26 Tasty Ways To Use Leftover Yogurt

In a world where food waste is a growing concern, it's not uncommon to find yourself staring at that container of leftover yogurt in your fridge, wondering if it's destined for the trash. Or maybe you've experienced those moments when you're tempted to finish every last spoonful of yogurt even when your stomach has reached its breaking point. But what if we told you that there's a more exciting and delicious path for those creamy remnants?

Leftover yogurt, often overlooked and underestimated, can be transformed into a wide array of delectable treats and savory wonders. Imagine creamy cocktails, refreshing yogurt popsicles, and healthier salad dressings, all crafted from the contents of that humble container once destined for the trash. If you're ready to make the most of every last spoonful, then read on. We're serving up 26 tasty ways to use leftover yogurt, and you'll want to try them all.

There's no end to the number of ways you can transform leftover yogurt into a delectable sauce. Unsure where to begin? Then consider the sauce Claire Saffitz eats with everything. The chef and food writer's recipe is a blend of yogurt, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and freshly grated garlic. Not only is it simple to make, but it pairs with everything from salad to chicken.

For those seeking a more independent path, start with plain Greek yogurt, introduce an acid, and incorporate herbs and spices. As far as ingredients are concerned, we recommend drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines, where yogurt-based sauces often take center stage.

If you're as busy as we are, then you probably don't think twice about purchasing salad dressing from the store. After all, it's quick, inexpensive, and super tasty. But for all of its advantages, it can also be full of sugar, sodium, and fat.

For a healthier way to enhance your salads, consider crafting your own yogurt-based salad dressing. Take, for instance, Bobby Flay's tangy twist on Russian dressing, which blends Greek yogurt with sun-dried tomatoes and ancho chili powder. Or check out our blue cheese dressing recipe, using plain yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, and blue cheese crumbles to provide a lighter twist on this familiar classic.

As a fermented dairy product with a pH of about 4.3, yogurt provides a perfect way to marinate a cut of meat. The naturally occurring lactic acid helps break down meat's proteins, which softens the flesh. Another advantage of using yogurt as a marinade is that the sugars in yogurt caramelize during cooking. This adds a subtle sweetness to the finished dish and creates a crispy crust.

When making a yogurt marinade, use ½ cup of yogurt per pound of meat. Combine it with a liquid such as olive oil or broth to make spreading easier. Let the meat sit for up to 12 hours for the best results.

When it comes to elevating the flavor and creaminess of your soups, yogurt is a healthy alternative to calorie-laden options like sour cream or crème fraîche. A dollop of yogurt, whether plain or Greek, can infuse your homemade soup with a delightful tang and velvety texture.

To get creative, consider adding a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs — like chives or dill — for a burst of freshness and complexity. This simple yogurt swap not only reduces the soup's calorie count, but also adds a bright, refreshing note to your soup, making it a satisfying choice for any meal.

When you've got more yogurt than you know what to do with and a yearning for comfort food, look no further than shakriyeh. Hailing from Syria, this lamb and yogurt stew is as delicious as it is comforting. Fortunately, our Instant Pot shakriyeh recipe brings this culinary delight within easy reach.

Make it by sautéeing lamb in a pressure cooker. While that's cooking, blend yogurt and cornstarch, then transfer the mixture to a saucepan. Heat it until it reaches a simmer. The key is to ensure that the cornstarch flavor vanishes, leaving behind a velvety yogurt sauce that perfectly complements succulent lamb.

This dish may sound exotic, but homemade labneh requires only two ingredients — and one of them is yogurt. To make this Middle Eastern staple, mix plain full-fat yogurt with salt. Wrap the mixture in cheesecloth and place the bundle in a colander. Position the colander over a bowl, add weight on top, and let it sit in the refrigerator for up to two days.

During this time, most of the moisture will drain into the bowl, leaving you with a cheesecloth full of creamy labneh. Serve it with olive oil and za'atar seasoning, and you'll have a wonderfully tangy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with pita bread and vegetables. 

We've got nothing against the usual milk and butter mix-ins, but to take your instant mac and cheese to the next level, consider incorporating some leftover yogurt. All you've got to do is swap the milk and butter for full-fat Greek yogurt.

You have the flexibility to adjust the quantity of yogurt to your liking, but starting with half a cup works well. Blend the powdered cheese packet into the yogurt, then pour the creamy mixture over the cooked pasta and stir thoroughly. With this straightforward substitution, you'll savor an exceptionally creamy, tangy dinner that will make your taste buds take notice.

News flash — you don't need any special ingredients or fancy kitchen gadgets to craft extra creamy homemade froyo (aka frozen yogurt). On the ingredients front, all you'll need is some leftover Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, a sweetener (agave or honey works well), and some lemon juice. As for equipment, a blender or food processor and a freezable airtight container are the only tools you'll need.

Here's how it's done: blend ¼ cup of yogurt with 2 cups of frozen fruit. Incorporate the sweetener and ½ of a tablespoon of lemon juice, then blend for a couple of minutes. Freeze in a container overnight and you'll have a delicious, healthy dessert by morning.

Greek yogurt may not look like much, but there's more to it than meets the eye. For instance, did you know that this creamy ingredient is the unassuming addition for tastier homemade flatbread?

Creating this delectable staple is a breeze. Combine self-rising flour and full-fat plain Greek yogurt in a bowl until a dough forms. If you want to add herbs and spices, mix them into the flour before adding the yogurt. Allow the dough to rest before dividing it into smaller balls and rolling them into circles. Brush both sides of the circles with oil or melted butter, then cook them on a hot pan until golden brown. 

Ditch calorie-laden mayonnaise or oil in your bean salad for leftover yogurt. Similar to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt contributes a creamy texture, but its tangy flavor profile pairs even better with the earthy notes of various types of beans.

Moreover, yogurt's versatility shines through in dressing options. For instance, substitute two-thirds of the oil in an oil-and-vinegar dressing with Greek yogurt. Alternatively, you can give your beloved honey mustard dressing a makeover by adding 1 cup of nonfat Greek yogurt for every quarter cup of mustard and honey. This switch may seem simple, but it's guaranteed to elevate the flavor and nutrition factor.

From soups and dips to tacos and baked goods, Greek yogurt steps in as a sour cream substitute again and again, providing a healthy, equally tasty alternative. But one place this substitute really shines is with potatoes. That's because it boasts the same creamy texture and zesty tang as sour cream, just without the heaviness.

There are all kinds of ways to incorporate leftover yogurt into spuds. For instance, you can combine yogurt with salt, pepper, and chives before adding it to mashed potatoes. Alternatively, a dollop of yogurt mixed with smoked paprika, lemon juice, or fresh herbs brings baked potatoes to life.

When TikTok decides something is delicious, it's worth taking note. That's certainly true for yogurt toast, a trend that took the social media world by storm in early 2022. While the initial buzz may have subsided, this breakfast-dessert hybrid remains scrumptious.

To make yogurt toast (also called custard toast), whisk together Greek yogurt, an egg, and a touch of maple syrup. Spread the mixture onto your bread of choice, then top with ingredients like fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts. Bake in the oven or an air fryer for five to 10 minutes, or until the custard sets. 

When it comes to timeless appetizers like deviled eggs, it's challenging to envision anything beyond the classic yolk-mustard-mayo filling. However, the potential for deliciousness expands when you trade mayonnaise for leftover yogurt.

Not only will your snack become lighter, but it will also gain the advantages of additional protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. If you're eager for a change, blend plain Greek yogurt with white vinegar, pickle relish, mustard, and a blend of spices. Mash this mixture with cooked egg yolks, then generously spoon it onto the egg whites, finishing with a sprinkling of paprika.

Static Media owns and operates Tasting Table and Mashed.