Healthy Greek Yogurt Parfait Recipe
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. Just like homemade acai bowls, the variations are endless and this is a breakfast that is so easy to customize.
If you prefer your breakfast on the go, my high-protein meal prep boxes are a similar breakfast, prepped in bulk for quick and healthy breakfasts all week long.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
What You’ll Love About Yogurt Parfaits
- Filling and nutritious breakfast
- High protein – almost 30 grams per serving
- High fiber – 15 grams per serving
- Contains protein, carbs, fruit, and fiber
- Easily customizable, everyone loves to make their own
- Easy breakfast recipe, perfect for busy mornings
Ingredients
- 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 seeds – This addition is optional, but I love it as an easy way to add a bit more nutrition into my yogurt parfait! The soaked chia seeds add bulk, protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids with virtually no flavor. When soaked, they do have a texture that is reminiscent of tapioca pearls, but smaller!
- Fruit – Fresh berries are great in homemade yogurt parfaits, but you can really use any type of fruit. You can also use frozen fruit if berries aren’t in season, I do this often in the winter months. Or use whatever seasonal fruits are available to you.
- Granola – 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!
- Honey – The honey is optional and you could also use maple syrup, agave syrup, or any other sweetener. It also might depend on the other additions to your parfait. If you have fruit and cereal, you may not need honey.
- Extra boosts – 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.
Chia Seeds
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.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Parfaits
This is an overview, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
- Soak chia seeds. Add chia seeds to a bowl and let sit with milk until all of the liquid has been soaked up by the seeds.
- Layer parfait. Add layers of yogurt to your jar or bowl. Top with some of the chia seed mixture and fruit. Repeat steps. Sprinkle granola or cereal over the fruit and yogurt and drizzle with honey if using and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Emily’s Tip
Use a glass jar or cup if you would like to see the layers. If you’re just making it for yourself on a random Tuesday morning, you can also just make it in a bowl and it will taste just as delicious. 😉
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
If you like these breakfast parfaits, you might also like some of these other healthy breakfast ideas:
- Sourdough French Toast
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate Smoothie
- 5-Minute Breakfast Board for Kids
- Whipped Cottage Cheese
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 facts are an estimate and will vary depending on what type of yogurt, fruit, and granola you use.
- 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.
- Serve a DIY yogurt parfait bar by putting out a variety of yogurts, along with a variety of toppings and let everyone make their own.
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!
