Name: Healthy Greek Yogurt Parfait Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: For the Base Parfait:; 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat); 1 cup granola (store-bought or homemade); 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries); 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); Pinch of cinnamon (optional); Optional Toppings:; 2 tablespoons sliced almonds or chopped nuts; 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds; Fresh mint leaves for garnish; Shredded coconut; Dark chocolate chips

The combination of creamy, protein-packed yogurt, immoderately sweetened honey, crunchy granola, and fresh berries is heavenly and perfect for any occasion.

These simple five-minute yogurt parfaits are great for your meal-prepping week for breakfast, and are great for snacks or swoon-worthy brunches. Each of the tasty options comes with tons of customizable options and is ideal for any occasion.

I have perfected this recipe over countless breakfasts, and the best tips I followed are the ones I am about to share to help you nail parfaits that are brunch-worthy.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Base Parfait:

2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat)
1 cup granola (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Optional Toppings:

2 tablespoons sliced almonds or chopped nuts
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Shredded coconut
Dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1

Wash and slice the berries. For the strawberries, hull and quarter them. Keep blueberries and raspberries whole for the prettiest presentation.

Make the yogurt base by mixing honey and Greek yogurt in a small bowl.

Stir until smooth and sweetened evenly. Taste to see if you need to adjust the sweetness.

Step 2

For the best visual results, use clear glasses or mason jars to assemble the dessert.

To start, scoop 1/4 cup of sweetened yogurt into the bottom of each container.

For the first fruit layer, add 1/4 cup of mixed berries.

Press the berries gently against the sides of the container. This makes them easier to see.

Step 3

Next, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of granola over the fruit. Remember to leave space between the granola layers to ensure it does not become soggy.

Yogurt, fruit, and yogurt layers can be repeated one more time, finishing with a final layer of yogurt.

Just before serving, add the final garnishes: the rest of the granola, berries, nuts and seeds, and any other toppings.

The granola will be crunchiest if served immediately, but you can prep- refrigerate your parfait for up to 4 hours. To store for longer, keep granola separate.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

The biggest parfait mistake is adding granola too early. For meal prep, store granola separately and add it right before eating.

Use thicker Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt: regular yogurt is too thin and will make your layers runny. Greek yogurt’s thick consistency is much better and offers more protein.
Angle your spoon: while layering, tilt your glass and spoon the ingredients along the side. This will create those beautiful, distinct layers that make parfaits so Instagram-worthy.
Sweeten to your preferred taste: some like unsweetened yogurt with naturally sweet fruit, while others wish to add more honey. Start with less sweetener, and you can always add more.
Temperature matters: cold yogurt and fresh berries will always taste more refreshing compared to ingredients that are at room temperature.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutes

Yogurt alternatives: coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, and skyr are all great dairy-free options. Regular yogurt works as well, but it will be thinner and contain less protein.
Sweetener alternatives: you can replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even add a few drops of stevia. For zero-calorie options, monk fruit sweetener works great.
Fruit alternatives: you can add sliced peaches, diced mango, kiwifruit, pomegranate seeds, or any combination of seasonal fruits. Frozen berries work, but can make the yogurt watery as they thaw.
Granola substitutes: crushed graham crackers, toasted oats, and chopped nuts work, or you can even add crumbled cookies to make it a dessert.
Protein Boost: For added protein, try incorporating a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter spread between layers, or sprinkling some hemp hearts on top.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Parfaits

These creations are great as a grab-and-go breakfast when layered in mason jars with lids.

For a nice touch to brunch spreads, serve them in wine glasses or clear dessert cups.

For a more interactive breakfast, you can set out bowls of yogurt, assorted fruits, various granola flavors, and toppings to allow everyone to build their own parfait.

Parfaits also work beautifully as a healthy dessert.

Use vanilla or honey Greek yogurt, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and finish with whipped cream for a treat that feels indulgent but is still relatively healthy.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

For best results, assemble parfaits with granola no more than 4 hours in advance.

Yogurt and fruit base can be prepared the night before, but always add the granola and crunchy toppings last for the best texture.

For successful meal prep, keep components separate: store the yogurt mixture in one container, the cleaned berries in another, and granola in an airtight container.

That way, fresh parfaits can be quickly put together all week long.

If you have to make fully assembled parfaits in advance, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, although the granola will become quite soggy.

Some people like the granola to be soft, so you may want to try it and see what you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

You can, but Greek yogurt is much thicker and has double the protein of regular yogurt.

Layers will be runnier and much less filling with regular yogurt.

If you are going to use regular yogurt, try straining it through cheesecloth for an hour first.

How do I keep the granola from getting soggy?

If making the parfaits in advance, granola should only be added to the very top layer, or it should be stored completely separately until it is time to serve.

Any granola layered inside will become soft after a few hours due to the moisture from the yogurt and the fruit.

What is the best type of Greek yogurt to use?

When it is plain and unsweetened, Greek yogurt gives the most flexibility in sweetness and taste.

Greek yogurt in the full-fat version is the richest and creamiest, while the non-fat Greek yogurt is lighter.

Two percent is a great middle ground with good flavor and texture.

Can I make Parfaits the night before?

Yes, but use the separate storage method: prep your sweetened yogurt and wash your fruit the night before, then assemble in the morning.

If you need fully assembled parfaits, they’ll last overnight, but expect softer granola.

Are yogurt Parfaits good for weight loss?

Greek yogurt is high in protein, which promotes satiety. Watch your granola portions, though, as granola is calorie-dense.

Use 1/4 cup or less per serving and load up on the fruit and yogurt for a filling, lower-calorie breakfast.

What fruits work best in parfaits?

Berries are ideal because they’re the right size, don’t need much prep, and won’t make the yogurt watery.

Avoid super juicy fruits like watermelon or citrus segments that can make things runny. Bananas work but brown quickly, so slice them fresh.

Conclusion

This recipe for Greek yogurt parfait turns basic components into a protein-packed, restaurant-style breakfast that will sweeten your morning.

After learning this simple technique, you will have an adaptable recipe that works for any craving, any season, and any dietary needs.