Red, white and blue yogurt parfait

A layered red, white and blue yogurt parfait made with wholesome, natural ingredients, perfect for a festive breakfast, snack or dessert!

Happy Friday, friends! I’m super happy to be at the end of this week, coming off of our beach vacation and trying to get back into the swing of things. The kiddos are at separate preschool camps this week and next and my husband was traveling a bit so I feel like I’ve been running around like a crazy person. Ready to kick back and soak up the weekend!

And for you today, I’ve got a layered yogurt parfait to get you ready for the July 4th holiday – because I’m already looking forward to my next day off 😂

I love making special treats for my kiddos that are fun and different and sweet and delicious but still completely wholesome. Remember my rainbow toast? And healthy chocolate pancakes? More recently I’ve had mango yogurt pops and peach raspberry smoothie bowls.

And with the Fourth of July just around the corner, I wanted some fun festive treats for them and for friends stopping by. But of course, no artificial colors or added sugars, thank you very much.

Instead, I use plain Greek yogurt and add homemade mix-ins to control the ingredients and build layers of gorgeous, fruity, sweet flavor. Sweet strawberries on the bottom, honey vanilla and bananas and a bright blueberry topping.

When I whipped up these easy yogurt parfait bowls one afternoon and M (who is 5) came wandering in the kitchen asking for snack, she spotted them immediately.

M: “Mommy, what’s that?” Eyes wide and excitement in her voice, but thinking it might be an “adults only” kind of treat.

I tell her that’s what’s for snack today, if she wants it.

M: “Me, me, me, me, me! I want it! Me!”

“Hmm, are you sure?”

“Yes, I really want it!”

“It’s OK if you don’t, honey. We can find something else. Maybe some applesauce? Or cheese and crackers? You want some cheese and crackers?”

“No mommy, I want that.” Pointing emphatically. “I really want it. I do! Please, can I have it?”

Of course I stopped teasing her, but I also found it amusing that she didn’t even know what it was. It looked fruity and creamy and super pretty, which would certainly be enough for me, but she didn’t actually know what she was getting.

I walked her through the layers and she was bouncing up and down in her chair waiting to dig in. I let her eat it carefully out of these stemless wine glasses but transferred it to a safer bowl for J (who’s not quite 3) to have once he got up from nap. He was equally excited, but in fewer words 😉

They both loved these parfaits! Couldn’t decide which layer was their favorite!

A few notes on this layered yogurt parfait:

• I used a strained puree of strawberries for the bottom layer but you can absolutely just blend up some strawberries (add a touch of honey if they aren’t very sweet) and stir that in. Or even substitute strawberry jam.
• I used my homemade blueberry sauce for the top layer. It doesn’t require much because it’s super sweet – which makes this an extra special treat – and it takes just minutes to make. But you could substitute a store-bought blueberry jam to keep it easy if you’d like. (Just make sure it doesn’t have high-fructose corn syrup, please!)
• To build the parfaits, carefully spoon each layer into your bowl or glass and use the back of the spoon to smooth out the top before adding the fresh fruit and the next yogurt layer.
• Try using a martini glass for teens or adults for a fancy twist! Or mason jars to make these portable for breakfast on the go or a picnic treat.
• You could absolutely add some additional toppings to these parfaits. Chia seeds would add a bit of nutrition and fun sprinkle action, or granola or crushed cereal or chopped nuts to give it some crunch and texture.

I hope you’ll give these wholesome yogurt parfaits a try and let me know what you think! 

I’ve got a few more fun red, white and blue foods (spoiler: it’s a round-up of 3 easy July 4th appetizers) coming up for you next week as well, so stop back by or sign up for my free weekly e-newsletter and never miss a recipe. (You’ll also get my free e-cookbook, Easy Weeknight Dinners, when you sign up.)

I’d also love to connect on social media – follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter for more recipe goodness!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Red, white and blue yogurt parfaits

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Preparation 20 minutes Total Time 0:20

Serves 3-4 parfaits, depending on your jars/glasses     adjust servings

An all-natural layered red, white and blue yogurt parfait for a fun, festive treat!

Ingredients

For the strawberry layer

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup strawberry puree (see notes)
• 4 strawberries, thinly sliced

For the honey and banana layer

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 small banana, thinly sliced

For the blueberry layer

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons blueberry syrup (or substitute blueberry or grape jam)
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
• Additional (optional) topping ideas: Chia seeds, granola, crushed cereal, chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Make the bottom layer: Combine the Greek yogurt and strawberry puree in a small bowl and mix well. Divide evenly among your jars or glasses and smooth the top. Place sliced strawberries on top of the yogurt layer.
2. Make the middle layer: Combine the Greek yogurt, honey and vanilla in a small bowl. Add on top of the sliced strawberries in your jars or glasses. Top with the sliced bananas.
3. Make the top layer: Combine the Greek yogurt and blueberry syrup (or jam) in a small bowl. Add on top of the sliced bananas in your jars or glasses. Top with fresh blueberries.
4. Top with any additional toppings as desired and serve!
5. Extras may be kept, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Recipe Notes

I used non-fat plain Greek yogurt for this recipe.
To make the strawberry puree, simply blend 1/2 cup of ripe strawberries in a blender or food processor or immersion blender. Add a teaspoon of honey if the strawberries aren’t very sweet. You can make it as chunky or as thin as you like. (If your mixture is too thick and not blending well, add the yogurt for that layer and blend them together.)

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 301kcal Calories from fat 105
% Daily Value
Total Fat 12g	18%
Saturated Fat 7g	35%
Cholesterol 29mg	10%
Sodium 104mg	4%
Carbohydrate 36g	12%
Dietary Fiber 2g	8%
Sugars 29g
Protein 16g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g