Healthy Greek Yogurt Parfait
This Greek yogurt parfait is an easy and healthy breakfast, ready in just 5 minutes, made with simple ingredients, and one that I find myself eating almost daily! These homemade parfaits have nourishing layers of protein-rich Greek yogurt, soaked chia seeds for extra protein and fiber, fresh fruit, some crunchy granola or cereal, and a drizzle of honey if desired.
My hyperfixation breakfast meal.
It’s filling, it’s easy, and it’s super-delicious! No wonder I make it ALL THE TIME.
Many premade yogurt parfaits are heavily sweetened and lacking in satisfying protein and fiber, so we’ve bumped both of those up by the addition of chia seeds and by using high-protein Greek yogurt. This combo will keep you going until lunchtime – it has more than 30 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. It’s…
🍓 Fresh & fruity: These are 100% customizable so while they are pictured with berries, you can use whatever fruit is in season. Fresh peaches and nectarines would also be delicious.
🥣 Quick & easy: This is ready in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weekday mornings.
💪 Nutritious: This is a filling and balanced meal with about 30 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber.
👩👩👧👦 Kid-friendly: Let everyone build-their-own parfaits. It’s fun for kids and everyone will like their creations.
🎉 Beautiful & fun: I’m a believer that food that looks beautiful tastes better!
🍯 Naturally sweet: I like to sweeten the yogurt with honey, so it’s easy to adjust according to your preference.
❄️ Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep. You can prep the chia seeds ahead and then assemble your parfait a day in advance.
You’ll also want to try my high-protein overnight oats, protein meal prep breakfast box, whipped cottage cheese, and ricotta toast.
Loved this new recipe with chia seeds! I’ve only previously used them in my overnight oats, but this was an awesome mid-afternoon snack to pump me back up! Thank you! –Theresa
Ingredient Notes
You’ll need just a few fresh and pantry staples for these Greek yogurt parfaits: Greek yogurt, chia seeds, milk of choice, berries, honey, and granola.
- Yogurt – There are a lot of yogurt options for these healthy yogurt parfaits. If you’re looking for something higher in protein with a thicker consistency, Greek yogurt is the way to go. I typically use plain Greek yogurt so I can control the sweetness myself. I prefer whole milk, full-fat yogurt whenever I can find it as I think it has the best flavor and texture and I find it more satisfying than fat-free or low-fat yogurt. But, if you prefer a flavored or vanilla Greek yogurt, or a traditional yogurt, or something with less fat, use what is best for you.
- Chia – The chia seeds are a more recent addition to my own personal breakfast yogurt parfaits, and while they are completely optional (obviously!), I love how easy it is to add nutrition INTO this meal by adding them (Read more about my nutrition philosophy here). Convenient and easy, they are a simple way to add in extra protein, fiber, and a great source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Feeding kids without pressure: I love letting kids (and adults!) make their own parfait so that it’s perfect to their liking! You can also use regular (not Greek) yogurt, which is typically a little less tart than Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt (vanilla or honey are delicious!).
- Additions: If you want to add some extra nutrition, staying power, or flavor, add chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pecans are all excellent), chia seeds, hemp seeds, or even mini chocolate chips.
Greek Yogurt Parfait Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These HEALTHY Greek yogurt parfaits are a quick and nutritious breakfast (30 g of protein and 15 g fiber!) that is ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
- liquid of choice (milk, milk alternative, water)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup fresh berries
- 1/3 cup granola
- drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions
- Soak chia seeds. Add chia seeds to a bowl and pour milk over the top. Stir so that all the seeds are touching liquid and let sit together for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been soaked up by the seeds.
- Layer parfait: a dollop of Greek yogurt, chia seeds, fruit and repeat. Top with granola and a drizzle of honey if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition: Nutrition facts are an estimate and will vary depending on what type of yogurt, fruit, and granola you use.
- Storage: You can make the fruit and yogurt parfait with granola up to a day ahead or the night before. Don’t add the granola until right before serving, or you’ll end up with soggy granola.
- Chia: The chia seeds are a more recent addition to my own personal breakfast yogurt parfaits, and while they are completely optional (obviously!), I love how easy it is to add nutrition INTO this meal by adding them (Read more about my nutrition philosophy here). Convenient and easy, they are a simple way to add in extra protein, fiber, and a great source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ingredient notes: Frozen berries also work well, and I use them during the winter months. Once the chia seeds have soaked for 5-10 minutes, I’ll add frozen berries to the mix and let them thaw. Use your favorite granola or cereal. I love a chocolate chip granola from Purely Elizabeth, but I will also often use my favorite protein cereal from Seven Sundays. The granola or cereal is great for added texture and crunch!
- Prep ahead: You can also bulk-prep the soaked chia seeds. Put them in a jar and add plenty of liquid (water, almond milk, milk), stir in chia seeds, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to leave enough room for the seeds to expand! Then scoop them out when you’re ready to make your breakfast.
- Special tools: Chia seeds are generally easy to find at your grocery store or you can get them online. If you’d like to prep these ahead, grab these glass meal prep jars.
- DIY Parfaits: Serve up a yogurt parfait bar by putting out a variety of yogurts, along with a variety of toppings, and let everyone make their own.
What to Serve with Yogurt Parfaits
This may be a full meal, or you may want something on the side…and always coffee. 🙂
- Toast – Round out your parfait with some pb toast, ricotta toast, or avocado toast.
- Coffee – Serve the parfaits with a cappuccino, latte, shaken espresso, or cold foam.
- Lunch – Keep the nutritious meals coming with a batch of garbanzo bean salad or cowboy caviar.
FAQs
I prefer this parfait recipe with creamy Greek yogurt as I love the thick texture, and extra staying power from the protein, but you can really use regular yogurt or even your favorite dairy-free yogurt alternative. Use leftover yogurt for veggie dip! I generally use plain Greek yogurt as I prefer to add in the sweetness myself, but if you prefer flavored yogurt, use what you prefer.
Absolutely, but you’ll want to switch things up a bit so it gives dessert vibes and not breakfast vibes! Use a thick and high-quality vanilla yogurt or turn it into a total dessert by using ice cream. Top with berries, whipped cream or Cool Whip, and crushed graham cracker or chocolate chip granola for crunch.
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer, nutrition expert, and founder of My Everyday Table. She specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily’s approach to everyday cooking and nutrition here.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
This post may contain affiliate links. They do not add any charge to you, but I will make a very small commission from them. I only link to products I use and recommend. Thank you for your support!
Where did ask day come from in your nutrition facts?
I don’t understand the question!
Making Yogurt Parfait has been a new and fun activity for my daughter. It lets her get creative with what she chooses to put in her parfait glass, and is even open to new foods like chai seeds. So this one was perfect for her to make on her own and has fun with eating all the yummy layers. We didn’t have granola, but she had a great idea to smash up some granola bars we had in the cupboard.
Loved this new recipe with Chia seeds! I’ve only previously used them in my overnight oats, but this was an awesome mid-afternoon snack to pump me back up! Thank you!
Isn’t it the best?! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Theresa!
I’ve made this recipe a couple of times but I just made it using 1 TBS Organic Reduced Sugar Raspberry Preserves from Trader Joe’s as the sweetener for the Greek Yogurt and holy moly what a game changer that was. Thx for the awesome recipe!
Ooooh, I love this idea so much! Will be giving it a try, thanks for the tip!