12 Luscious Greek Yogurt Parfaits That Are Healthy and Satisfying

May 8, 2024

Courtesy of Food Family and Chaos

They’re creamy, crunchy, usually fruity — a yogurt parfait hits all the notes. Yogurt parfaits are perfect as a quick breakfast or a filling snack, and the best part is that they’re completely customizable. Use Greek yogurt for extra protein, regular plain yogurt, or plant-based yogurt if dairy isn’t your thing. Grab whatever seasonal fruit you have on hand — or use dried, or freeze dried, or thawed frozen fruit. Add crunch with granola, or nuts, or seeds. No matter what you’re craving, or what’s in your kitchen, you can put together a satisfying yogurt parfait.

You asked: What is a yogurt parfait made from?

Typically it’s a mix of yogurt, fruit, and granola. But here are some ways to customize your parfait:

Add flavor. Start with plain yogurt, and stir in a little honey, or some cinnamon, or lemon zest, or unsweetened cocoa — or add protein by folding in protein powder.
Get jammy. Cook fruit with a little honey or maple syrup until softened, then stir in chia seeds, and allow it to firm up. Layer this jam with yogurt and granola.
Mash up. Add a layer of your favorite overnight oats to your yogurt parfait for added bulk and texture.
Make it savory. Instead of fruit, layer plain yogurt with chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, and toasted chopped salted nuts or seeds. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Here are 12 recipes to get you started.

1. Healthy Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Parfaits

Courtesy of The Bettered Blondie

Make a quick compote with frozen blueberries, lemon zest and juice, and a touch of honey, layer it with yogurt and granola, and get ready for a creamy and refreshing treat that works for breakfast or a snack. The recipe calls for nonfat Greek yogurt, but you can use any kind you like.

Try this recipe from The Bettered Blondie.

2. Chocolate Banana Overnight Oat and Yogurt Parfaits

Banana Nutella overnight oats yogurt parfait

Courtesy of Sweet Savory and Steph

It’s a yogurt parfait-overnight oats mashup, with cocoa powder and bananas included for an indulgent flavor. Even with all that going on, it still only takes 10 minutes of prep, and you get 21 grams of protein and 8 grams of filling fiber.

Try this recipe from Sweet Savory and Steph.

3. Tropical Yogurt Parfaits

Courtesy of Budget Bytes

Oats show up again in this recipe, which also includes pineapple, banana, mango, and shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Make it the night before so the oats have time to soften, then just grab and go in the morning.

Try this recipe from Budget Bytes.

4. Greek Yogurt Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

Courtesy of Food Family and Chaos

Cheesecake for breakfast? You can, when it’s a yogurt parfait with a touch of cream cheese blended in, and a “crust” made from nuts, dates, and cinnamon. Berries are delicious on top, but any fruit would work here.

Try this recipe from Food Family and Chaos.

5. Healthy Apple Crisp Yogurt Parfaits

Courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

A comforting apple crisp is always a treat — and it also makes a perfect base for a yogurt parfait. It takes just 5 minutes to toss together, and has 19 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon, if you like.

Try this recipe from The Seasoned Mom.

6. Layered Yogurt Parfait

Courtesy of Foolproof Living

Here’s a classic yogurt parfait recipe, with Greek yogurt, fruit, and granola. Make it as written, or change it up to suit your taste. Fold some lemon or orange zest into the yogurt, or a splash of vanilla, to give it additional flavor without sweetener.

Try this recipe from Foolproof Living.

7. Black Forest Yogurt Cups

Courtesy of Meal Plan Addict

A quick compote made from frozen cherries and chia seeds, plus a dark chocolate granola, make this yogurt parfait feel extra indulgent. If the granola brand it calls for isn’t readily available, use another kind, and toss in a few mini chocolate chips.

Try this recipe from Meal Plan Addict.

8. Peanut Butter Banana Parfait

Courtesy of Run to the Table

Talk about a classic combo: Peanut butter and banana are the ultimate. In this recipe, you layer the yogurt, peanut butter, and banana, then drizzle the whole thing with honey. Whether you go for creamy or crunchy peanut butter is up to you.

Try this recipe from Run to the Table.

9. Chocolate Yogurt Parfait

Courtesy of Skinny Ms.

A dietitian created this double chocolate yogurt parfait with raspberries, so you know it’s good for you as well as indulgent. You could even enjoy it for dessert — with 15 grams of protein, it’s sure to satisfy.

Try this recipe from Skinny Ms.

10. Roasted Fig Walnut Parfait

Courtesy of The Roasted Root

The yogurt parfait just got an elegant upgrade thanks to this sophisticated twist. Roast fresh figs and walnuts until the nuts are toasty and the fruit is tender. Then layer both with honey and yogurt. If fresh figs aren’t in season, chop dried figs and cook them in your favorite herbal tea until they’ve softened, then drain and add to the parfait.

Try this recipe from The Roasted Root.

11. Mango Coconut Breakfast Parfait

Courtesy of Well Vegan

Blend frozen mango, lime juice, and fresh ginger into a zingy puree, layer with coconut yogurt and granola, and you’re on your way to the tropics. This recipe calls for plant-based yogurt, but you can use Greek and layer in shredded coconut, or add a splash of coconut extract.

Try this recipe from Well Vegan.

12. Pistachio Pomegranate Parfait

Courtesy of French Pressed Kitchen

Antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and tart sweetness to this parfait. Pistachios and granola add just the right amount of crunch. Use lightly salted pistachios to contrast the sweet fruit and creamy yogurt.

Try this recipe from French Pressed Kitchen.