Yogurt is no-doubt a versatile superfood. You’ve topped it with fresh fruit, granola, honey or agave, and other yummy ingredients. You’ve added a dollop of the Greek stuff to soups, baked potatoes, desserts and used it to make dips, dressing and sauces. And because the fermented milk, made with live bacterial cultures, is rich in calcium, protein, probiotics, vitamins and minerals, it’s smart to come up with interesting ways to incorporate it into your daily diet.
Which is why you might start to see spicy and savory yogurt options at your local grocery store. Popular Greek yogurt brand Chobani is already stocking supermarket shelves with new flavors like Chipotle Pineapple and Sriracha Mango. And they’re actually really good! You don’t have to wait until this brand or others come to a store near you. Give your sweet tooth a break, and try crafting your own salty bowls with fresh herbs, spices, seeds, nuts, and more.
1. The Everything Bagel
When you want that bagel fix without all the calories and carbohydrates, this recipe hits the mark. The savory blend of seeds and spices tastes just like an everything bagel and the yogurt offers the same tangy appeal as cream cheese. Top it off with smoked salmon for a delicious bowl that makes a great breakfast or satisfying afternoon snack.
Ingredients
¼ teaspoon sesame seeds
¼ teaspoon poppy seeds
¼ teaspoon dried onion
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
pinch of coarse salt
¾ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
1 ounce smoked salmon, cut into strips
Directions
1. Combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl and mix together.
2. Place the yogurt in a serving bowl and top with the salmon.
3. Sprinkle the seasoned seed mixture on top and enjoy.
Yield
Makes 1 serving
2. The Spicy Jam Smoothie
Jalapeño and yogurt don’t automatically make us say “yum,” but they make a surprisingly good duo. Here, we blend up fresh raspberries, raspberry kefir, and that spicy pepper for an incredible smoothie with a little bit of heat.
Ingredients
1 cup raspberry kefir
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded
½ cup fresh raspberries
Directions
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve in a glass or a bowl with a few additional raspberries, if desired.
Yield
Makes 1 serving
3. The BZT
If you like Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love the fresh flavors in this zesty bowl. It may even replace your avocado toast addiction!
Ingredients
1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
¼ ripe but firm avocado, diced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly sliced
½ plum tomato, seeded and diced
¼ cup cucumber, diced
½ teaspoon za’atar spice blend
Directions
1. Place yogurt into a serving bowl.
2. Arrange the avocado, basil, tomato and cucumber on top.
3. Sprinkle with the za’atar and eat.
Yield
Makes 1 serving
4. The Spiced Pear
The warm notes of cardamom blend beautifully with pear, and the ginger adds some sweet heat to the equation. This little number is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a post-workout refuel.
Ingredients
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt, preferably grass-fed
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ Bartlett pear, sliced
1 tablespoon crystallized ginger, sliced
Directions
1. Place yogurt into a serving bowl.
2. Sprinkle the cardamom evenly over the yogurt, then swirl with a spoon.
3. Arrange the pear and ginger on top and enjoy.
Yield
Makes 1 serving
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