Strawberry Yogurt Parfait
This light and refreshing Strawberry Yogurt Parfait is a delicious dessert made with fresh strawberries and creamy yogurt. It’s a quick, no-bake recipe that is perfect for a healthy snack or as a sweet treat after a meal. The tangy yogurt and sweet strawberries create a perfect balance, and the texture is smooth and indulgent.
Ingredients:
-
2 cups Greek yogurt (or any plain yogurt of choice)
-
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (to sweeten)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (reserve some for topping)
-
1/4 cup granola or crushed nuts (optional, for crunch)
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra freshness)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and chop the strawberries into small pieces. You can reserve a few whole strawberries to top your parfaits later.
-
Sweeten the Yogurt: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir well until the yogurt is smooth and sweetened to your liking.
-
Layer the Parfait: In serving glasses or bowls, add a layer of the sweetened yogurt. Then add a layer of chopped strawberries. Repeat with another layer of yogurt and strawberries until you fill the glass.
-
Top with Fresh Fruit: Top with the remaining whole strawberries and a drizzle of honey (optional).
-
Optional Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle a bit of granola or crushed nuts on top.
-
Chill: Place the parfaits in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill, or serve immediately for a fresher taste.
-
Serve: Serve the parfaits cold and enjoy!
Notes:
-
Yogurt Choice: You can use plain, vanilla, or even flavored yogurt, depending on your taste preference. Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and is high in protein.
-
Sweetener: Adjust the amount of honey or syrup based on your sweetness preference. You can also use stevia or another sugar alternative for a low-calorie version.
-
Add-ins: You can add other fruits like blueberries, bananas, or raspberries for variation.
Tips:
-
Make Ahead: You can prepare the parfaits ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
-
Add Texture: For extra crunch, add a layer of granola, nuts, or even some crushed cookies.
-
Freshness: Add lemon juice to the yogurt mixture to enhance the fresh flavor and cut through the creaminess.
Servings:
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving):
-
Calories: 180-200 (depending on sweetener and yogurt used)
-
Carbs: 28g
-
Protein: 10g (from Greek yogurt)
-
Fat: 4g (depending on yogurt type)
-
Fiber: 3g (from strawberries and granola)
-
Sugar: 15g (from strawberries and sweetener)
Benefits:
-
Rich in Protein: Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeping you full.
-
High in Antioxidants: Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
-
Probiotic Benefits: Yogurt contains probiotics that promote gut health and digestion.
-
Healthy Fats: If you add nuts or granola, it adds healthy fats and crunch to your parfait.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes! Frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw them before adding to your parfait to avoid excess water.
Q: Can I make this dessert vegan?
A: Yes! Simply use dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond milk yogurt) and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Q: How long can I store this parfait?
A: You can store the parfaits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best eaten fresh for the best texture.