15+ Plain Yogurt Recipes That Are Delicious and Easy to Make

Plain yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can enhance many meals. From smoothies to dressings, it adds creaminess and a hint of tang.

You’ll discover how easy it is to incorporate plain yogurt into your cooking, making everyday dishes more delicious and nutritious.

Using plain yogurt in recipes not only improves flavor but also boosts health benefits. It can be a great substitute in various traditional dishes, providing a lighter option without losing taste.

Get ready to explore some delightful and simple ways to use plain yogurt in your kitchen!

1) Stir into creamy potato soup

Adding plain yogurt to your creamy potato soup makes it richer and smoother. It gives the soup a delicious tang that balances well with the potatoes.

Start by cooking your potatoes until they’re soft. Then, stir in the yogurt at the end to keep its creamy texture. This also adds a boost of protein to your meal.

You can mix in other ingredients like cheese or herbs for extra flavor. This simple step can transform your soup into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5-6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
3. Add the cubed potatoes and vegetable broth.
4. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
5. Stir in the plain yogurt just before serving.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

2) Make tangy yogurt dressing

Making a tangy yogurt dressing is simple and quick. This tasty dressing adds flavor to salads and can even be a dip for veggies. You’ll enjoy how fresh and light it tastes.

Start by mixing plain yogurt with red wine vinegar for a bit of tang. Then, add honey and Dijon mustard for sweetness and depth of flavor. Season with black pepper to taste.

To bring it all together, slowly stir in some olive oil. This dressing is perfect for drizzling over your favorite greens or using as a dip for crunchy snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
2. Slowly stir in the olive oil until well combined.
3. Enjoy your tangy yogurt dressing!

3) Create yogurt marinated chicken

Making yogurt marinated chicken is a delicious way to add flavor and tenderness. The yogurt helps the chicken stay juicy while infusing it with rich taste.

To start, you’ll need plain yogurt, which is the star ingredient. You can also add garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite spices. These flavors will really enhance the chicken.

First, mix the yogurt with the garlic, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Then, coat the chicken pieces in the mixture. Make sure they are well-covered.

Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least an hour. You can let it marinate overnight for even more flavor. Once ready, grill or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Your choice of spices (like salt, pepper, or paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices.
2. Coat the chicken in the mixture thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Bake or grill the chicken until fully cooked.

4) Mix in yogurt pancakes

Yogurt pancakes are a tasty way to enjoy a breakfast staple. Mixing yogurt into your pancake batter adds moisture and a nice tang. It’s a simple swap that enhances flavor while providing extra protein.

To make yogurt pancakes, start with some basic ingredients. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and your choice of yogurt. Eggs are also essential for good texture.

Cooking them is easy! Heat a skillet over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown.

Enjoy these fluffy pancakes with your favorite toppings, like syrup or fresh fruit. They make a perfect start to your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 large eggs

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Stir in yogurt and eggs until combined.
3. Heat a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Pour batter into the skillet, cook until bubbles form, then flip.
5. Serve with toppings of your choice.

5) Blend into mango smoothies

Mango smoothies are a delicious way to enjoy plain yogurt. You can create a creamy texture by blending yogurt with fresh or frozen mango. This adds a tropical flavor to your drink.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make a tasty mango smoothie with yogurt. The combination of sweet mango and tangy yogurt works well together. You can even add ice for a thicker consistency.

You can try different variations by adding a bit of honey or a splash of lime juice. This gives your smoothie an extra zing.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup ice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the mango in a blender.
2. Add the plain yogurt.
3. If desired, add ice, honey, and lime juice.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

6) Use in a yogurt cheesecakes

Yogurt cheesecakes are a delicious and lighter alternative to traditional cheesecakes. Using plain yogurt adds a creamy texture while reducing fat content. You’ll enjoy a dessert that feels indulgent without the heavy calories.

To make a yogurt cheesecake, mix plain yogurt with cream cheese for a rich flavor. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice since it provides even more creaminess and a slight tang.

This dessert is easy to customize. You can add flavors like vanilla, lemon, or chocolate to create your favorite version. Top it with fresh fruits or sauces for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add yogurt, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Pour mixture into the crust.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
6. Let cool and chill before serving.

7) Combine with oatmeal for breakfast

Starting your day with oatmeal is a great choice. You can easily boost its flavor and nutrition by adding plain yogurt. The yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making your breakfast more satisfying.

Simply cook your oats as you usually would. Once they are ready, stir in a generous spoonful of yogurt. This combination pairs well with fruits like bananas or berries.

You can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top for added crunch. The options are endless, and you can customize it to fit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water or milk (or a milk substitute)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 banana or 1/2 cup berries (fresh or frozen)
• Optional toppings: nuts, seeds, or honey

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water or milk to a boil.
2. Stir in oats and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Mix in plain yogurt and your choice of fruit.
6. Top with nuts or seeds if desired. Enjoy!

8) Add to Caesar Salad Dressing

Using plain yogurt in your Caesar salad dressing can make it creamy and healthy. It replaces the traditional egg and oil, giving you a lighter option.

You’ll need a few simple ingredients to get going. Start with Greek yogurt for a thick texture.

Adding garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese will give it that classic Caesar flavor. If you enjoy anchovies, include them for a more authentic taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: 1-2 anchovy fillets

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together plain Greek yogurt and minced garlic.
2. Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, then stir until smooth.
3. Blend in grated parmesan cheese.
4. If desired, chop and add anchovy fillets.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

9) Create yogurt-based dips

Yogurt-based dips are simple to make and add flavor to your snacks. You can use plain yogurt as a base for many different dips. They are great for veggies, chips, or even as a spread.

One quick option is a yogurt ranch dip. Just mix plain yogurt with ranch seasoning. You can adjust the flavors based on your taste.

Another tasty choice is a Greek yogurt dip with garlic and herbs. Combine yogurt with minced garlic, parsley, and dill for a fresh taste. This dip is creamy and goes well with anything.

For something unique, try a curry yogurt dip. Mix yogurt with curry powder and a bit of lemon juice. This adds a spicy kick to your snack time.

Ingredients

• Plain yogurt
• Ranch seasoning
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
• Curry powder
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. For ranch dip, combine yogurt and ranch seasoning in a bowl.
2. For garlic herb dip, mix yogurt with minced garlic and chopped herbs.
3. For curry dip, blend yogurt with curry powder and lemon juice until smooth.

10) Whisk into a frozen yogurt treat

Making a frozen yogurt treat is simple and fun. Start with plain yogurt as your base. You can add sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, to make it taste great.

To add some flavor, mix in your favorite fruits or a splash of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth. You can blend in frozen fruit for a thicker texture.

After mixing, pour the mixture into a shallow pan. Freeze it for about 2-3 hours. Stir it every 30 minutes for creaminess. Scoop it out and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3 cups plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sweetener (honey, maple syrup)
• 1 cup fruit (frozen or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla.

2. Mix in the fruit of your choice.

3. Pour the mixture into a shallow pan.

4. Freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

5. Scoop and serve.

11) Incorporate into banana bread

You can make your banana bread extra moist by adding plain yogurt. It helps keep the bread soft without needing too much butter or oil.

Using yogurt also gives your banana bread a mild tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the bananas.

Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for added texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
3. Mix in yogurt, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
4. Stir in baking soda and salt.
5. Fold in flour until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

12) Top curries with a yogurt drizzle

Adding a yogurt drizzle to your curry can enhance its flavor and texture. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang, making the dish more enjoyable.

You can use plain yogurt on a variety of curries to elevate your meal.

Try drizzling yogurt on a chicken curry for a smooth and refreshing taste. It pairs beautifully with spiced lentil dishes too. A yogurt drizzle can also cool down spicy chickpea curry, balancing heat with creaminess.

For those who enjoy earthy flavors, consider topping vegetable curry with yogurt. This adds depth and a lovely richness. Don’t forget to mix in some herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Plain yogurt
• Curry of your choice (chicken, lentil, chickpea, vegetable)
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro or mint)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your curry as desired.
2. Once finished, allow it to cool slightly.
3. Drizzle plain yogurt on top.
4. Sprinkle fresh herbs for added flavor.

13) Bind cookies with yogurt

Using yogurt in cookie recipes can make a big difference. It helps to bind the ingredients together, making the cookies moist and chewy. This is a great way to replace butter or oil for a healthier option.

Greek yogurt is especially popular for this. It adds protein and creaminess without extra fat. It also enhances the flavor of your cookies, giving them a pleasant tang.

You can use plain yogurt in various cookie recipes. For instance, cookies made with yogurt can be flavored with chocolate, fruit, or spices. This opens up many delicious possibilities.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate chips or other mix-ins (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, sugar, butter, and shortening.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
5. Stir in any chocolate chips or mix-ins.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

14) Make cool cucumber yogurt salad

Cool cucumber yogurt salad is a refreshing dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect as a side for any meal or as a healthy snack.

Start by peeling and slicing two large cucumbers. Sprinkle a little salt to draw out their moisture.

In a bowl, mix the cucumbers with low-fat plain yogurt. You can add some lemon juice and minced garlic for extra flavor. Fresh dill also adds a nice touch if you like herbs.

Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This makes it even cooler and tastier.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers
• 2 cups low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the cucumbers.
2. Sprinkle salt on cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic.
4. Add cucumbers to the yogurt mixture and stir well.
5. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

15) Mix into cauliflower tikka masala

Cauliflower tikka masala is a flavorful dish that you can easily enhance with plain yogurt. It adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the curry.

Start by mixing plain yogurt into your marinade for the cauliflower. This helps tenderize the florets, making them even more delicious.

You can also serve a dollop of yogurt on top of the finished dish. It not only looks great but also balances the spices in the curry.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a bowl, combine yogurt, curry powder, oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Toss the cauliflower florets in the yogurt mixture until they are well-coated.

4. Spread the florets on a baking sheet.

5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

6. Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro and additional yogurt.