Today, we’re rounding up 19 of our favorite high-protein Greek yogurt recipes – healthy Greek yogurt recipes that work for dinners, lunches, and snacks.

They’re colorful, Mediterranean-inspired, and designed for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals. You might also like our high-protein salad recipes and easy Greek recipes.

Greek yogurt recipes with eggplant dip and crackers

In our kitchen here in Italy, Greek yogurt recipes started as just a breakfast thing. A dollop with fruit, maybe some oil-free granola.

But somewhere between testing our hundredth salad and trying to lighten up a creamy pasta, we realized something: Greek yogurt doesn’t just belong at breakfast.

We began swapping it for mayo in coleslaw, sour cream in dips, even cream in our pasta recipes. Suddenly, dinner was lighter, cheaper, and way more protein-packed.

One scoop can add up to 10 grams of protein which means it quietly turns side dishes into satisfying meals.

Louise still laughs about the first time we used yogurt instead of mayo in potato salad. My Italian Dad couldn’t believe how creamy it was 😛.

Our community can’t get enough of these Greek yogurt recipes, which prove how versatile (and budget-friendly) this simple ingredient can be.

Pasta & Bean Salads

These are easy Greek yogurt recipes that make meal prep easy, creamy with less mayo, higher in protein, and lighter on calories.

Greek Yogurt Pasta Salad Cannellini beans, olives, and fusilli tossed in a tangy yogurt dressing; higher protein, lighter fat, and budget-friendly.

Creamy Greek yogurt pasta salad with beans and vegetables in a serving bowl.

Macaroni Salad Same creamy comfort, but the Greek yogurt swap cuts fat and sneaks in protein perfect for potlucks or packed lunches.

Macaroni salad recipe.

Curry Chickpea Salad Yogurt keeps the curry sauce creamy yet light, while chickpeas bring fiber and plant protein to every bite.

Curry chickpea salad in a sandwich with cucumber slices

Hearty Vegetable Salads

Classic sides get an upgrade with these low-fat Greek yogurt recipes – lighter dressings that are tangy, protein-rich, and refreshing.

Greek Yogurt Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy, and creamy without the mayo overload. A lighter side that doesn’t feel heavy.

Bowl of healthy coleslaw with Greek yogurt surrounded by ingredients on a wooden table.

Greek Yogurt Broccoli Salad: Crisp broccoli meets protein-rich yogurt dressing, making this salad both fresh and filling.

Broccoli salad.

Creamy Cucumber Salad: Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness, keeping it cool, crisp, and refreshing.

Creamy cucumber salad with Greek yogurt in a serving bowl with spoon and fresh dill.

Dill Potato Salad: Yogurt (and a little bit of dairy-free mayo) brings tang and protein to this picnic favorite, making it lighter but still satisfying.

Dill Potato Salad.

Greek Yogurt Dips & Appetizers

Swapping in Greek yogurt transforms dips and small bites; more protein, fewer calories, same creamy flavor. Budget-friendly crowd-pleasers that double as healthy snacks.

White Bean Dip: Yogurt blended with white beans makes this dip extra creamy and high in protein, perfect with veggies or pita bread.

White bean dip with female hand holding a pita

Greek Yogurt Tzatziki: Classic cucumber-garlic dip made creamier and tangier with yogurt, lower in fat and calories.

Fresh zucchini tzatziki dip in bowl with olive oil and herb garnish.

Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip): Yogurt makes this cheesy dip extra creamy and adds a protein boost.

Spicy feta dip tirokafteri.

Mutabal: Smoky eggplant with a creamy yogurt base; lighter than tahini-heavy versions but just as bold.

Mutabal on a plate with fresh mint and toasted pine nuts

Mediterranean Corn Fritters: Yogurt in the batter keeps them tender inside while adding protein.

Louise holding a corn fritter while another is dipped in yogurt on a serving plate

Potato Leek Soup: Yogurt replaces cream for a silky, lighter texture with added protein power.

potato leek soup with chives and a spoon

Main Dishes with Greek Yogurt

These mains prove yogurt isn’t just a topping. It tenderizes, makes sauces silky, and sneaks in protein so dinners feel satisfying without being heavy.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Tofu Yogurt tenderizes and clings to the spices, giving you juicy, flavorful tofu with extra protein.

Marinated tofu with lemon slices and a silver fork.

Pasta Primavera Creamy sauce made with yogurt instead of heavy cream; comfort food that’s lighter and higher in protein.

Creamy pasta primavera.

Zucchini Pasta: Yogurt-based sauce coats grated zucchini and al dente pasta; a creamy yet light dinner idea.

Zucchini pasta recipe.

Feta Pasta Salad: A yogurt dressing balances salty feta, making this salad both creamy and protein-packed.

Colorful cold pasta salad with chickpeas and creamy yogurt dressing, perfect for a healthy summer meal.

Sweet treats with Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt FAQ

Can you actually cook with Greek yogurt?
Yes! We’ve stirred it into hot pasta sauces, soups, and curries without it splitting. The trick: take the pan off the heat first, then stir the yogurt in. (Learned this the hard way when Louise added it to boiling soup — hello, curdled disaster. 🙈)

Is Greek yogurt really high in protein?
It is! A single scoop (about 100g) has around 10g of protein. That means when you swap mayo for yogurt in coleslaw or potato salad, you’re quietly upgrading your dinner from side-dish to satisfying.

Does it actually save money?
Totally. In Italy, a tub of Greek yogurt costs less than a block of cheese or sour cream. We’ve stretched it across pasta salads, marinades, and dips — and it lasts longer in the fridge, too.

Can I swap Greek yogurt in any recipe?
Almost. If it calls for sour cream, mayo, or cream, Greek yogurt usually works. But don’t try it in carbonara unless you want a very Italian dad giving you side-eye (Nico learned this one the hard way).

If you try even one swap this week, let it be yogurt in a salad or sauce—you’ll notice the difference right away. And keep an eye out, because we’ve got more yogurt-powered recipes coming your way soon.

If you tried these Greek Yogurt Recipes or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!


Nico and Louise in front of the Consolazione church in Todi

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

We’re here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) 🌿✨.

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