What Is Greek yogurt and How Can I Use It?

If greek yogurt has turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use it with confidence and how to choose it, cook it, store it, what to substitute, and 48 recipes to try it in.

What is greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is regular yogurt with most of the whey strained out. Hang plain yogurt in cloth or a fine sieve and the watery whey drips away, leaving a thick, dense yogurt with a tighter tang and a spoon-coating body somewhere between yogurt and soft cheese.

Straining concentrates everything. Because the liquid is gone, the protein roughly doubles against the same weight of regular yogurt, which is why a single cup feels so filling.

Why it cooks better

Losing the whey does more than thicken it. With less free water and a denser protein network, Greek yogurt resists curdling far better than thin regular yogurt, so it can take more heat before it breaks.

That makes it the safer choice stirred into a warm curry or a pan sauce. It still wants gentle heat, so the surest move is to take the pan off the burner before the yogurt goes in.

In baking it keeps batters moist without thinning them, the trick behind cakes like Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake with Raspberry-Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Ganache.

Dips and sour cream

This is the yogurt for dips. Its thickness is what lets tzatziki and herbed yogurt sauces cling instead of run, the body behind Beet Pancakes with Yogurt Dill Sauce and the cooling raita in Chicken Tikka Masala (Main).

It is also the standard stand-in for sour cream. Spoon it onto a baked potato, fold it into a dressing, or use it cup for cup in baking for a tangier, lighter result with more protein.

Full-fat versus 0%

Buy by what you are making. Full-fat (around 10% milkfat) is creamiest and the most heat-stable, the one to reach for in hot dishes and rich dips.

The 0% non-fat version is thick and high in protein but more sour and more likely to break in a hot pan. Keep it for cold uses like smoothies and breakfast bowls.

The 2% sits comfortably in the middle.

Buying and storage

Look for "strained" or "Greek" plus live and active cultures, and check the label: some brands fake the thickness with added thickeners instead of straining, which gives a gummier feel.

Store it cold at or below 40°F (4°C), tightly covered. It keeps about a week or two past opening, a touch longer than thin yogurt thanks to the lower water content. Any whey that pools on top just stirs back in.

You can also make it yourself. Line a sieve with cheesecloth, spoon in plain yogurt, and let it drain in the fridge.

Two to four hours gives you Greek-style; overnight gives a firm, spreadable labneh. See yogurt for the basics and yogurt, non-fat for the leanest pour.

Nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is usually found in the dairy section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Greek yogurt is a member of the Dairy and Egg Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese

希腊酸奶

British (UK) term

greek yoghurt

en français

yaourt grec

en español

yogur griego

How much does greek yogurt weigh?

Related

Dairy and Egg Products

Recipes using greek yogurt

There are 48 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Olive & White Mushroom Soup with 3-colors Fusilli

Once upon a time I was reading a magazine article about good cooking. The journalist tried to convince me not to use some combinations of ingredients. One of the "banned" combinations mentioned was green and black olives. And so this soup was born to enjoy me.

Beet Raita

Diced cooked beets toss with cardamom and fresh mint, then layer with honey-sweetened Greek yogurt for a vibrant Indian raita that's tangy, earthy, and subtly sweet in every spoonful.

Beets, Chorizo & Pomegranate Braise with Cilantro Salsa

This delicious and well-balanced one pot meal will for sure satisfy everyone around the dinner table with all the yumminess and goodness.

Easy Dill Tzatziki

I put it on lettuce, eat it with pita chips, or serve it with meat. Always have some plump kalamatas on hand when eating it. So delicious to dunk them in the sauce.

Earth Family Roasted Garlic Pineapple Dip

Roasted garlic pineapple dip blends cream cheese and Greek yogurt with sweet crushed pineapple, onion and a roasted garlic seasoning. A creamy, sweet-savory no-cook party dip for chips and crackers.

Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake

Pecan streusel coffee cake with cinnamon-brown sugar streusel swirled through a tender Greek yogurt cake. A brunch classic with a hidden streusel layer and a golden crumble top.

Quick & Easy Cucumber Raita

Cucumber raita is one common side-dish in Indian meal. Its refreshing and creamy taste brings a wonderful balance to the always-spicy main course. This easy and tasty cucumber raita takes on time to make.

Cookie Dough Pops

Egg free, delish cookie dough in the form of pops. Dipped in your favorite chocolate.

Baked Fish & Chips

These baked fish and chips have much less fat and calories than deep-fried ones, but it still tastes delicious, and this time you don't have to feel guilty about it.

Cucumber Raita

Eat with Indian or Lebonese style flat breads. Great as a side with barbequed lamb.

Blueberry & Cherry Trifles-Individual

Light individual trifles layered with ladyfingers, fresh berries, vanilla yogurt, and toasted almonds. These elegant no-bake desserts are perfect for summer entertaining.

Lemony Strawberry Yogurt Cake with Lemon Glaze

You can't believe how delicious and moist this cake comes out, and best of all is that the cake is made with mostly whole wheat flour, applesauce and yogurt, then glazed with a thin layer of lemony icing. Looks so appealing and tastes even better!

Tandoori Spiced Chicken Breast with Grilled Tomato Jam & Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Absolutely worth the effort of preparation. The chicken tasted so delicious and packed with flavor. No need to order take-out from now on. This homemade tandoori chicken is as yummy as the restaurant one.

Chicken Tikka Masala (Main)

Traditional Indian dish of roasted chunks of chicken in a spicy sauce. The chicken is a very good source of lean protein, while the sauce provides important nutrients such as vitamins A and C as well as calcium.

Custard Peach Pie

This custard peach pie is a great way to use seasonal peaches. The custard is creamy and sweet, and the pecans in the crust and topping are a yummy addition. It’s hard to resist this delicious treat!

Chocolate Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake Bars

Had some pumpkin puree and cream cheese on hand, wondering if I could make a dessert that had these two ingredients and chocolate. Found some recipes that almost fit my thoughts, then combined my own ideas, here these delicious cheesecake bars are. They were absolutely delightful and only lasted a few hours...

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Serve these kabobs as an appetizer with the sauce for dipping, or as sandwiches. Slather the sauce on warmed pita and place the chicken in the pockets along with sliced tomatoes and red onion.

Blueberry Whole Wheat Danish Cheese Cake

Blueberries, Danish and cheesecake are all in one bite, life is good! The cake is made with 100% whole wheat flour, applesauce and olive oil, and they are all good for you. Having one slice or two for breakfast with the morning coffee sounds like a good idea to me :)

Butternut Squash & Yam Casserole

This casserole was scrumptious, the butternut squash and the sweet potatoes turned out soft, sweet and full of flavor; burglar gave the meaty texture and soaked all the delicious flavor; tomato, red wine and stock made a delicious base for this casserole.

Beet Pancakes with Yogurt Dill Sauce

This is an excellent way to prepare beets. Reminiscent of potato pancakes, shredded beets and carrots are mixed with eggs and then cooked in a skillet until crispy on the outside. The earthy sweetness of the beets go perfectly with the creamy yogurt dill sauce, simply delicious!

Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake with Raspberry-Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Ganache

This is not your classic bundt cake that's packed with not-so-good-for-you ingredients. The cake is made with 100% whole wheat flour, grapeseed oil, Greek yogurt, low-fat cream cheese, and fresh raspberries. The ganache doesn't have any butter or cream, it contains cocoa powder, honey, grapeseed oil and Greek yogurt. Super chocolaty, fudgy, moist and packed with goodness.

Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake with Raspberry-Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Ganache

This is not your classic bundt cake that's packed with not-so-good-for-you ingredients. The cake is made with 100% whole wheat flour, grapeseed oil, Greek yogurt, low-fat cream cheese, and fresh raspberries. The ganache doesn't have any butter or cream, it contains cocoa powder, honey, grapeseed oil and Greek yogurt. Super chocolaty, fudgy, moist and packed with goodness.

Alpine Peppered Pineapple with Wild Fruit Yoghurt

A dessert made from pineapple with Alpine Pepper, and served with a side of wild fruit yoghurt.

Tangy Salmon Mousse

Light salmon mousse made with canned and smoked salmon, Greek yogurt, ginger, and whipped egg whites, served with a grapefruit-walnut oil salad. An elegant British-style starter.

Orange, Passionfruit & Yogurt Cupcakes

Deliciously moist cupcakes packed with tempting flavors. These go splendidly with a cream cheese frosting!

Salmon Tacos

Salmon tacos built on canned salmon, Greek yogurt-cucumber-mint sauce, and crisp shells. A fast, omega-packed weeknight dinner with the freshness of tzatziki-style topping.

Minty Salmon Salad

Minty salmon salad with canned red Alaska salmon, fanned avocado halves, curly endive, and a cool cucumber-mint-yogurt dressing. A light, elegant no-cook main course.

Waffles with three toppings

A nice dessert, there are three great toppings on the top, mixing very well!

Bean Salad Plus Tuna or Bacon

Three-bean salad with steamed French beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas in a tangy yogurt-mustard dressing. Add tuna or grilled bacon for a heartier meal.

Creamy Salmon Soup

Silky pureed salmon soup made in the microwave with white wine, curd cheese, and Greek yogurt. Uses canned salmon for a quick, protein-rich bowl ready in under 45 minutes.

Apple Muesli with Goji Berries

Can use other grains or fruit that go with yogurt.

Power Strawberry & Yogurt Smoothie

Power strawberry yogurt smoothie blends sweet strawberries, protein-rich Greek yogurt, a hidden handful of spinach, and almond milk into a creamy breakfast in a glass. You taste the berries, not the greens, and it's ready in minutes.

Wild Salmon Crepes

Green-flecked spinach crepes folded around flaked wild salmon, sauteed mushrooms, and tangy yogurt sauce with fresh tarragon. An elegant brunch for two that's ready in 30 minutes.

Peach Broulee

A lighter peach brulee: ripe sliced peaches with orange juice, blanketed in tangy Greek yogurt and topped with a crackly broiled-sugar crust. The flavors of creme brulee with a fraction of the work.

Balsamic-Blackberry Crème Brûlée

Fresh blackberries macerated in aged balsamic vinegar, layered with creamy Greek yogurt and honey, then topped with a crackly torched sugar crust. A no-bake crème brûlée that's elegant enough for a dinner party.

Good Karma Schawarma

Homemade chicken shawarma: yogurt-marinated thigh meat layered with spinach and roasted red peppers, baked into a stacked loaf, sliced thin, and served on fresh chapati flatbread with tzatziki.

Healthy Peanut Butter Muffins

gluten free, egg free

Roasted Plums with Greek Yogurt

Roasted plums with Greek yogurt, toasted hazelnuts, and a drizzle of honey. A 25-minute healthy dessert that turns firm supermarket plums into something silky, caramelized, and elegant.

Tasty Pork Stroganoff

Tasty pork stroganoff swaps beef for tender pork strips in a creamy mushroom sauce, lightened and tangy with Greek yogurt and a savory hit of soy. A quick weeknight twist on stroganoff over fettuccine, and easily gluten-free.

Ham & Vegetable Rice Skillet

Hearty skillet cake with brown rice, ham, zucchini, carrots, and cheese. Crispy bottom, soft center, and golden top from the broiler. A perfect way to use up leftover ham and vegetables for a quick weeknight dinner.

Crispy Fish Fingers

Crispy oven-baked fish fingers coated in toasted whole-wheat breadcrumbs, served with a tangy yogurt-Dijon dipping sauce. A healthier homemade take on the freezer-aisle classic.

Fourth of July Potato Salad

No flag day or 4th of July celebration would be complete without a potato salad. This version is lighter and healthier that the tradition mayonaise only version but every bit as tasty. It's best made the day before. A great make-ahead classic side-dish so you can enjoy the day more.

Greek-Style Macaroni Pie

Greek-style macaroni pie (pastitsio) with feta cheese, cinnamon, oregano, mint, and tomatoes, topped with a creamy yogurt-egg-feta bechamel. A vegetarian baked pasta casserole cut into squares.

Moroccan Style Vegetable Stew With Harissa Yogurt Sauce

This is an excellent recipe, even you are not vegetarian, you will love it too.

Quick & Easy 2 Ingredient Pizza Dough

This pizza dough recipe is the only one I use now.

Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Salsa & Tsatsiki

Chicken gyros with cucumber salsa and tsatsiki turn leftover roast chicken into a fast Greek dinner. Garlic-herb oil, cool yogurt sauce, crunchy cucumber-tomato salsa, warm pita.

Baked Trout with Yogurt & Herbs

Whole rainbow trout baked in a creamy yogurt and herb sauce with parsley, chives, fennel, thyme, oregano, and tarragon. An elegant British-style fish supper ready in under an hour.

All 48 recipes