If there's one ingredient I never skip when I am grocery shopping, it's plain Greek yogurt.
It has become an ingredient that replaces several others in my kitchen because it is so versatile! I can use it in dozens of different recipes instead of buying several specialty products that are more expensive or end up going to waste. We have a grocery budget of just $135/month so anything I can do to save money helps.
That simple swap saves money every month, helps reduce food waste, and adds extra protein to many of our meals.
If you've ever bought Greek yogurt for one recipe and wondered how to use the rest before it expires, these ideas will help you finish the whole container without wasting any of it!
Check Best Buy Dates
When you are shopping for greek yogurt, be sure to check the best buy dates on the containers. Sometimes you can find one that is as far as 6 weeks out. That gives you plenty of time to use it. Additionally, if you store your greek yogurt or other dairy products in a glass container with a metal lid they will stay fresh another 2-4 weeks. The metal lid ensures that it is airtight. You can learn more about storing dairy products in glass containers in this video.
Dips and Dressings
One of the easiest ways to use greek yogurt is as a base for dips and dressings. It gives them more protein for a more substantial snack. I have raw veggies and dip almost every afternoon as a snack.
Avocado Ranch - https://thecrosslegacy.com/avocado-ranch/
Spinach Dip - https://thecrosslegacy.com/spinach-dip/
Tzatziki Sauce - https://thecrosslegacy.com/gyros/
Sweet Treats
Oftentimes people wonāt even notice if you add greek yogurt into baked goods. You can make your desserts healthier with this trick. Some of these recipes have hidden veggies too!
Pumpkin Muffins - https://thecrosslegacy.com/pumpkin-muffins/
Veggie Brownies - https://thecrosslegacy.com/veggie-brownies/
Zucchini Bread - https://thecrosslegacy.com/zucchini/
Strawberry Shortcake - https://thecrosslegacy.com/strawberryshortcake/
Greek yogurt is the base of this frozen yogurt bark.
Other Uses for Greek Yogurt
One of the first ways we started using greek yogurt was to replace sour cream. We do this on our tacos and other meals that we previously used sour cream for. The difference is subtle and it allows us to buy less items at the store.
It can also be used in recipes to thicken sauces. Due to allergies I donāt cook with canned soups such as the ācream ofā¦ā soups that are often used in recipes. Instead I find that I can use chicken stock and add greek yogurt to give it the same creamy effect without all of the additives and preservatives. I do this in my homemade hamburger helper and tuna casserole recipes.
Finally, greek yogurt can also be used in place of mayonnaise. I was experimenting with a high protein potato salad this summer and used greek yogurt for the base. You can find the full recipe here: https://thecrosslegacy.com/potato-salad/
Strawberry Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 c greek yogurt
- 1 T chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3-4 strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Blend the yogurt, berries, vanilla, and chia seeds in a Magic Bullet or blender until smooth.
- Taste and sweeten if desired.
- Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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