One of the common staples I keep in my fridge at home is Greek yogurt. This dairy is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, but is loaded with protein, calcium, probiotics, and can even be eaten by those who are lactose intolerant.
It's amazing how our Meditteranean friends have been eating it for years and Americans are now catching on to this super food. If you aren't a fan of its sour flavor, well, then you're in luck because you can eat it in more ways than one!
Read more ¿Qué más?: 10 Super foods that get you slim & sexy!
The texture and taste of Greek yogurt on its own doesn't bother me, but I know people who can't seem to stomach it because they aren't fans of the flavor. This doesn't mean that there is no hope for them to ever have Greek yogurt again. Instead it's about innovating the food and getting creative with the way it is prepared.
I'm used to having it just with fruit and never experimented with it until recently. Let's just say the friends I have who aren't Greek yogurt eaters, LOVED it. This inspired me to find out just how else others are using this yogurt in their recipes and the results were surprising.
The good news is you don't have to miss out on the health benefits of Greek yogurt with these fresh ways I'm about to share with you. The bad news is your supermarket bill is probably about to go up!
Check out these new ways to use Greek yogurt below!
Image via Giselle Castro
Tzatziki dip
This is the traditional way Greeks eat this yogurt. The healthy dip is perfect to have with fresh cut veggies or with pita bread. Below is my personal recipe:
In a bowl combine:
- 6 oz container of Greek yogurt
- 1/2 grated cucumber (drain with paper towel and remove the seeds)
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon of red vinegar
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Sour cream replacement
Traditionally sour cream is used to top off meals such as chili or baked potato, but it is not the healthiest option. Instead you can replace it with Greek yogurt which tastes about the same and provides necessary nutrients.
Try out this yummy replacement sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can find the full recipe and directions here.
Frosting substitute
Surprise, surprise! You can use Greek yogurt as frosting on your cupcakes and other desserts. The thick consistency allows it to be spreadable and less likely to melt compared to other frosting. All you need to do is sweeten it with some vanilla extract and some sugar.
Follow this recipe if you'd like to try it for your latest baking project.
In place of mayonnaise
One of the best ways to make your potato salads and other sandwich spreads healthier is by replacing the mayo with Greek yogurt. You will cut down on fat and still have a delicious dish on hand.
Try this egg salad recipe with Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a healthy meal.
For creamier sauces
Instead of using heavy creams or chese to make your sauces thicker, opt for Greek yogurt. The yogurt will easily thicken them while adding extra nutritional value and won't cause you to pack on the pounds.
Check out this Creamy Pasta with Haddock and Dill recipe via Fage.com.
