Greek yogurt isn’t just for breakfast, but you wouldn’t know it by the way it gets pushed to the back of the fridge after one or two uses. It’s thick, tangy, and packed with protein, which makes it great for way more than just a bowl of granola. It can make baked goods softer, sauces creamier, and dressings actually worth using. Instead of letting it sit there until it turns into something unrecognizable, put it to work in one of these recipes.
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
All the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic mac and cheese, but Greek yogurt steps in to lighten things up without losing that rich texture. No need for heavy cream or butter overload—this gets the job done while still being great for leftovers. Perfect for when you want comfort food without the regret.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Greek yogurt turns mashed potatoes extra creamy while adding just a little tang to balance out the richness. Roasted garlic brings bold flavor, so these won’t end up bland like those sad, instant potatoes you regret making. This is an easy way to put that open container of Greek yogurt to great use.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Whole Wheat Blueberry Ginger Muffins
These muffins aren’t just another dry, boring health food. Greek yogurt keeps them soft and moist, whole wheat flour gives them some substance, and wild blueberries add natural sweetness. A hint of ginger takes them up a notch. Great for breakfast, snacks, or an excuse to eat another one because they’re technically “healthy.”
Get the Recipe: Whole Wheat Blueberry Ginger Muffins
Creamy 3-Herb Dressing
Skip the bottled stuff. This Greek yogurt dressing is thick, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs. It actually coats your salad instead of sliding off like those watered-down dressings from the store. Use it on salads, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or dip veggies in it before they rot in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 3-Herb Dressing
Creamy Dijon Egg Salad
Egg salad gets a serious upgrade with Greek yogurt, a punch of Dijon, and a mix of crunchy extras like pepitas, red cabbage, and green olives. It’s creamy without being heavy and actually has some flavor instead of just tasting like mayo. Great for sandwiches, wraps, or eating straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Egg Salad
Strawberry Granola Ice Cream
Half Greek yogurt, half milk, all creamy goodness. This ice cream packs in real strawberries and crunchy bits of granola for texture. The yogurt adds a little tang, making it a great way to turn a simple dessert into something way better than anything store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Granola Ice Cream
Indian Steak Kabobs
These steak kabobs get marinated in Greek yogurt and bold Indian spices, making the meat extra tender and packed with flavor. Paired with a yogurt-based onion dip, this is a great way to put that tub of yogurt to use while making something way more exciting than plain grilled steak.
Get the Recipe: Indian Steak Kabobs
Blackberry Smoothie
Greek yogurt makes this smoothie thick and creamy while adding extra protein to keep you full. The blackberries bring a tart punch, balanced by banana and a drizzle of maple syrup. Fast, easy, and great for using up that yogurt before it turns into a questionable science experiment in the back of your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Smoothie
Christmas Morning Muffins
These muffins taste like the holidays, packed with dried cranberries, rosemary, nutmeg, and vanilla bean. Greek yogurt keeps them moist and gives them a great texture, while a cinnamon crumble topping adds the crunch you didn’t know you needed. While they’re perfect for Christmas morning, they can be enjoyed all year long.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Morning Muffins
Chestnut Oat Smoothie
A smoothie that actually fills you up. Greek yogurt, chestnuts, and oats come together for a thick, creamy drink that’s packed with flavor and keeps hunger away. Great for mornings when you need something quick but don’t want another boring protein shake.
Get the Recipe: Chestnut Oat Smoothie
Turmeric Chicken Salad
This chicken salad isn’t just another mayo-heavy mess. Greek yogurt and fresh turmeric make it creamy and bright, while crunchy veggies add texture. Scoop it onto toasted bread, throw it in a wrap, or eat it straight from the bowl—just don’t let that yogurt go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad
Indian Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers are juicy, packed with flavor, and topped with a crisp yogurt cucumber slaw. If beef burgers aren’t your thing or you just need something different for the grill, these will do the trick. The yogurt in the patty mix keeps them moist, so you won’t end up with dry hockey pucks.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers
Honey Chicken Apple Salad
This is what happens when chicken salad meets fresh apples, a touch of honey, and Greek yogurt for creaminess. No weird, heavy mayo taste—just fresh flavors that actually work together. Great for sandwiches, wraps, or spooning straight into your mouth when no one’s looking.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chicken Apple Salad
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli, raisins, bacon, and pumpkin seeds come together in a mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy. The Greek yogurt dressing keeps it creamy without being heavy, and a touch of Dijon gives it a little kick. A great side for cookouts, meal prep, or just an excuse to eat more bacon.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumbers, quick-pickled red onions, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing make this a solid summer side. Light, fresh, and way better than anything drenched in mayo. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just using up that last bit of yogurt before it gets forgotten in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.