Greek Yogurt Parfait
Ten minutes, no cooking: layer Greek yogurt with honey, vanilla, lemon zest, chia seeds, mixed berries and granola. Makes two.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
What you’ll need — tap to tick off as you go
- 400 g
- 2 tbsp
- 1 tsp
- 200 g
- 80 g
- 1 tsp
- 1 tsp
Process
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In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp of the honey, vanilla extract (if using), and lemon zest (if using) until smooth. If the yogurt is very thick, add 1 tbsp of milk or water to loosen it slightly.
If using chia seeds, stir them into the yogurt mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Rinse the mixed berries and pat them dry. Hull and slice any strawberries. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole.
Spoon about 2 tbsp of the yogurt mixture into the bottom of a glass or jar. Add a layer of berries, then a sprinkle of granola. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a dollop of yogurt, a few berries, and a final sprinkle of granola.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp honey over the top. Serve immediately so the granola stays crunchy.
Kitchen notes
Kitchen notes
- The most common mistake is assembling the parfait too far ahead: the granola turns soggy within 15-20 minutes. If you need to prep ahead, keep the granola in a separate container and add it just before eating.
- Use thick Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt. If yours is runny, strain it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth for 30 minutes to thicken it, otherwise the layers will bleed together.
- Toast the granola for 3-4 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat before layering to refresh its crunch and bring out the nutty flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use a thick coconut or almond yogurt, but note the texture will be looser; add 1 tsp chia seeds to help it set.
Substitutions
- honey→maple syrup or agave nectar
- mixed berries→diced mango, peaches, or pomegranate seeds
- granola→toasted oats, crushed nuts, or crushed graham crackers
- Greek yogurt→skyr or thick coconut yogurt for dairy-free
Storage & reheating
The parfait is best eaten immediately. If you must store it, keep the yogurt mixture, berries, and granola separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The yogurt mixture and berries will keep for up to 3 days; granola stays crunchy for up to 1 week in a sealed jar at room temperature. To serve, layer as directed. Do not freeze the assembled parfait; the yogurt becomes grainy and the berries release water.
FAQ
The questions we get asked most
Can I make Greek yogurt parfait ahead of time?
You can prep the components up to 3 days ahead: mix the yogurt with honey and vanilla, wash and cut the fruit, and store each separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep granola in a dry jar at room temperature. Assemble just before serving so the granola stays crunchy.
Why did my parfait become watery?
Watery parfaits usually come from using regular yogurt instead of thick Greek yogurt, or from berries that were still wet after rinsing. Pat the berries dry and use full-fat Greek yogurt. If your yogurt is thin, strain it through cheesecloth for 30 minutes before layering.
How do I make a dairy-free Greek yogurt parfait?
Use a thick plant-based yogurt such as coconut, almond, or soy yogurt. Coconut yogurt is the creamiest but has a distinct flavor; soy yogurt is neutral and high in protein. Stir in 1 tsp chia seeds and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before layering.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain off the excess liquid, otherwise they will make the parfait watery. Pat them dry with paper towels. Frozen berries are best used in the yogurt layer rather than as a visible layer, as they soften and release juice.
How much protein is in a Greek yogurt parfait?
A typical serving using 200 g of Greek yogurt provides about 20 g of protein, plus additional protein from the granola and chia seeds. Exact amounts vary by brand and add-ins, so check the labels of your specific ingredients.
What is the best way to layer a parfait?
Start with a spoonful of yogurt at the bottom, then add fruit, then granola, and repeat. Finish with yogurt, a few berries, and a final sprinkle of granola on top for presentation. This order prevents the granola from getting soggy too quickly.
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