The Delicious Power of Yogurt

By Lauren Wilson
Tina Rupp
Yogurt is not just for snack time anymore! Check out the health benefits of this nutritional powerhouse, and enjoy these 19 tasty ways to add its natural goodness to your family's diet.
Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Yogurt: A Delicious and Nutritious Ingredient

Corbis

Yogurt is perhaps one of the most popular kitchen staples among families with children, and for good reason! Modern packaging makes it a convenient and quick snack item, and tasty, kid-friendly flavors makes it a great way to fit dairy into your child's diet.

But yogurt has much more to offer than simple convenience. It's a nutritional powerhouse that boasts plenty of calcium and phosphorus, two nutrients vital to bone growth and strength.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Denise Crew

Yogurt can also improve digestive health. Many types contain live active cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that are believed to improve nutrient absorption, beef up immune systems, and enhance digestion. These bacteria can also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

3 of 23

Blaine Moats

Aside from its impressive health benefits, yogurt is also a smart ingredient to use for its other qualities. Swapping low-fat or fat-free yogurt in for higher calorie items such as cream or mayonnaise creates a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Here are some creative ways to incorporate the creamy goodness of yogurt into your family's next meal. Their tummies (and taste buds) will thank you.

Advertisement

4 of 23

Sneak it in a Cake Recipe

Tina Rupp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Adding yogurt to a cake recipe, such as this one for Moist Lemon Cake, makes for a velvety smooth dessert.

5 of 23

Use it as a Sandwich Condiment

Paula Hible

Replacing high-calorie mayo with yogurt on a sandwich, such as Eamonns R.L.T., allows you to cut the fat and keep the tangy flavor.

6 of 23

Make a Sauce for Shrimp

Yunhee Kim
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yogurt can be used as a base for a cool, creamy sauce to complement the freshness and and saltiness of lemony shrimp.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Layer it in a Parfait

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layering yogurt between tasty granola and fruit, as in this Sunrise Parfait, makes for a sweet breakfast treat.

8 of 23

Puree it into Baby Food

Alexandra Grablewski
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This yummy Curry Pea Baby Food gets its richness from the addition of yogurt. Introducing new flavors early on may help your baby to develop good eating habits. Check with your pediatrician, but most babies can digest yogurt by 6 months.

9 of 23

Blend it into a Smoothie

Mixing fresh fruit with yogurt in a smoothie is a clever way to add natural sweet flavor without adding excess sugar.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Top a Soup or Chili

Rita Maas
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Warm soup or chili, such as this Easy Black Bean Soup, gets a refreshing twist when topped with yogurt instead of sour cream.

11 of 23

Freeze it into a Healthy and Fun Dessert

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Putting yogurt in the freezer does not affect its nutritional wallop. It's a fun and delectable alternative to packaged ice-cream pops!

12 of 23

Make a Delicious Dipping Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yogurt's tang makes it a zippy dip for a variety of items, such as these Black Bean Risotto Cakes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Lemon-Poppyseed Muffins

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can't beat the classic flavor combination of lemon and poppyseed. This treat will stay extra moist because of the addition of yogurt to the batter.

14 of 23

Have it at Breakfast (And Not The Way You Think!)

Tina Rupp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These flapjacks have a secret: There's yogurt right in the batter! This makes for super nutritious pancakes with a moist yet fluffy texture.

15 of 23

Sub it for Whipped Cream

Paula Hible
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't miss the calories when you use yogurt as a topping instead of whipped cream. You get lots of flavor with a fraction of the fat.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Try a Tart

Tina Rupp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A bright dessert that's good for you, too! Fresh berries and yogurt are a wholesome way to please your sweet tooth.

17 of 23

Mix Up a Marinade

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Marinating proteins in yogurt is an amazing way to tenderize and lock in moisture. We promise you this Tandoori Chicken will be extra juicy. Serving with a yogurt-based sauce known as raita is an appetizing way to add even more of the goodness of yogurt into your family's diet.

18 of 23

Make a Cheesecake

Tina Rupp
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Break from tradition, and add a bit of nutrition to a dessert classic.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Whip up a Creative Snack

Here's a simple yet creative way to get your kids excited about snack time. Adding yogurt and fruit to their favorite packaged Teddies will create a wholesome and balanced treat.

20 of 23

Make a Pasta Sauce

Monica Buck
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Who doesn't love pasta with cream sauce? Your family will get a probiotic punch of flavor with this 'Shroom Spaghetti.

21 of 23

Use It in a Dressing

Peter Ardito
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yogurt is a lifesaver to those who love creamy salad dressings. The one in this Grilled Moroccan Style Salad complements the healthy veggie ingredients without pouring on the fat.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Shake up Jell-O

Tina Rupp

Regular Jell-O gets a healthy punch of flavor when yogurt is added. The creaminess plays up the tart fruitiness of the gelatin.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Popular in Kids Nutrition

All Topics in Kids Nutrition

Advertisement