Greek yogurt is becoming a pretty popular product, referred as a superfood, because of the high content of protein and probiotic cultures. Greek yogurt standouts between many yogurts on the market because of its thicker and creamier texture. Greek yogurt contains two times more protein than other yogurts, which is great for weight control because it keeps you feeling full longer. It comes in the many flavors or plain, and you can eat it as a snack or incorporate it in recipes, desserts and smoothies.
Here are surprisingly delicious ways to use Greek yogurt:
Breakfast Healthy Recipe
Scandinavian Eggs Benedict with Yogurt Sauce
This protein-rich breakfast is the best breakfast with a lighter version of Hollandaise sauce using Greek yogurt, fresh herbs and spices to fill up a flavorful punch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/8 tsp turmeric (powdered)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- ½ lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp horseradish
- A crackle of white pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 whole wheat English muffins (halved and toasted)
- 4 thin slices of smoked salmon
- 4 poached eggs (for how to poach an egg, see below)
- Chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Serves: 4 servings
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt and turmeric until it gets a pale gold color. Then stir in dill, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, horseradish, pepper, and salt, until well mixed. Leave it on for about few minutes at room temperature, while you cook the eggs. You can also warm up the sauce in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Top each halved and toasted English muffin with a thin slice of smoked salmon, a poached egg and a spoon of Greek yogurt sauce. Sprinkle with chopped chives for garnish if desired. Repeat with remaining halved and toasted muffins. Serve immediately and enjoy.
How to prepare poached eggs
Put a pot filled with about 1 and ½ inches of water to a simmer, with bubbles rising up from the bottom. Stir in ¼ cup of white vinegar and bring back to a simmer. Crack the egg into an individual ramekin or small bowl. Then, pour each egg into a ladle. Partly inundate the ladle with the egg in the simmering water. The egg white will start to turn into snow-white color.
Then, carefully release the egg, easing it into the pot so that it maintains in a round shape. The egg white should be compact and not flop like jelly. Repeat the same with the remaining eggs. Then, return to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes to get a hard yolk. Remove each egg with a slotted spoon very carefully, then put it on a paper towel until ready to serve.
Healthy Main Dish Recipe
Pasta with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Creamy Lemon-Yogurt Sauce
This colorful bowl of whole-wheat pasta and protein-rich Greek yogurt, and large doses of zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic packed with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces whole-wheat pasta
- ½ cup nonfat plain or low-fat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (grated)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium (or 8-ounce) zucchini, cut into thin strips
- 2 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- ½ pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
Preparation:
Serves: 4 servings
Put a large pot of water to a boil and add the pasta to cook for about 9 minutes. Remove ¼ cup of the cooking water, and set it aside. Then, drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large bowl, stir the Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Then set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil at medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, and cook until wilted, occasionally flipping them over with a spatula. Use a spoon to push the zucchini aside to make a space on the bottom of the pan. Then, add the garlic, and cook more for about 15 – 30 seconds, until golden. Next, mix the garlic into the zucchini and stir in the tomatoes and cook until softened, for about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the zucchini mixture and yogurt mixture. Then add the drained linguine, and toss to combine well. Add the remaining cooking pasta water to thin it, if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Healthy Dessert Recipe
Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt
This recipe is very easy to prepare and healthy, especially for a dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 small container of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp nut butter (or peanut butter)
- 1 tbsp natural sweetener (maple syrup or honey)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
Preparation:
Combine the Greek Yogurt with the nut butter or peanut butter, natural sweetener, vanilla and sea salt. Mix all the ingredients until smooth. Top with Mini Chocolate chips and enjoy this delicious and healthy dessert.
Read more: Smoothies With Yogurt and Fruit