Plain yogurt: Why it's so good for you, plus recipes

Plain yogurt is a wonderful fridge gem - you can get low-fat or fat-free versions of this versatile ingredient, but even full-fat yogurt is lower in fat than sour cream!

Health benefits of plain yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium, which is important for bone health. It's an ideal breakfast food because it's also a good source of protein, which keeps you energized and feeling full longer. Look for brands with live active bacterial cultures – they're beneficial to your digestive system.

How to store yogurt
Once opened, yogurt should typically be used within a week.

Add a few yogurt recipes to your weekly menu!
Yogurt is a tangy topping for baked potatoes or soup. The possibilities are endless: Mix it with fruit and honey for breakfast (or a healthy dessert), add it to a marinade, use it as a base for a dip or sauce, or blend it into a fruit smoothie. Flavoured yogurts can contain additives and excessive sugar, so buy plain yogurt and jazz it up yourself – that way, you can control what goes into it.

Plain yogurt recipes: Dressings and dips

Leafy Mushroom and Tomato Salad with Herbed Yogurt Dressing
The yogurt in this dressing gives a wonderful tang to the salad.


Chicken Peach Salad With Yogurt Dressing
Bits of red pepper and cucumber, and chunks of peaches and chicken, all tossed together with fluffy rice, make a delicious low-fat, make-ahead dish.



Endive and Sprout Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing
Fresh endive lettuce and alfalfa sprouts spring to life with a sweet honey-yogurt dressing. A great salad recipe!



Yogurt Dill Dip with Carrots and Radishes
Mix Balkan-style plain yogurt with some fresh dill, and garlic for an excellent veggie dip.



Page 1 of 2 -- Make marinades, muffins, smoothies and fruit pops with yogurt! Find recipes on page 2