Got Yogurt? 10 Protein-Packed Recipes to Help You Finish Off the Container

Creamy salad dressings may be delicious, but they’re also known to be high in calories and unhealthy fats. A 2-tablespoon serving of bottled Greek dressing, for example, contains almost 200 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In contrast, this tangy salad dressing is flavored with fresh herbs and Greek yogurt, keeping calories and sodium to a minimum.

Who doesn’t love a bagel? The problem with starting your day with one is generally that you can easily overdo it on carbs without much else to balance them out. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that you’ll get almost 350 calories in just one large bagel before you put anything on it. This bagel recipe has protein built-in, and with only two ingredients, there’s no excuse not to bake up a batch.

Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce used as a dip or in a pita. Made from protein-rich Greek yogurt (per the U.S. Department of Agriculture), this simple sauce comes together in just a few minutes and adds lots of flavor and creamy texture for very few calories. Fresh lemon juice adds a burst of fresh flavor and vitamin C, notes the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Curry is a deliciously spiced dish that can serve as a main course or a side dish. Often made with meat, this vegetarian curry is equally delicious. A secret ingredient stirred in at the end lends a probiotic boost and loads of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while cutting back on the saturated fat in the traditional dish.

This delightfully simple soup is perfect on a hot summer’s day as it doesn’t require any cooking and is served cold. At almost 96 percent water, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cucumbers are known for being great hydrators as much as hey are for their refreshing flavor As an added bonus, Greek yogurt adds its signature tang and a healthy dose of probiotics to your bowl.

In this “set it and forget it” breakfast option, a mashed banana adds natural sweetness. Fresh berries are a great source of antioxidants, past research has shown, but frozen berries pack just as much nutritional value as fresh (and sometimes more)!

The traditional Middle Eastern dish shawarma comes from a word that means “turning,” because the meat is cooked on a slowly turning spit, according to Neomonde Mediterranean. A yogurt marinade adds nutritional value and a nice crust when cooked, according to Bon Appétit. With this recipe you'll enjoy the rich flavors of shawarma without needing a spit in your kitchen. Serve with cucumber and tomato salad.

This frozen dessert is inspired by the blended yogurt drink lassi, which originated in India, according to Britannica. This recipe is made with probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, which helps populate the gut with beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and help the body make certain vitamins and amino acids, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A healthy dose of fiber from the mangoes gives those bacteria a boost. A pear lends a natural sweetness.

Beans have long been a classic taco ingredient, and lentils have many of the same benefits, plus even more protein and fiber per serving, per USDA data. Lentils can also be quickly cooked in a pressure cooker or on the stove, and have a mild taste, so they take on other flavors easily. Roasted red bell peppers add some smokiness and can be blended into a marinade or sauce. A refreshing yogurt cucumber dipping sauce cuts some of the spiciness.

This twist on chocolate bark uses yogurt as a base, so you get protein and probiotics, along with fresh fruit and pistachio crunch. It's tasty, healthy, and so easy to make: Just stir together and freeze. The cherries and berries are packed with antioxidants, which, the Mayo Clinic states, provide protection from free radicals and decrease risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Likewise, the pistachios are a rich source of healthy unsaturated fats, according to an article published in May 2016 in Nutrition Today, making this dessert a well-balanced indulgence.