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Greek yogurt is very popular these days – and with good reason.  It is packed with protein, probiotics, and a good amount of minerals including calcium and potassium.

If you weren’t a fan of regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has a thicker, creamier texture because more whey is separated out than in regular yogurt.  This results in yogurt with a high density of protein and fewer carbs.  Probiotics are great for the digestive system, and especially helpful to people who want to build up their immune system.

When you’re shopping for Greek yogurt, be sure what you buy has at least 15 grams of protein and no added sugar.  I personally like Fage.  See this list for best and worst brands of Greek yogurt.  There are some surprises there.

I vary my parfait depending upon what fruit is in season.  Right now blueberries and peaches are in abundance, so that is what I’m eating.  Plus the blue in blueberries and the orange of peaches are such a gorgeous combination.

But you can substitute with strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, or whatever fruit you like. Try these delicious Greek yogurt fruit and nut parfaits – they are low in carbs, high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals.  Leave a comment below with your favorite.

Quantities Are Per Serving

Peaches and Blueberry Pecan Parfait

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup peaches and blueberries
• 1 tsp chia seed

Raspberry Almond Parfait

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup raspberries
• 1 tsp chia seed

Strawberry Walnuts Parfait

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup strawberries
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp chia seed

Preparation

How to toast the nuts

1. Heat a large frying pan on the stove top. Turn on medium-high heat.
2. When the pan is hot, add a single layer of nuts. Do not add any oil or cooking spray – the nuts have enough oils on their own to cook.
3. Stir frequently with a spatula until the nuts turn golden brown and smell mouth-watering.  You can toast a larger quantity of nuts ahead of time, but be sure to store them in an air-tight container and use within a week.  Try these times as a guide
   • Sliced almonds 7-10 min
   • Chopped Walnuts – 10 min
   • Chopped Pecans – 10 min
4. Remove from heat, and if necessary, from the pan, as they will continue to cook after being removed from the heat and can go from browned to burned.

Layer Greek yogurt, fruit, chia seed and nuts in a cup. Add honey or maple syrup to taste.  And voila!  A yummy, simple, healthy parfait.