nutritious Greek yogurt berry smoothie bowl that’s packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants. This simple recipe combines the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the sweetness of mixed berries and crunchy granola.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add unsweetened almond milk and blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Top with rolled oats and chopped walnuts.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Creamy Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Start your day with a stack of fluffy pancakes infused with the tanginess of Greek yogurt, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. This recipe combines the creaminess of yogurt with the comfort of traditional pancakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup creamy Greek yogurt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Fresh fruit or syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with fresh fruit or syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for a spring morning or as a sweet treat any time of the year. The combination of lemon zest, fresh blueberries, and tangy yogurt creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, egg, lemon juice, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in blueberries and lemon zest.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade
This Greek yogurt-based marinade is a perfect blend of tanginess and savory flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled or baked chicken. With its creamy texture and zesty taste, this marinade elevates the classic flavor profile of chicken to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (grilled) or 25-30 minutes (baked)
Strawberry Banana Yogurt Parfait
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this strawberry banana yogurt parfait is a perfect treat for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dessert that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 6 oz vanilla yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Granola or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the banana into slices.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the sliced strawberries and honey (if using).
3. Layer the ingredients in a parfait glass or a tall clear cup:
– Start with a layer of yogurt
– Add a layer of banana slices
– Top with a layer of strawberry mixture
– Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a layer of yogurt on top
4. Garnish with granola or chopped nuts (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
This refreshing Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce is a classic condiment that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread. With its tangy flavor and smooth texture, it’s a great way to add some Mediterranean flair to your meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, chopped fresh dill, and minced garlic.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and salt until well combined.
3. Drizzle in the olive oil while stirring gently to prevent curdling.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None required! This sauce is best served chilled, so keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip
Add a flavorful twist to your snacks with this easy-to-make garlic herb yogurt dip! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this dip is perfect for veggies, chips, or crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, parsley, and dill.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Add the salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is ready when it’s combined and chilled.
Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse
This Greek yogurt-based mousse is a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate desserts, with the creaminess of yogurt balanced by the richness of dark chocolate. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Fold the melted chocolate into the yogurt mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Avocado Yogurt Lime Dressing
Elevate your salads and veggies with this refreshing and healthy dressing that combines the creaminess of yogurt, the richness of avocado, and the zesty tang of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
2. Add the yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yogurt Honey Overnight Oats
Start your day with a creamy and sweet treat that’s packed with fiber and protein. This simple recipe combines the benefits of oats, yogurt, and honey for a deliciously healthy breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: sliced banana or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the honey is fully incorporated.
2. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
3. In the morning, give the mixture a stir to redistribute the ingredients.
4. Top with sliced banana or chopped nuts, if desired.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None – just mix and refrigerate!
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Moist, flavorful banana bread infused with the tanginess of Greek yogurt – a perfect treat for any time of day. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creamy richness of yogurt to create a deliciously moist loaf.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, yogurt, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool on wire rack before slicing.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Spiced Yogurt Curry Chicken
Experience the warm, aromatic flavors of India with this creamy and delicious Spiced Yogurt Curry Chicken recipe! Tender chicken is smothered in a rich curry sauce made with yogurt, spices, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, oil, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through.
4. Serve the chicken with the spiced yogurt sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yogurt Pesto Pasta Sauce
Transform your pasta dish with a refreshing twist on traditional pesto sauce using yogurt! This creamy and tangy combination is perfect for warm weather or as a lighter alternative to heavy sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, basil, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more yogurt if needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the pesto sauce mixture and stir to combine with the oil.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the yogurt pesto sauce and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bites
These bite-sized cheesecakes are a unique twist on the classic dessert, incorporating creamy Greek yogurt and a graham cracker crust. Perfect for parties or snack time!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix crust ingredients; press into mini muffin tin cups.
3. Beat cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
4. Add granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; mix well.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture into prepared crusts.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Yogurt Ranch Veggie Dip
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously healthy snack with this creamy yogurt ranch veggie dip! Perfect for dipping veggies, chips, or crackers, this recipe is a great way to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and refreshing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped parsley, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Drizzle
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and nutty peanut butter yogurt drizzle, perfect for topping fruit, granola, or even using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Add the honey and mix until well combined.
3. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Greek Yogurt Flatbread Dough
A game-changing twist on traditional flatbread, this Greek yogurt-based dough yields a tender and flavorful crust that’s perfect for topping with your favorite ingredients. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add in Greek yogurt, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and shape into desired flatbread shapes.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing salad, perfect for hot summer days. This simple recipe combines the coolness of cucumber, creaminess of yogurt, and tanginess of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and mint leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Drizzle with olive oil if desired for an added layer of flavor.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Enjoy this refreshing and healthy salad as a side dish or light lunch!
Yogurt Lime Marinated Shrimp
Elevate your shrimp game with this zesty and tangy marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. This Yogurt Lime Marinated Shrimp recipe combines the creaminess of yogurt with the brightness of lime juice, resulting in succulent and flavorful seafood.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the creamy delights of plain Greek yogurt! This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet treats like Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse and Strawberry Banana Yogurt Parfait, to savory dishes such as Garlic Herb Yogurt Dip and Spiced Yogurt Curry Chicken. You’ll also find refreshing desserts like Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Muffins and Yogurt Honey Overnight Oats, plus flavorful sauces and marinades for your favorite proteins and veggies. With 19 creamy recipes in total, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds!