Unlock These 20 Surprisingly Simple Protein Hacks That Will Transform Your Meals Overnight!
Ever wondered how a simple tub of Greek yogurt could turn your kitchen into a culinary playground? Believe me, this isn’t your average snack-time hero—it’s a powerhouse ingredient that’s ready to flex in ways you never imagined. From creamy homemade “ice cream” that’ll fool even the pickiest eaters, to a game-changing mayo substitute that adds a protein punch—Greek yogurt is the underdog your meals have been craving. So, is it time you gave this tangy delight the spotlight it deserves? Let’s dive into 20 tantalizing ways to elevate your eats and fuel your body like a champ.
Use It To Make Homemade “Ice Cream”
This is a classic you’ve likely had before, even if you believed it was ice cream. Greek yogurt is delicious as a frozen treat with some berries or other fruit added on top (or mixed in), according to Carrie Walder, RD, who runs the blog Walder Wellness. To make, all you need is a food processor or blender, some fruit, and about ~30 minutes (or more) to let the mixture chill in the freezer.
Use it In Your Overnight Oats
Overnight oats just got way better. The breakfast dish is already packed with nutrients and fiber, so adding in some Greek yogurt makes it even healthier. Ditkoff’s go-to recipe includes oats, Greek yogurt, mashed banana, cinnamon, vanilla, chia seeds. Combine the ingredients, let sit for at least two hours (or overnight), and enjoy.
Use It As A Whipped Cream Replacement
This method is pretty unconventional, but Walder loves to swap out her use of whipped cream, or any dish à la mode, with some Greek yogurt. “A scoop tastes so good on a warm fruit crisp, over banana splits, or on pancakes and waffles,” she says. “It’s a nice way to balance out the sugar content of these foods with a boost of protein.”
Use It As A Marinade
Linsenmeyer also recommends using Greek yogurt as a marinade, particularly for chicken breast. “It marinates the protein much more slowly compared to a really strong acid,” she says. “When it hits, it does really well on the grill.”
Use It In Soup
Similar to pasta sauce, Greek yogurt can make a great addition to creamy soups that call for heavy cream. If you prefer your soup is meatless, this also adds a welcome dose of protein to the mix. Pro tip: add it into your mixture last to keep it from separating.
Use It As A Mayo Substitute
Overall, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for any dish that calls for mayo. Walder mixes in avocado as well to add even more flavor for her mayo-less tuna salad. Either way, add some canned tuna to Greek yogurt, and you have a tasty dish at your fingertips. It only takes about 10 minutes. Hello, girl dinner!
Use It In Your Smoothie
You can’t go wrong by starting your day with a smoothie, and adding some Greek yogurt to your daily recipe can step it up. Plain pairs well with anything, but try adding in some peanut butter, too. Your smoothie will pack a ton of protein, and taste great.
Use It To Make Peanut Butter Dip
Greek yogurt peanut butter dip is a sweet, healthy dip to serve at your next gathering, says Whitney Linsenmeyer, PhD, RD, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. All you need to do is mix the two ingredients together. “That can make a great dip for kids,” she says. “To dip in some fruits or veggies.”
Use It As A Substitute In Pasta Sauce
If you’re thinking about all of those trips to Europe that are popping up on your feed, cure a bit of your FOMO by making some pasta sauce from scratch. Most creamy sauces call for half and half or heavy cream, which can easily be replaced with some Greek yogurt, according to Walder.
Use It To Make Popsicles
Similar to freezing it for a sweet ice cream-like treat, Greek yogurt works well in popsicle form, too. Linsenmeyer adds in yogurt to a vegetable or fruit puree to make a delicious snack for later. “It gives it a really nice creamy feeling and holds up well for different fruit flavors,” she says.
Use It Make Green Goddess Dressing
Dressing is another great dish for a Greek yogurt substitution. Linsenmeyer suggests using it to make green goddess dressing. She’ll blend Greek yogurt with parsley, cilantro and a little olive oil and vinegar. “Traditionally, a green goddess dressing is made with mayonnaise, so the yogurt is a nice substitute that gives it a ton of creaminess,” she says.
Use It As A Substitute For Baking Powder
Yup. You can bake a full on cake with Greek yogurt. This dish has a pretty high acidic pH, so like a great marinade, it can also be mixed with baking soda to replace baking powder in any recipe that calls for it.
Use It To Make DIY Icing
Use It Instead Of Sour Cream
This classic substitute cannot be overlooked! You may already know that plain Greek yogurt makes a much healthier alternative for sour cream but it’s worth a reminder. Add it to chili, tacos, quesadillas, or anything else that might call for some sour cream.
Use It To Make A Veggie Dip
You can mix it will some dill and garlic powder and get an extremely tasty veggie dip, but plain old Greek yogurt also pairs well as a savory drip for some veggies. Try it with carrots or zucchini for an easy afternoon snack.
Use It To Tone Down Spicy Dishes
Any creamy dishes with lots of spice can be lightened up with some Greek yogurt. It helps with the creaminess, too. Just be sure to add your yogurt when it’s at room temperature, otherwise you might risk it separating.
Use It In Your Next Charcuterie Board
Sure, you’ve probably seen some spreadable cheeses and jams on charcuterie boards, but have you tried Greek yogurt? Its tart flavor will fit right in among your meats, breads, and nuts.
Use It To Make A Parfait
Greek yogurt is great on its own, but add in some fruit and granola to really level it up. A parfait makes a high protein breakfast, or even a healthy dessert.
Use It To Make Tzatziki Sauce
This authentic Greek recipe truly only takes 10 minutes, and it’s so delicious: Grate some cucumbers, then mix together yogurt, some garlic, white vinegar, and a little olive oil. Then, add the cucumbers to the mixture and let sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Boom! You have a delicious, and surprisingly effortless, tzatziki sauce.
Use It To Make Cheese
Oh, yeah. This one is a little more complicated, but you can totally make cheese from Greek yogurt. Spoon some into a cheesecloth (or truly any clean cloth) and place in a strainer. Then, place something heavy on top and leave it alone for a few days. This process will give you some spreadable, vegetarian-friendly, cheese.
Olivia Evans (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Her work has previously appeared in The Cut and Teen Vogue. She loves covering topics where culture and wellness intersect. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, and watching rom-coms.
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