Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt Recipe

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Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt stands out for several reasons. Its creamy texture, delightful variety of flavors, and the fact that it’s packed with probiotics, making it an excellent choice for gut health, are just the beginning. As a bonus, it’s low in sugar, which aligns perfectly with my quest to reduce my sugar intake without sacrificing taste.

How to make Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt

Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt is a type of yogurt that’s made to be enjoyed like a smoothie or a drink. It combines the creamy, tangy texture of traditional Greek yogurt with a more liquid consistency, making it easy to consume on the go.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt (For a thicker consistency, opt for full-fat yogurt. For a lighter version, low-fat or non-fat may be used.)
• 1 to 1.5 cups of milk (Adjust based on your desired thickness; use almond, soy, or coconut milk for a dairy-free variant.)
• 2 tablespoons of honey or to taste (You can also use maple syrup or any preferred sweetener.)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (Optional for enhanced flavor.)
• Fresh fruits of your choice (Berries, mango, peach, etc., for natural sweetness and flavor.)
• A pinch of salt (To enhance the flavors.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: If fresh fruits are used, wash and chop them into smaller pieces for more effortless blending.
2. Blend: In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, milk, honey, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and about a cup of your chosen fruits. Blend until the mixture is smooth and pourable. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more milk until you achieve the desired thickness.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the blend and adjust the sweetness or flavoring as needed. Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between sweetness and tartness.
4. Chill (Optional): For a refreshing drink, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can blend it with a few ice cubes for an immediate cold drink.
5. Serve: Pour your homemade drinkable Greek yogurt into glasses. Garnish with additional fresh fruits, nuts, or granola for added texture and flavor.
6. Store: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, consume within 1-2 days for the best experience.

Tips for Making Homemade Drinkable Greek Yogurt:

• Probiotics: If you’re looking to enhance the probiotic content of your homemade yogurt drink, consider adding a probiotic supplement powder during the blending process. Ensure it’s safe for culinary use.
• Prebiotic Fiber: To support gut health, blend in a source of prebiotic fiber, such as a spoonful of inulin powder, for an added health boost.
• Flavor Variations: To create various flavors, don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits, extracts (like almond or coconut), and spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg).
• Sweetness Adjustments: The sweetness can be adjusted according to your preference and dietary needs. Sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract can be great alternatives for a lower glycemic index.

What to serve with

Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt, known for its smooth texture, rich protein content, and probiotic benefits, is a versatile addition to various meals and snacks throughout the day.

For Breakfast

• Granola and Fresh Fruit Parfait: Layer Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt with granola, fresh fruits (such as berries, kiwi, or banana slices), and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup in a tall glass. This layering looks appealing and provides a balanced start to the day with a mix of proteins, fibers, and natural sugars.
• Smoothie Bowls: Use the yogurt as a base for smoothie bowls. Blend it with frozen fruits, such as berries or tropical fruits, until smooth and thick. Pour into a bowl and top with various textures like sliced fruits, nuts, seeds (chia or flax), and granola. The drinkable yogurt will give your smoothie bowl a protein boost and a creamy consistency.
• With Pancakes or Waffles: Instead of traditional syrups, drizzle Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt over pancakes or waffles. You can mix it with a bit of honey or maple syrup to make it slightly more liquid. This not only adds a protein punch to your breakfast but also a refreshing tanginess.

Healthy Snacks

• Dip for Fruit and Veggies: Mix the drinkable yogurt with herbs and spices to create a savory dip for sliced vegetables (like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers) or a sweet dip for fruits (like apple slices or strawberries). This healthy, protein-rich snack is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Energy Smoothies: Blend the yogurt with a combination of fruits, leafy greens (like spinach or kale), and a source of healthy fats (like avocado or almond butter) for a quick, energy-boosting smoothie. It’s perfect for a pre-workout snack or a mid-afternoon energy lift.

Lunch and Dinner Companions

• Salad Dressings: Whisk Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a creamy salad dressing. Add herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to complement green salads, potato salads, or pasta salads.
• Soups and Curries: Stir the drinkable yogurt into soups and curries just before serving to add a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess. It’s particularly complimentary in vegetable—or legume-based soups and Middle Eastern or Indian curries.

Desserts

• Frozen Yogurt Pops: Mix the yogurt with pureed fruits, honey, and a pinch of salt, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze. This recipe creates a healthier version of ice cream pops that are perfect for a refreshing treat.
• With Cakes and Pastries: Serve a drizzle of Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt over cakes or pastries. To complement the dessert, sweeten or flavor the yogurt with vanilla, citrus zest, or liqueurs.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt can be fun and rewarding. While the exact recipe of Pillars might not be available for direct replication because it is a proprietary commercial product, it’s possible to create a similar drinkable Greek yogurt product at home.

Base Ingredient: Milk

Traditional Choice: Full-fat cow’s milk is typically used to make rich and creamy Greek yogurt.

Substitutes:

• For a lower-fat version, Use skim or 2% milk instead of full-fat milk; though it will reduce the creaminess, it will still work.
• Non-dairy alternatives: For those avoiding dairy, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used, though the end product may have a thinner consistency and a different flavor profile. Note that you may need to add a thickener (like agar or pectin) when using plant-based milk to achieve a similar consistency to dairy-based yogurt.

Cultures

Traditional Choice: Commercial yogurt or specific yogurt cultures.

Substitutes:

• Dairy cultures: If you don’t have access to store-bought yogurt as a starter, you can purchase freeze-dried yogurt cultures online or at health food stores.
• For non-dairy versions, Use cultures specifically designed for non-dairy milk. Ensure that the starting culture is compatible with your choice of plant-based milk.

Thickening Agents (if needed)

Traditional Choice: Greek yogurt achieves its thickness by straining and removing whey from the yogurt.

Substitutes:

• Gelatin: It can be used for additional thickness and is beneficial if you’re using low-fat or non-dairy milk. However, it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
• Agar-agar: A plant-based thickener that’s a great vegan alternative to gelatin.
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: When heated and incorporated into the mix, these can also thicken yogurt. They are handy for non-dairy milk bases.

Sweeteners

Traditional Choice: Sugar or natural sweeteners like honey.

Substitutes:

• Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol: For a lower-calorie option, these sweeteners can replace sugar in equal sweetness amounts.
• Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar: These are natural alternatives to honey for vegans and bring their unique flavors.

Flavors

Traditional Choice: Vanilla extract or fruit purées.

Substitutes:

• Essential Oils: A drop of food-grade essential oils like lemon or orange can bring a bright flavor.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and depth without added sugar.
• Herbal Teas or Coffee: Infusing the milk with herbal teas during heating or blending the finished yogurt with brewed coffee can introduce unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

Creating your Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt at home allows you to customize it to your taste preferences and nutritional goals, much like Pillars offers, but with your personal touch.

More Yogurt Recipes:

• Homemade Chobani Yogurt Drink Recipe