Creative Ways to Use Up Your Last Cup of Yogurt

Creamy, tangy yogurt is one of the most versatile and economical ingredients you can stock in your kitchen. It can easily be incorporated into a balanced breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and by itself it makes for a tasty snack or dessert. But if you’re accustomed to simply opening the foil lid and calling it a meal, you’re in for a treat with these simple recipes you can whip up in no time at all. At the grocery store, be sure to reach for low-fat, plain Greek or regular yogurt cups (in recipes, 1 cup equals 8 ounces) to keep sugar and calories in check.

Pasta With Basil Yogurt Sauce
Skip the rich Alfredo sauce, but keep the creamy texture you love in pasta dishes with this cheesy yogurt sauce. The simple pasta dish from A Communal Table uses basil, garlic, salt, and white pepper for a boost of flavor. Chopped tomatoes add vitamins A and C , plus potassium, while pine nuts provide vitamins E and K, and magnesium.

Greek Yogurt Macaroni and Cheese

An effortless way to slash calories and fat in your favorite mac-and-cheese recipe is to swap in yogurt for half of the full-fat milk. This trick adds creaminess and a dose of protein without the need for extra butter or heavy cream. In this baked version from A Dash of Soul, olive oil is also swapped in for butter for a heart-healthy option that cooks up in just 10 minutes. Opt for low-fat cheese to cut down on fat even more.

Greek Marinated Chicken

When marinating meat, not many people reach for a cup of yogurt, but the thick texture makes for a great marinade base. It’s the secret to Budget Bytes’s marinated chicken that’s infused with garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. You can marinate the meat in just 30 minutes, or prepare it up to two days ahead of grilling or baking for a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy. Make it a Mediterranean feast with a side dish like this Greek Quinoa Salad for a filling, nutrient-rich spread.

Chopped Summer Vegetable Salad with Farro, Yogurt and Za’atar

This vibrant salad from the cookbook Yogurt, by Janet Fletcher, is the perfect combination of grains, vegetables, and protein, and it’s a quick meal you can toss together on a busy weeknight. Farro is a great alternative to brown rice that’s high in fiber and protein, and also adds a nutty bite alongside crunchy cucumbers, spicy arugula, and juicy tomatoes. What makes this salad stand out is the Mediterranean za’atar spice mixture that you can also make yourself by combining equal parts thyme or oregano leaves, ground sumac, sea salt, and toasted sesame seeds.