Fifty Shades of Greek Yogurt

the many uses of greek yogurt

I always go through phases where I become fixated on a specific condiment and then learn how to incorporate it throughout all my dishes. I ended my spicy mustard phase about two years ago and since then I have been stuck with the same condiment; I just keep finding new ways of using it. Greek yogurt is such a versatile ingredient because it has a very neutral flavor and therefore can be manipulated whichever way you flavor profile you want it to take on.

I have listed just some of many different ways that greek yogurt can be used to cook with, and in many cases provides for a healthier alternative for ingredients it is substituting for. Most of the times we buy greek yogurt with the intention of eating it out of the cartoon, but there are many times that not all the yogurts we bought are consumed with time and have reached their life span. Luckily, you still have a few days before the sell by date, and so I have compiled a list of  ideas that would be a useful way to use greek yogurt without having to waste it.

  1. Make a  Dip: add your favorite chips, vegetables (peppers, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, endives, etc) or fruits
    • Tzatziki Dip: plain greek yogurt, cucumbers, cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper
    • Basil Dip: plain greek yogurt, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper
    • Sweet Dip: plain or fruit-flavored greek yogurt, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon and peanut butter (in any combination)
    • Spinach & Artichoke Dip: plain greek yogurt, fresh or frozen spinach, canned or fresh artichoke, garlic, salt and pepper and olive oil. You can also added grated parmesan cheese and bake it, for a hot dip.
  2. Make a Salad Dressing
    •  Honey Mustard Vinaigrette: plain greek yogurt, spicy mustard, honey, olive oil, water,        salt and pepper
    • Balsamic vinaigrette: plain greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. For a fruit-based vinaigrette, you can add the fruit-flavored greek yogurt.
    • Herb Dressing: plain greek yogurt, olive oil, water, salt and pepper, cut cilantro, basil, thyme, parsley, (any herbs of preference can be used)
  3. Can be used as the base of any cream-based dressing
    • Use as a Replacement for Whipped Cream
  5. Add to an Omelette to Make it Fluffier (while it is being prepared, before it is cooked)
    • Use to Neutralize Spicy Foods (i.e. curry chicken, stews and pastas)
  7. Use as a Replacement for Mayonnaise
    • Egg Salad
    • Chicken Salad
    • Deviled Eggs
    • Sandwich condiment
    • Use as a Replacement for Sour Cream
    • Tacos Topper
    • Topping on any soup
    • Topping on baked potato