What to Make with Kefir and Buttermilk? 38 Universal Recipes for Every Day

Kefir is one of the most useful dairy products, from which, by the way, you can cook many delicious things.
And its main advantage is rightly considered versatility and frugality. If kefir turned out to be overdue, this is not a reason to throw it away, you have many variations of recipes.

If you replace kefir with buttermilk, the taste of the dishes will not lose at all, and perhaps even the opposite. Buttermilk is the most delicate nonfat cream obtained in the production of butter from cow’s milk

Appetizers, Salads, and Sauces with Buttermilk

1.Vitamin salad with sesame.

#1 Vitamin salad with sesame.
Source: Russianfood

A fitness solution in a million if you’re on a diet. The salad is extremely unpretentious to prepare. The combination of carrots, sesame seeds, apple and nuts create a really fresh flavor.

2. Spicy tequila appetizer with kefir.

The appetizer is said to have been invented by English bartenders. Simple recipe, uncomplicated implementation, spicy and invigorating taste – the perfect idea for a noisy party with alcohol.

3. White cold sauce with garlic.

#3 White cold sauce with garlic
Source: Vkuso

Goes well with both fish and meat. The combination of kefir, homemade mayonnaise, garlic and herbs will accentuate and embellish any dish. Play with flavor – instead of garlic, add chili peppers or yalta onions.

4. Salad with kefir and cucumbers.

#4 Salad with kefir and cucumbers
Source: Inoeda


The recipe is so simple that even a child can make it. The dish can be used as a side dish as well as an appetizer. Let me tell you a little secret: the thinner you chop the cucumbers, the better.

5. Cabbage and broccoli salad with kefir dressing.

#5 Cabbage and broccoli salad with kefir dressing
Source: Olivemagazine

This crunchy, low-calorie salad with a creamy kefir dressing is a simple, yet original idea for a healthy dinner. Roasted walnuts give the greens a special and unusual flavor, and the kefir complements the dish, bringing many probiotic, beneficial properties to it.

6. Grilled vegetable salad with romano, avocado and kefir dressing.

Don’t be stingy with experimentation, taste the dish along with grilled meats, cheese and corn chips. Such a salad is extraordinarily bright when served, and unforgettable in taste.

7. Kefir dressing with avocado and greens.

Pick the greens at your discretion, either way, you won’t lose. Absolutely every ingredient in this recipe is healthy and, best of all, tastes memorable.

8. Roasted vegetables with tuna and kefir-based dressing.

#8  Roasted vegetables with tuna and kefir-based dressing.
Source: Bbcgoodfood

This is the perfect lunch for those who exercise and are puzzled about gaining muscle mass. The salad contains an obscene amount of protein. Prepare a hearty, high-calorie dish on those days when you need a quick snack, and also arrange a little gastronomic feast for yourself.

9. Oatmeal with fruit and kefir.

#9 Oatmeal with fruit and kefir.
Source: Farmdrop


A real breakfast of champions! Mix cereal with kefir, nuts and fruit for a nutritious porridge full of unexpected and juicy flavors.

10. Drizzled tomato and rosemary spread.

The result is a thicker, creamier kefir that can and should be spread on whole-grain bread, crackers or breads. Top the spread with garlic, basil or olives for a tangy flavor. The combination of fresh kefir and vegetables is a good idea for the most delicious breakfast.

11. Potato salad with kefir.

The main secret to this vitamin salad is the slightly sour kefir used in the dressing. This spicy and moderately sour dish will give an unforgettable gastronomic experience!

Kefir Drinks

12. Green smoothie with kefir.

A great detox version of the kefir-based smoothie for weight loss. The drink boasts not only a high vitamin C content, but also an excellent taste and bright colors.

13. Fruit smoothie with kefir and honey.

To make the smoothie even more healthy and nutritious – just sweeten it with a spoonful of honey. Honey and kefir are a great pairing that complements each other favorably.

14. Smoothie with nut paste, kefir and berries.

#14 Smoothie with nut paste, kefir and berries.
Source: Eatingwell

And this recipe should appeal to the littlest ones. A great alternative to a quick breakfast before school. I doubt you or your child will be indifferent to such an unexpected and dainty combination of flavors and textures.

15. Rum, raisin & kefir cocktail.

#15 Rum, raisin & kefir cocktail
Source: Eda

This drink is likely to become your favorite. Rum combines very well with juicy raisins, honey syrup, sweet vanilla liqueur, and invigorating kefir.

16. Kefir cocktail with greens and peppers.

#16 Kefir cocktail with greens and peppers.
Source: Gotovim

For a vitamin cocktail of kefir and fresh herbs, parsley, dill, cilantro, arugula, celery and spinach are most commonly used. Choose the fat content of kefir at your discretion. Such a mix of flavors will help you wake up soon and come to your senses after a sleepless night.

Kefir-based Cakes and Desserts

17. Buttermilk-based yeast-free cornbread.

#17 Buttermilk-based yeast-free cornbread.
Source: 1000.menu

The versatility of this recipe is that the bread’s neutral flavor allows it to be eaten with both salty spreads and sweet toppings. Great with soups and second courses.

18. Diet cookies with dried fruit.

#18 Diet cookies with dried fruit
Source: Smachno

The classic recipe – without dried fruit, so it turns out less caloric. But for brightness of taste, I suggest adding raisins, apricots and honey pumpkin. Believe me, it will be impossible to tear yourself away from the dessert!

19. Kefir-based brownies.

This version of the famous dessert is most often made in Scotland. And I think the Scots know a lot about cooking – the brownie turns out incredibly airy and light.

20. Banana kefir pudding.

#20 Banana kefir pudding.
Source: Acozykitchen

A rather famous chef thought, “why not add a little kefir to the not infamous English dessert?” It came out not just good, but very appetizing. The kefir befriended the main ingredients nicely.

21. Dessert with kefir, plums, and fruit syrup.

#21 Dessert with kefir, plums, and fruit syrup.
Source: Kashewar

Such a simple and very photogenic dessert would look great in a deep champagne glass. The unforgettable combination of fruit syrup, cinnamon, and whipped kefir promises to be a highlight!

22. Apple cinnamon pie.

#22 Apple cinnamon pie.
Source: Brunibakery

The pie comes out very soft and airy, taking on a weightless texture. There is clearly something nostalgic and warm to the heart. Perhaps a similar pie was made by your grandmother as a child. This is exactly the kind of treat that disappears in the blink of an eye!

23. Lemon cake.

#23 Lemon cake.
Source: Lifewaykefir

This kefir-based lemon dessert just melts in your mouth, leaving a nice sour-sweet, slightly tart aftertaste.

24. Minced beef pie with kefir.

#24 .Minced beef pie with kefir.
Source: Allrecipes

The recipe for this savory pie is quite simple. Attention: the kefir must be fresh, and the ground beef must be juicy and well seasoned. Only in this way will the pie absorb the entire palette of flavors.

25. Pumpkin bread with buttermilk base.

Pumpkin bread is a delicious fall recipe. It has a pleasant texture, an unusually tender and pleasant flavor, and what’s convenient – it’s extremely easy to make and store.

Kefir-based Soups

26. Okroshka on kefir.

#26 Okroshka on kefir.
Source: Cuharka

I just couldn’t resist mentioning the recipe for okroshka. A traditional summer dish that has its inimitable sourness. The perfect option to quench thirst and hunger in the hot season.

27. Jajic.

#27 Jajic
Source: Marieclaire

This soup shall be served cold. It is made of kefir, garlic and thinly sliced cucumbers. Jajik is good in any form: whether it is the first dish, or a dressing for salads.

28. Beet cold soup with kefir.

#28 Beet cold soup with kefir.
Source: Inoeda

The main trick of this soup is beets, combined with kefir, which contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, and also contribute to digestion. Adding a little spice, you will never forget the taste of this miracle soup.

29. Buttermilk and zucchini soup.

#29  Buttermilk and zucchini soup.
Source: 101cookbooks

The soup is dominated by soft pastel hues and just unreal flavors. A good choice for a cozy fall meal.

Kefir-based Main Courses, Cheeses and Side Dishes

30. Kefir based hard cheese.

Making your own cheese at home is a dream come true! Making cheese is a quick and good way to use up excess kefir. The taste is maximum rich, tangy, and at the same time delicate, so much so that it can be spread on bread.

31. Lactose-free cheese from kefir.

#31  Lactose-free cheese from kefir.
Source: Culturedfoodlife

When making cheese, try replacing cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt with kefir. The result will surpass all expectations!

32. Homemade kefir-based cheddar.

#32 Homemade kefir-based cheddar.
Source: Users

You will have to spend very little time and effort to make the cheese taste as authentic as possible. You can be sure that you won’t find this kind of Cheddar in any delicatessen.

33. Sausage in batter in a pan.

#33 Sausage in batter in a pan.
Source: Webspoon

This dish is much easier and faster to prepare than sausages in the oven. For this recipe, kefir-based dough is used instead of yeast-based dough. You’ll love the combination of the tender, thin dough and juicy milk sausages.

34. Crispy fried chicken.

#34 Crispy fried chicken
Source: Bbcgoodfood

A great idea for a holiday party. You should mix fresh kefir, chicken breast and a pinch of fancy (like poached or spiced pineapple) and absolutely all your guests will ask for your recipe.

35. Buttermilk-based coleslaw.

The finely sliced coleslaw pairs well with almost any main course and is a crisp, creamy and refreshing side dish.

36. Buttermilk fried chicken and potatoes.

#36 Buttermilk fried chicken and potatoes
Source: Allrecipes

Totally unpretentious to prepare. The tastiest alternative to regular fried chicken, all thanks to the tender texture of buttermilk and young potatoes.

37. Mashed potatoes with buttermilk.

#37   Mashed potatoes with buttermilk.
Source: Myrecipes

Replace the usual milk with buttermilk, and you’re sure to feel the difference. The flavor of the side dish will unfold more vividly. Buttermilk will give a rich cream color and tangy depth to the hot potatoes.

38. Buttermilk with white beans, eggs and greens.

#38 Buttermilk with white beans, eggs and greens.
Source: Food52


A great way to cook white beans of any variety is to boil them with a little onion and garlic and, the moment they become soft, add buttermilk and fresh garlic. Buttermilk will give a little sourness to the dish and garlic will spice up the aftertaste.

38 Kefir and Buttermilk Recipe Ideas