10 Delicious Things to do with Plain Greek Yogurt

Plain yogurt has become a must-have item in our refrigerator. I use plain yogurt in so many recipes! Plain Greek yogurt tastes similar to sour cream but adds the benefit of live and active cultures that aid in digestion, plus other nutritional benefits.

 

Whether it’s used in a snack, dessert, or main dish, Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient to have on hand.

Plain Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt

First, let’s take a look at the differences between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt.

When comparing plain nonfat yogurt to plain nonfat Greek yogurt (based on packages I reviewed at my local Aldi store), the plain Greek yogurt has more protein and less sugar with about the same number of calories. That sounds like a nutritional win to me!

Greek yogurt is strained more than regular yogurt giving Greek yogurt a thicker consistency. The extra straining removes some of the calcium from Greek yogurt; however, both types of yogurt are still considered good sources of calcium.

Greek yogurt is also generally more expensive because more milk is required to produce it. I can currently get plain Greek yogurt at my local Aldi store for $3.49 for a 32 oz container, while plain regular yogurt is just $1.69 for a 32-oz container. Of course prices can vary by region.

Sometimes I make my own plain yogurt and Greek yogurt.

10 Ways to Enjoy Plain Greek Yogurt

1. Mix with herbs and to create a dip for vegetables or a dressing for salads.

Think of flavors like sour cream & onion or ranch. Here’s a recipe I often use for homemade ranch dressing.

2. Use plain Greek yogurt on baked potatoes instead of sour cream.

I like to mash boiled potatoes with plain yogurt, butter, and garlic powder to make creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

3. Add as a topping for tacos and chili instead of using sour cream.

I’m a big fan of taco dishes of all types, and plain yogurt is a great addition to them all! Stir in a bit of lime juice for an extra flavor enhancer with tacos.

4. Use plain yogurt to make homemade pizza crust.

Here is my go-to recipe for homemade pizza crust. These pizza pinwheels are fun to make too.

5. Make a delicious broccoli salad that your kids might actually enjoy.

Here is my favorite broccoli salad recipe.

6. Use in place of mayonnaise in fish recipes.

For example, I replaced the mayo in this ‘very best fish recipe ever’ with yogurt, and it’s still pretty tasty! I also like to make tuna melt sandwiches by mixing tuna with yogurt and garlic before adding to bread with cheese and cooking like a grilled cheese sandwich. In fact, that sounds like a great lunch idea for this weekend!

7. Use in place of mayonnaise and sour cream in casseroles.

Try my healthy tuna noodle casserole recipe.

8. Make pumpkin pie flavored yogurt.

This is a fun dessert or side dish my kids love. Mix equal parts Greek yogurt with pure pumpkin puree. Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice and honey. Yum!

9. Try a new healthy dessert recipe.

I recommend this chocolate peanut butter pie.

10. Make a chocolate dessert or fruit dip.

Add cocoa powder and either honey or maple syrup to make a delicious chocolatey yogurt treat that also makes a good dip for apples, bananas and strawberries.

Your turn!

What is your favorite way to use plain Greek yogurt? Do you have a use that I haven’t listed above?

Did you know you can make your own homemade Greek yogurt? Check out my complete photo tutorial here.