4 Easy Recipes with Yogurt

Yogurt has been around for ages and is known for its many different health benefits. Yogurt offers several vital nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and B vitamins. 

Most of its health benefits involve yogurt’s live bacteria content, which is usually present in other fermented foods. Fermented foods help maintain a healthy gut and provide probiotics that improve overall immune function as well. 

Yogurt is great on its own; however, it's also a tremendous swap-out ingredient for some ingredients that are a little less healthy.

1. Peanut Butter Yogurt Fluff Bowl:

For this recipe, you will need:

• Plain 2% greek yogurt
• Peanut butter, or any nut butter
• Liquid vanilla Stevia or natural sweetener
• Fruit for topping (bananas, blueberries, etc.)
• Granola

Directions: Add yogurt, nut butter, and sweetener into a small mixing bowl and whisk together using a spoon until the yogurt gets a bit fluffy. Portion the yogurt into a bowl and top with fruit and granola.

Recipe by Eating Bird Food: Peanut Butter Yogurt Fluff Bowl

2. Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce:

For this recipe, you will need:

• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Milk or water
• Plain greek yogurt
• Shredded parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Diced or fresh parsley
• Cooked pasta

Directions: In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in garlic powder; stir in milk (or water). Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in greek yogurt. Add parmesan chest to the sauce and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss with your favorite cooked pasta noodles.

Recipe by Crème De La Crumb: Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce

     3. Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt:

For this recipe, you will need:

• Macaroni
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Shredded extra sharp cheddar
• Parmesan
• Greek yogurt
• Panko bread crumbs

Directions: Cook the pasta until just al dente, drain, and reserve. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring for one minute. Slowly add the milk, whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer for 5 minutes until the consistency is similar to heavy cream. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan, and cook until completely melted. Cut the heat and stir in the yogurt. Then, add the pasta to coat evenly. Preheat the broiler. Pour the mac and cheese into an 8”x8” baking dish. Top with bread crumbs and place on the middle rack until golden brown.

Recipe by Eat This, Not That: Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt

4. Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt:

For this recipe, you will need:

• Peaches
• Pineapple
• Watermelon
• Greek yogurt
• Honey
• Skewers

Directions: Preheat the frill or grill pan. Thread the fruit onto the skewers, alternating between peaches, pineapple, and watermelon. Grill for 8 minutes, occasionally turning, until the fruit is nicely caramelized. Combine the yogurt with the honey and drizzle over the skewers.

Recipe by Eat This, Not That: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt

There are a lot of different varieties of flavors and types of yogurt. It’s pretty easy to find a type of yogurt you enjoy with such a wide variety available. Even those who have lactose intolerance can often find a yogurt that is either plant-based or low enough in lactose that they can enjoy. 

Challenge yourself to incorporate this healthy food into your diet once a week, try it in one of these recipes, research other simple swaps, or enjoy it for an excellent breakfast!