How Do the Greeks Eat Greek Yogurt?

Save PDF

Greek yogurt is so creamy that nonfat and low-fat versions still taste like an indulgence. It’s amazing as an ingredient but also delicious on its own. Did you know that Greeks are purists when it comes to their yogurt? Plain yogurt is still the bestseller in the Greek market. After meals, many Greeks serve a platter of yogurt that is passed around, family-style, with each person helping themselves.

So yes, yogurt is great served plain, and the Greeks are very fond of it that way. However, plain is not the only option. If you’d like to dress your yogurt, try some of these other approaches -- they’re all common in Greece...

With honey and walnuts

With fruit preserves and fresh fruit

With beets for a traditional salad

As an accompaniment to grilled meats

For dips like ttzatziki (yogurt with garlic and cucumber) or melitzanosalata (eggplant and garlic with yogurt)

Traditional Greek Beet Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound beets pre-boiled beets

3/4 cup crushed walnuts

1 cup Greek yogurt low fat or non-fat

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon vinegar

Salt to taste

Directions:

Prepare the yogurt dressing my mixing the yogurt with the garlic, olive oil and vinegar. Add salt to taste.

Cut the beets in small bite size cubes and place in large shallow bowl.

Add almost all the walnuts except 1-2 tablespoons, and mix with the beets.

To serve: Either empty the yogurt dressing over the beets and sprinkle with rest of the walnuts.??or??Blend the beets with the yogurt dressing- the dressing will have a pink color.

By Elena Paravantes, RD