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7 protein-packed desserts to make with Greek yogurt

7 Protein-Packed Desserts to Make With Greek Yogurt
7 Protein-Packed Desserts to Make With Greek Yogurt

Whether you love fruity treats or chocolate, these delicious Greek yogurt desserts can help you meet your protein goals, get more calcium, and nourish your gut with probiotics.

Thanks to proteinmaxxing, Greek yogurt is having a well-deserved moment. A -cup serving of plain Greek yogurt provides 15 grams of protein, compared to only 6 grams in the same size serving of plain yogurt.Protein is essential for feeling full, keeping blood sugar stable, and protecting muscle. Certain groups may want to prioritize protein in their diet, including women after menopause and adults taking GLP-1 medications who find their appetite is low.
Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium and probiotics, and plain varieties contain no added sugar. Calcium is essential for strong bones, while probiotics (beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms) support gut health and immunity.

While Greek yogurt might first bring to mind breakfast and smoothies, its also a great base for refreshing cold desserts thanks to its ultra-creamy texture and natural tang. The recipes below show how.

All Everyday Health recipes meet expert-developed nutrient goals, considering several dietary guidelines. Learn more about the methodology used to create them.

1
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Olive Oil Peach Ice Pops

Why add oil to frozen treats? Well, in addition to its heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, olive oilmakes the texture creamier than pops that rely on fat-free dairy to keep calories in check. These pops also spare you refined added sugar and provide a dose of blood-sugar-stabilizing protein. They make a refreshing pre- or post-workout snack; astudy published in the January 2023Nutrientspoints out that olive oil may enhance running performance.

contains Dairy
3.3 out of 7 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

93
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PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

3 hr 5 min

Ingredients

2 cups peaches, fresh or frozen
cup nonfat (or low-fat,1 percent) plain Greek yogurt (or low-sodium cottage cheese)
1 small banana
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

1

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 12 minutes, until well mixed.

2

Divide mixture evenly among 6 3-oz single pop molds, and freeze until hard for about 34 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 pop

calories

93

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.7g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

1.2g

sugar

7.2g

added sugar

0g

sodium

11mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Family-Friendly, Dessert

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2
Adobe Stock

Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Theres nothing better than ending your day with a rich, delicioustreat except maybe knowing that the treat is actually good for you and your gut microbiome. Naturally gluten-free, this dark chocolate mousse is packed with healthy fats and fiber from the avocado, and it gets a boost of probiotics and protein from the Greek yogurt. But youd never know any of that from its creamy texture andchocolaty goodness!

contains Dairy, Soy
4.6 out of 36 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

243
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PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pit and skin removed and discarded
cup plain low-fat (1 percent) Greek yogurt
6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 pinch kosher salt
cup plain unsweetened soy milk (plus more as needed)

Directions

1

Blend allthe ingredients ina blender or food processor until smooth, about 1minute. Scrape down the sides as needed. Add additional soy milk to reach your desired texture. Chill until served.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size cup

calories

243

total fat

12g

saturated fat

2.5g

protein

6g

carbohydrates

32g

fiber

7.6g

sugar

19.9g

added sugar

18.4g

sodium

62mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Soy, Family-Friendly, Dessert, Gluten-free, Anti-Inflammatory, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy

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3
Kirsty Begg/Stocksy

Spiced Mango Lassi Frozen Yogurt

This frozen dessert is inspired by the blended yogurt drink lassi, which originated in India, according toBritannica. 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 theHarvard 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.

contains Dairy
5.0 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

179
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PREP TIME

20 min

TOTAL TIME

2 hr 20 min

Ingredients

3 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
1 ripe pear, peeled and roughly chopped
Juice of 2 limes
1 pinch salt
tsp ground cinnamon
tsp ground ginger
tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt

Directions

1

Pureeall ingredients in a blender until smooth.

2

Place mixture in an ice cream maker and churnaccording to manufacturer directions. Freeze until serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 cup

calories

179

total fat

2g

saturated fat

1g

protein

9g

carbohydrates

35g

fiber

4g

sugar

29g

added sugar

0g

sodium

TAGS:

Dairy, Dessert, Low-Fat, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Vegetarian

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4
Adobe Stock

Coconut Cheesecake Balls

These protein-packed coconut cheesecake balls are so delicious and easy to make that youll wonder why you havent made them before! Protein powder and Greek yogurt both add protein to this dessert which can help keep blood sugar levels steady notes Joslin Diabetes Center. While coconut naturally contains saturated fat, using a small amount of it adds lots of flavor without overdoing it.

contains Dairy
5.0 out of 1 reviews

SERVES

24

CALORIES PER SERVING

108
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PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

40 min

Ingredients

2 scoops vanilla protein powder
8 oz less fat cream cheese
cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
cup pure maple syrup
2 tsp pure coconut extract
cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions

1

Combine protein powder, cream cheese, yogurt, maple syrup, and coconut extract in a mixing bowl. Use a hand blender or immersion blender to mix the ingredients until completely smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

2

Roll mixture by the teaspoonful into 1 inch-size balls. Gently roll each ball in the shredded coconut to coat. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 balls

calories

108

total fat

6g

saturated fat

4.5g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

8g

fiber

0.9g

sugar

5.8g

added sugar

4.6g

sodium

TAGS:

Dairy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Family-Friendly, Dessert

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5
Brent Hofacker/Adobe Stock

High-Protein Lemon Sorbet

A typical lemon sorbet recipe consists of a mixture of water, lemon pulp, lemon juice and sugar. This recipe offers a blood sugar balancing twist. Skyr (as detailed by theUSDA)is a thick, protein-rich yogurt that adds creaminess and helps maintain blood sugar balance, according to theJoslin Diabetes Center. In place of refined sugar, honeyadds a touch of sweetness and a few trace minerals, per theUSDA.Cool off with this sweet and tart dessert on a hot summer day.

contains Dairy
4.0 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

63
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PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

2 hr 10 min

Ingredients

8 seedless whole lemons, washed
1 cup plain whole-milk Skyr yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
3 tbsp honey
Mint for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Cut a -inchslice off the bottom of each lemon so it stands flat on a cutting board.

2

Cut off the top inch of each of 2 lemons. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and juices and transfer to a small bowl.

3

Repeat with remaining 6 lemons, reserving flesh and juices in a mason jar for a different recipe. Place all hulled-out lemons onto a baking sheet.

4

In a food processor, combine the flesh and juices of 2 lemons with yogurt and honey. Process on high for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.

5

Spoon 2 tbsp of lemon-yogurt mixture into prepared lemons. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in freezer until firm, about 2 hours. To serve, garnish with mint, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 lemon

calories

63

total fat

1g

saturated fat

0.8g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

11g

fiber

0.2g

sugar

8.3g

added sugar

6.5g

sodium

15mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Family-Friendly, Dessert

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6
Getty Images

Key Lime Pie Bites

The bright flavor of key limes pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt in this light, citrus-forward dessert. The dairy adds creaminess along with a dose of protein, calcium, and gut-boosting probiotics. Plus, replacing the traditional graham cracker crust with an almond flour one makes this delicious dessert gluten-free!

contains Tree Nuts, Dairy
5.0 out of 2 reviews

SERVES

12

CALORIES PER SERVING

114
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PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

20 min

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
cup honey, divided
2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
1 pinch kosher salt
cup fresh key lime juice or regular lime juice
cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
Lime slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2

In a small bowl, combine almond flour, 2 tbsp honey, avocado oil, and salt. Mix together and gently press the mixture into 12 compartments of a mini muffin tin and up the sides. Bake the crusts until they begin to lightly brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

3

Whisk together lime juice, yogurt, vanilla extract, and remaining 2 tbsp honey until well combined.

4

Add lime mixture to pie shells and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 mini pie

calories

114

total fat

8g

saturated fat

0.7g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

9g

fiber

1.1g

sugar

6.7g

added sugar

5.8g

sodium

10mg

TAGS:

Tree Nuts, Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Family-Friendly, Quick & Easy, Dessert

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7
Shutterstock

Banana Nut Pops

Fans of Chunky Monkeyice cream will go wild for these frozen pops, which use a similar flavor combination of sweet banana flavor, nutty walnuts, and dark chocolate chips. Greek yogurt packs protein and bone supporting calcium, while bananas provide potassium and filling fiber. Walnuts add a source of anti-inflammatory fats, and thebittersweet chocolate adds antioxidants.

contains Dairy, Tree Nuts
3.4 out of 8 reviews

SERVES

10 pops

CALORIES PER SERVING

48
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PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

3 hr 5 min

Ingredients

3 large ripe bananas
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tsp ground cinnamon
cup raw walnuts, chopped (optional)
cup mini bittersweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1

Add all ingredients except the walnuts and chocolate chips to a blender and mix on high until completely smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips, if using.

2

Divide mixture evenly among 10 3-oz single pop molds. Freeze until hard for about 34 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 pop

calories

48

total fat

0.5g

saturated fat

0.1g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

7g

fiber

0.8g

sugar

4.3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

31mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Tree Nuts, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Family-Friendly, Dessert

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EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sources
Resources
  1. Yogurt, Greek, Plain, Whole Milk. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 28, 2022.
  2. Yogurt, Plain, Whole Milk. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 28, 2022.
  3. Protein. Harvard: The Nutrition Source.
  4. How Muscle Mass Changes After Menopause And What You Can Do About It. UCLA Health. May 28, 2026.
  5. Neff T. Many People Using GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs May Not Be Eating Enough Nutritious Food. UC Health Today. May 19, 2025.
  6. Savaiano DA et al. Yogurt, Cultured Fermented Milk, and Health: A Systematic Review. Nutritional Reviews. May 23, 2020.
  7. Sarita, B et al. A Comprehensive Review of Probiotics and Human Health - Current Prospective and Application. Frontiers in Microbiology. January 5, 2025.

Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York Citybased dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

Tiffany Ayuda

Author

Tiffany Ayuda is an editor and writer with more than a decade of experience covering fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She's passionate about helping people make impactful ...

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