Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup (245g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- ¼ cup low-sugar granola
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds (or chopped walnuts)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Optional boosters
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts (for an extra 3g protein)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (stirred into yogurt)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Lemon zest (brightens the flavor)
Instructions
Wash the berries gently under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Slice strawberries if using them — keep blueberries and raspberries whole.
Stir the chia seeds (and vanilla extract if using) into the Greek yogurt. Let it rest for 1 minute — the chia will start to plump up, adding a creamy texture.
Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into the bottom of a tall glass or mason jar. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon for clean layers.
Add half of the berries on top of the yogurt, then sprinkle on half of the granola and almonds. This is the crunchy middle layer.
Repeat with the remaining yogurt, followed by the rest of the berries, granola, and almonds. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
Eat immediately for the crunchiest granola, or seal and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the granola at the last minute if making ahead.
Personal Tips
- Always buy plain Greek yogurt — never flavored. A "fruit on the bottom" cup hides 15-20g of added sugar. Plain plus your own berries delivers more protein per dollar and lets you control sweetness.
- Layer for texture contrast, not just looks. The crunch of granola against creamy yogurt is what makes a parfait satisfying. Mixed-together yogurt is just yogurt.
- Granola goes soggy fast. If meal-prepping, keep granola in a separate small container and add it just before eating. Yogurt + berries pre-layered are fine for 24 hours.
- Frozen berries work in winter. Use frozen mixed berries straight from the bag — they thaw in the yogurt within 20 minutes and release juices that flavor the whole jar.
- The 30g protein target. A full cup of nonfat Greek yogurt is 23g protein. Add 1 tbsp chia seeds (3g) + 2 tbsp almonds (3g) + 1 tbsp hemp hearts (3g) and you're at 32g — a meal that keeps you full until lunch.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving): 1 parfait (approximately 400g) | USDA FoodData Central
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in a Greek yogurt parfait?
Can I make Greek yogurt parfait the night before?
What is the difference between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt?
Is Greek yogurt parfait healthy?
Can I use frozen berries?
How do I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Dietary Restrictions
Allergens
Not Suitable For
- Vegan (use dairy-free yogurt and maple syrup)
- Nut allergy (omit almonds)
Modifications
- Use certified gluten-free granola for celiac-safe version
- Replace Greek yogurt with coconut or almond Greek-style yogurt for dairy-free/vegan
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for strict vegan
- Replace almonds with sunflower seeds for nut-free