17 Plain Yogurt Recipes That Maximize Its Amazing Potential
Plain yogurt transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary meals with its creamy texture and tangy flavor. This versatile ingredient works magic in everything from savory curries to sweet desserts.
These seventeen recipes showcase yogurt’s incredible ability to tenderize meats, create silky sauces, and add moisture to baked goods while keeping things healthy and delicious.
01. Creamy Indian Chicken Curry
Rich, aromatic chicken curry with a silky yogurt-based sauce that’s perfectly spiced. This restaurant-quality dish brings authentic Indian flavors straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (cut into chunks), 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Creamy Indian Chicken Curry
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant and aromatic.
2. Stir in all spices and cook for 30 seconds until they release their oils. Add chicken chunks and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total, ensuring each piece develops a nice color.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Slowly whisk in yogurt and coconut milk, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is creamy.
02. Herb-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops infused with aromatic herbs and spices through a yogurt marinade. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while creating incredible depth of flavor.
Ingredients: 8 lamb chops, 1 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped), 1 tbsp fresh oregano, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 lemons (juiced), salt and black pepper to taste.
How To Make Herb-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops
1. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Season the marinade generously with salt and pepper, creating a fragrant mixture.
2. Add lamb chops to the marinade, turning to coat completely on both sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight, allowing the yogurt to tenderize the meat thoroughly.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and remove chops from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked lamb.
03. Mediterranean Bulgur Wheat Salad
Light yet satisfying bulgur salad dressed with tangy yogurt, honey, and lemon. Crunchy almonds, sweet dates, and crisp apples create wonderful texture contrasts in every bite.
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked bulgur wheat (cooled), 1 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp honey, 2 lemons (juiced), 1 cup Muenster cheese (cubed), ½ cup slivered almonds, ½ cup pitted dates (chopped), 2 apples (diced), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Mediterranean Bulgur Wheat Salad
1. Cook bulgur wheat according to package directions, then spread on a baking sheet to cool completely. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy when you add the dressing later.
2. Whisk together yogurt, honey, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
3. Add cooled bulgur to the yogurt dressing and toss gently to coat. Fold in cubed cheese, slivered almonds, chopped dates, and diced apples just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
04. Lighter Tarragon Chicken Salad
Classic chicken salad made healthier with yogurt instead of heavy mayonnaise. Fresh tarragon adds an elegant herbal note that elevates this lunch favorite to gourmet status.
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded), ¾ cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 3 tbsp fresh tarragon (chopped), 2 celery stalks (diced), ¼ cup red onion (minced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Lighter Tarragon Chicken Salad
1. Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large bowl, whisking until completely smooth. The small amount of mayo adds richness while yogurt keeps it light and tangy.
2. Stir in chopped tarragon, diced celery, and minced red onion, mixing well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the creamy dressing base.
3. Add shredded chicken and fold gently until all pieces are coated with the herbed yogurt mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
05. Hearty Turkey and Lentil Chili
Protein-packed chili featuring lean ground turkey and fiber-rich lentils. A dollop of cool yogurt on top balances the warming spices perfectly.
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 cup dried lentils, 1 large onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 2 cans diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, plain yogurt for serving, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Hearty Turkey and Lentil Chili
1. Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the same pot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and all spices, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Return turkey to pot along with lentils, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with a generous dollop of plain yogurt on top to cool down the spices and add creamy richness.
06. Fresh Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Classic Waldorf salad made lighter with yogurt dressing instead of heavy mayo. Tart cranberries and sweet grapes create a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients: 2 red apples (diced), 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped), 1 cup red grapes (halved), ½ cup walnuts (chopped), ½ cup celery (diced), ¾ cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt to taste.
How To Make Fresh Cranberry Waldorf Salad
1. Dice apples and immediately toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. This keeps your salad looking fresh and colorful for hours.
2. Whisk together yogurt and honey in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. The honey balances the tartness of both the yogurt and cranberries beautifully.
3. Add diced apples, chopped cranberries, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and diced celery to the yogurt dressing. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated, then chill before serving.
07. Aunt Bobra’s Moist Banana Bread
Incredibly moist banana bread with yogurt adding tenderness and tang. This family recipe creates the perfect balance of banana sweetness and subtle tartness.
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed), ½ cup plain yogurt, ⅓ cup melted butter, ¾ cup sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt.
How To Make Aunt Bobra’s Moist Banana Bread
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps for texture.
2. Stir yogurt, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla into mashed bananas until well combined. The yogurt keeps this bread incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
08. Crispy Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Unique chocolate chip cookies using yogurt instead of eggs for binding. The result is surprisingly crispy cookies with a delicate texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup butter (softened), ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup plain yogurt, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups chocolate chips.
How To Make Crispy Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, setting aside.
2. Cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
3. Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips. Don’t overmix or cookies will be tough instead of crispy.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers still look slightly soft.
09. Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala
Restaurant-style chicken tikka masala with yogurt creating the signature creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This beloved Indian dish delivers complex flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken (cubed), 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 can tomato sauce, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala
1. Marinate cubed chicken in ½ cup yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon garam masala for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with spice flavors.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook marinated chicken until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping any flavorful bits in the pan.
3. Sauté diced onion in the same pan until golden, then add garlic, ginger, and remaining spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Slowly whisk in remaining yogurt and heavy cream, then return chicken to pan and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
10. Zesty Paprika Chicken
Incredibly flavorful chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then finished with tangy vinegar sauce. The yogurt marinade creates the most tender, juicy chicken you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients: 6 chicken breasts, 1 cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 3 tbsp paprika, 2 tsp oregano, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Zesty Paprika Chicken
1. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, and oregano in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to create a flavorful marinade base.
2. Add chicken breasts to marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight, allowing the yogurt to tenderize the meat thoroughly.
3. Meanwhile, combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Grill marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Brush with vinegar sauce during the last few minutes for incredible zing and flavor.
11. Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers
Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in yogurt and Middle Eastern spices. The yogurt marinade ensures incredibly juicy, flavorful meat that falls off the skewer.
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken (cut into chunks), 1 cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup lemon juice, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cardamom, ¼ cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers
1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all spices in a large bowl, whisking until smooth and well blended. The yogurt acts as a natural meat tenderizer.
2. Add chicken chunks to marinade, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto metal skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade that touched raw chicken.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook skewers for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken is golden brown and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
12. Healthy Zucchini Veggie Muffins
Nutritious multigrain muffins packed with hidden vegetables and kept moist with yogurt. Even picky eaters will love these secretly healthy treats for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded zucchini, ½ cup shredded carrots, ¾ cup plain yogurt, ½ cup applesauce, 2 eggs, ½ cup honey, 1 cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup oats, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon.
How To Make Healthy Zucchini Veggie Muffins
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Squeeze excess moisture from shredded zucchini using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Whisk together yogurt, applesauce, eggs, and honey in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. The yogurt adds moisture while keeping these muffins light.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined without overmixing.
4. Fold in squeezed zucchini and shredded carrots gently. Divide batter among muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes until tops spring back when lightly touched.
13. Lean Turkey Burgers
Juicy, flavorful turkey burgers enhanced with yogurt to prevent dryness. Ground almonds and seasonings create gourmet burgers that are both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients: 1½ lbs ground turkey, ½ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup ground almonds, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper.
How To Make Lean Turkey Burgers
1. Combine ground turkey, yogurt, breadcrumbs, ground almonds, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl. The yogurt keeps these lean burgers incredibly moist and juicy.
2. Season mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper, then mix gently with your hands just until combined. Overmixing will result in tough, dense burgers.
3. Shape mixture into 6 equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking. Chill patties for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
4. Cook burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
14. Fluffy Blueberry Almond Pancakes
Light, fluffy pancakes with tangy yogurt and bursts of sweet blueberries. Sliced almonds add delightful crunch to these restaurant-quality breakfast treats.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1¼ cups milk, ½ cup plain yogurt, 2 large eggs, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup sliced almonds.
How To Make Fluffy Blueberry Almond Pancakes
1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine milk, yogurt, eggs, and melted butter, whisking until smooth.
2. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy – overmixing will create tough pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
3. Gently fold in blueberries and sliced almonds, being careful not to burst the berries. Let batter rest for 5 minutes while your griddle heats up.
4. Cook pancakes on a preheated griddle over medium heat, using ¼ cup batter per pancake. Flip when bubbles form on surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes per side.
15. Refreshing Cucumber Soup
Cool, creamy chilled soup perfect for hot summer days. Yogurt and sour cream create the silky base while fresh cucumbers provide refreshing flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients: 4 large cucumbers (peeled and seeded), 1 cup plain yogurt, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 cup vegetable broth, salt and white pepper to taste.
How To Make Refreshing Cucumber Soup
1. Peel cucumbers and cut in half lengthwise, then scoop out seeds with a spoon. Roughly chop the cucumber flesh and place in a food processor or blender.
2. Add yogurt, sour cream, chopped dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the cucumbers. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
3. With processor running, slowly add vegetable broth until soup reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and white pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
4. Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully and the soup will become even more refreshing when properly chilled.
16. Simple French Yogurt Cake
Classic French yogurt cake that’s incredibly easy to make. Using the yogurt container as a measuring cup makes this foolproof recipe perfect for beginning bakers.
Ingredients: 1 container (6 oz) plain yogurt, 2 yogurt containers all-purpose flour, 1 yogurt container sugar, ½ yogurt container vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
How To Make Simple French Yogurt Cake
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. Empty yogurt into a large bowl, then wash and dry the container to use for measuring.
2. Using the empty yogurt container, measure flour and sugar into the bowl with yogurt. Add oil, eggs, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
3. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The batter will be relatively thick but should pour easily into your prepared pan.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before removing from pan.
17. Creamy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Comforting baked enchilada casserole with yogurt creating incredible creaminess. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas make this a family favorite dinner.
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 12 corn tortillas, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 onion (diced), 1 can diced tomatoes (drained), ½ cup water.
How To Make Creamy Beef Enchilada Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Brown ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet, breaking up meat as it cooks until no pink remains.
2. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning, drained tomatoes, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until mixture thickens slightly and flavors blend together.
3. Whisk together yogurt and cream of chicken soup in a bowl until smooth. This creates the creamy base that makes these enchiladas incredibly rich and satisfying.
4. Layer half the tortillas in prepared dish, top with half the meat mixture, half the yogurt sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers, then bake covered for 25 minutes until bubbly.
Final Thoughts
These seventeen recipes prove that plain yogurt deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator. From tenderizing marinades to creamy sauces and moist baked goods, yogurt elevates every dish it touches.
Start experimenting with these versatile recipes and discover how this simple ingredient can transform your everyday cooking into something truly special and delicious.
