Thursday, July 14, 2011

Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfaits

As a nutrition and wellness coordinator, I am always trying to find ways to get staff and clients to try new and healthy foods. For a meeting, I introduced Greek yogurt by serving Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfaits.  This yogurt has twice the protein of the regular varieties, is easy to digest, and has less carbs than regular yogurt. How's that for a nutritional powerhouse?


What you will need:
Greek yogurt
All-natural fruit preserves or jam
Fruit (Any of the following: bananas, pineapple, berries, peaches, etc.)
Optional: Honey or other sweetener
Optional: Granola

1. To sweeten up the plain variety, I add organic, no-sugar added jam and mix. If you want to skip this step, buy the flavored greek yogurt. 

2. Layer fruit on bottom of serving dishes, shot glasses, or drinking glasses.

3. Layer yogurt. Repeat. Top with fruit garnishes.
Optional: You can also layer and top it off with granola.

Berry and Tropical



*Note*
If using pineapple in your parfaits, serve immediately! If it is let to sit, the acid from the pineapple mixes with the yogurt and produces an awful taste. I speak from experience!


In addition to eating this with fruit, it works great as a substitute for recipes that call for milk, creams, etc.  If a dip calls for sour cream and mayo, I substitute half of for the yogurt. No one notices and it is so much healthier :)


What other flavors or fruit combinations would be good?

25 comments:

Claudia Fabiana said... Best Blogger Tips

So cute and delish!

ciao from Newport Beach

goodhealthdiva said... Best Blogger Tips

I am so bookmarking this post! I love parfaits and I tend to add some flaxseed to mine for the added benefits of fiber and all those good properties flaxseed offer! Thanks to stopping by my blog, just come back, become a Follower and stop by often! Oh I am a new fan (Follower) on your blog! Have a great week-end hun!

Drew {Coral Cafe} said... Best Blogger Tips

I've heard so many great things about greek yogurt! I'm definitely going to have to switch it up to great some great health benefits!! Have a great weekend, girlie! ;)

Delaney said... Best Blogger Tips

I wish I liked/could eat yogurt! Those look delish!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Mmmm, that looks so tasty! I've never had Greek yogurt, but I've wanted to try it for a while. Maybe I'll give your recipe a try!

Amanda @ The Little Giggler said... Best Blogger Tips

Those look so yummy!!!

I am Cute Mammi. said... Best Blogger Tips

Great post! Quite informative. Thanks for your comment! I will be following your blog from now on as a new follower. Please follow me back! :)
www.cutemammi.com

Jill said... Best Blogger Tips

They look yummy!

I never knew that about the pineapple! I'll have to remember that!

http://beourbest.blogspot.com/

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Looks delicious! Just stopping by to thank you for your comment, it meant a lot!

It's great for bloggers to support eachother- thanks again!

-kendall
{songbirdsandbuttons.blogspot.com}

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

PS: I'm now following - looking forward to reading more from you :)

Katie @ Newcomb Home said... Best Blogger Tips

Yum! Those look great! I think lime or another tropical fruit like mango would be good!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

These look so tasty! I have to admit I've never tried Greek yogurt before, but I think I'm going to have to add it to my shopping list!!

Monica @ theatypicalhousewife.com

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said... Best Blogger Tips

Hi Coley,

I just tried greek yogurt today for lunch. I did find it plain. I added fresh blueberries and fibre 1 for some crunch. But the plain greek yogurt was still bland. Next time, I will make it your way...Thanks for the visit today. I have joined you as a new follower!!! Great tip!!
All the Best,
Christine

laxsupermom said... Best Blogger Tips

I like to substitute greek yogurt for mayo in salads, too. Your parfaits are so pretty and a great way to introduce a healthy snack. Thanks for sharing.

Cami said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my GOODNESS - that looks delicious...I am SO going to make that soon..YUM YUM YUM!!

I'm a new follower - saw you comment on Sweet Tea Serendipity and thought I'd check out your site - I love it!

I'm new to blogging so any input you might have, I'd love! Otherwise, nice to "meet" you!

<3-Cami from Serendipitious Life

Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea said... Best Blogger Tips

Um, YUM! Look so good! I'm lovin Greek Yogurt these days, just posted my lemon blueberry muffin recipe this past Friday! I love that combo - Lemon Greek yogurt with blueberries or Maple Yogurt with raspberries.

Newest follower! come check out my blog, www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com

J said... Best Blogger Tips

like it! :)

If you want, follow me and I'll follow you back. :)
http://liberty-walk-sara.blogspot.com/

Becca {A Blonde's Logic} said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm your new follower! And those look so delicious! I love greek yogurt too :)

Becca
http://blondeslogic.blogspot.com

It's Just Me said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the follow! Luv Greek yogurt and great ideas for a fruit parfait!
Luv,
Mare
http://mare-itsjustmebeingme.blogspot.com

henning love said... Best Blogger Tips

wow these look amazing and so healthy. i love your blog, following you now :-)

malia said... Best Blogger Tips

dee-lish!

Anne said... Best Blogger Tips

These look awesome! I eat greek yogurt for breakfast every day, but these look like a dessert. I'll have to try one!

I think it would be really good with pineapple, mango and sunflower seeds.

Joi said... Best Blogger Tips

Those look yummy! I bet some granola would be really tasty in them, too!

Karen said... Best Blogger Tips

What a great idea. Whenever we attend a party or potluck type event I try to bring something healthy as usually the fare is pretty much junk. As a recent convert to a vegetarian lifestyle it's always nice to bring something that I can eat myself.

(So glad you stopped by my blog and left a comment. I've been enjoying jumping from post to post on your blog.)