When it comes to creamy, tangy, and deliciously versatile ingredients, plain yogurt takes the top spot. With its mild flavor and velvety texture, plain yogurt is the perfect canvas for a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or tangy, plain yogurt can be used to create an incredible variety of recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 creative ways to use plain yogurt in your cooking and baking. From classic desserts like parfaits and smoothies, to savory dishes like tzatziki sauce and grilled chicken skewers, plain yogurt is a surprisingly versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal or snack.
So, let’s dive in and discover the incredible possibilities of plain yogurt recipes!
[Insert recipe list here]
Greek yogurt parfait with honey and granola
Start your day off right with a healthy and delicious Greek yogurt parfait! Layered with sweet honey, crunchy granola, and creamy yogurt, this snack is perfect for breakfast or a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp pure honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– Optional: sliced banana, berries, or other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the Greek yogurt.
2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle 1/8 cup of granola over the honey.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 one more time, ending with a layer of granola on top.
5. If desired, add sliced banana or berries to the top layer.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (assemblage only)
Yogurt and cucumber tzatziki sauce
This classic Greek condiment is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip for pita bread. With its creamy yogurt base, tangy cucumber flavor, and hint of garlic, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess water.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Drain the cucumber mixture and add it to the yogurt mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Homemade yogurt-based ranch dressing
Add a tangy twist to your favorite salad or dip with this easy-to-make homemade yogurt-based ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth.
2. Add the chopped herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! Simply prepare and refrigerate.
Yogurt-marinated grilled chicken skewers
A refreshing twist on traditional grilled chicken skewers, this recipe combines the tanginess of yogurt with the sweetness of herbs and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Refreshing yogurt and berry smoothie
Beat the heat with this light and refreshing smoothie, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or post-workout snack. This recipe combines the creaminess of yogurt with the natural sweetness of berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup ice
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine yogurt, berries, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add ice and blend until crushed.
3. Stir in fresh mint leaves and lemon juice.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Yogurt and herb dip for veggies
This recipe creates a light and zesty dip perfect for veggie lovers. With the tanginess of yogurt, the brightness of herbs, and the crunch of your favorite veggies, this dip is sure to become a new favorite snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, parsley, dill, and lemon juice.
2. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and chill.
Enjoy your delicious Yogurt and Herb Dip with your favorite veggies!
Fluffy yogurt pancakes with maple syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy yogurt pancakes, perfectly sweetened with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
– Maple syrup, warmed (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the pan.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook for another minute.
7. Serve warm with warmed maple syrup drizzled over the top (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Yogurt-based Caesar salad dressing
Elevate your salad game with this tangy and refreshing yogurt-based Caesar dressing. This recipe is a great alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based dressings, offering a lighter and healthier option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the minced anchovy fillets (if using).
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Spiced yogurt lassi with cardamom
This refreshing drink is a perfect blend of spices and yogurt, commonly enjoyed in Indian households. The cardamom adds a unique aromatic flavor that complements the tanginess of the yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
– Honey or sugar, optional (to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt and water until smooth.
2. Add the ground cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin. Whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. If desired, add honey or sugar to sweeten.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve cold, garnished with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Yogurt and banana overnight oats
Start your day with a creamy and delicious breakfast that’s both healthy and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: sliced almonds or walnuts for topping
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine the oats and yogurt. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the mashed banana, honey, and salt to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
3. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
4. In the morning, give the oats a stir and add any desired toppings, such as sliced nuts.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Overnight (4-8 hours)
Tangy yogurt coleslaw with dill
Tangy Yogurt Coleslaw with Dill: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Slaw!
This creamy coleslaw gets a bright and zesty boost from the addition of yogurt, dill, and a hint of tanginess. Perfect for topping sandwiches, serving as a side dish, or using as a topping for your favorite barbecue dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
5. If desired, stir in the mayonnaise for an extra creamy slaw.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (chilling time)
Yogurt and garlic naan bread
This recipe combines the classic Indian flatbread naan with the tangy creaminess of yogurt and the pungency of garlic. Perfect as a snack or side dish, this twist on traditional naan is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball slightly into an oval shape.
5. Brush one side of each naan with yogurt, then sprinkle minced garlic evenly.
6. Cook in a non-stick skillet or tava over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
7. Brush with ghee or oil to finish.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy yogurt and avocado dressing
Elevate your salads with this creamy and healthy dressing, made with the perfect blend of tangy yogurt and rich avocado. This recipe is quick to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Continue blending until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of dressing
Yogurt-marinated tandoori-style fish
A flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe yields a tender and juicy fish with a deep orange hue, infused with the warm spices of tandoori cooking.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (whitefish or cod work well)
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the fish fillets to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the fish from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Brush the grill with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Cook the fish for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Yogurt and spinach stuffed chicken
This recipe combines the richness of yogurt with the earthiness of spinach, all wrapped up in a juicy chicken breast. A perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the yogurt-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chilled yogurt and cucumber soup
This light and revitalizing soup is perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses. The creamy yogurt and refreshing cucumber will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cucumber, yogurt, cold water, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as desired.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve cold, garnished with chopped fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Yogurt and lemon blueberry muffins
Brighten up your morning with these refreshing yogurt and lemon blueberry muffins, featuring a tangy and sweet combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the 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, lemon juice, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow muffins to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yogurt-based chocolate mousse
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and creamy yogurt-based chocolate mousse recipe, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying a decadent treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
– 2 tablespoons melted semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until smooth.
2. Fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
3. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval).
4. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the yogurt mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get creative with plain yogurt as the base for these delicious and versatile recipes! From sweet treats like fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and lemon blueberry muffins, to savory dishes like tzatziki sauce, ranch dressing, and Caesar salad dressing. You’ll also find refreshing smoothies, tangy coleslaw, and even some international-inspired dishes like tandoori-style fish and spinach-stuffed chicken. With these 18 creamy recipes, you’ll never get bored with plain yogurt again!