Strawberries and Cream Yogurt Quinoa Parfaits
on Apr 08, 2015, Updated Jul 16, 2024
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Strawberries and Cream Yogurt Quinoa Parfaits are a delicious and easy to make breakfast, snack or healthy dessert! Layers of maple syrup sweetened quinoa, vanilla Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries.
Well, basketball is over, baseball is starting, warmer weather is here, flowers are blooming, trees are getting their leaves back, I can finally get outside and do some hiking… yep life is pretty good right now! On top of all the loveliness that life is offering up right now, I made the most amazing parfaits over the weekend, Strawberries and Cream Yogurt Quinoa Parfaits!
I’ve been on a bit of a quinoa kick lately as you’ll see in recipes to come. I’ve really been enjoying adding it to all sorts of meals. I love the texture of quinoa with it’s slight crunch and the flavor is really starting to appeal to me. Some people complain that it has a bitter, earthy taste, but I think as long as you rinse it well and season or flavor it properly, the bitterness shouldn’t be an issue.
Quinoa is most often used in savory dishes and served with lunch or dinner, but I’m really loving using it in sweeter breakfast dishes as well. The first time I used it in a breakfast dish was in these Strawberry Quinoa Pancakes. They are probably some of the best pancakes I’ve ever made and currently one of my favorite breakfast treats to make on the weekend.
I like to make a big batch of quinoa and then keep it in the fridge to use for different meals during the week. The quinoa I made for the strawberries and cream parfaits is sweetened slightly with agave nectar and vanilla extract. I found myself eating it with a spoon to calm my sugar cravings which usually hit me in the middle of the afternoon and right before bed.
The great thing about these strawberries and cream quinoa yogurt parfaits is that they are completely healthy and filling, but they taste so good that they could even pass for dessert! The parfaits are simply layers of the agave and vanilla sweetened quinoa, vanilla Greek yogurt, and fresh strawberries.
The ingredients are enough to make two or three parfaits. You could even assemble them all at once and have one for breakfast, snack, and dessert! Or if you are nice (depends on what day it is if you’re me), you can share. The parfaits have the perfect amount of sweetness and are even something I think kids will enjoy too!
Strawberries and Cream Yogurt Quinoa Parfaits
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Parfaits
- 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Add the quinoa, water, and pinch of salt to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once the quinoa starts to boil, lower the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the quinoa simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all of the water is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Refrigerate the quinoa in an airtight container until it is cool and you are ready to use it.
- In a small bowl stir together the diced strawberries and teaspoon of maple syrup. Let the berries sit for a few minutes until they start to macerate.
- In a jar, glass, or bowl layer start with a layer of the cold quinoa, a few spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt, and top it with a few spoonfuls of strawberries. Repeat the process if you want a larger parfait.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Quinoa Breakfast Recipes
Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
Peach Quinoa Muffins
It seems like I’m always on a quinoa kick. Why have I never made quinoa parfaits? What an awesome idea!
If you love quinoa you’ll love these Cathleen!
Oh swoon! I need to try this. I love quinoa and recently discovered that I love vanilla yogurt, yum!!
You’ll love it Beth! The quinoa and vanilla yogurt taste so good together!
Danae – This is the best way to start a morning. The parfaits are beautiful and they look really delicious. I need to try these very soon.
Thanks so much Erin! They are a great way to start the day!
I am beyond excited for strawberry season! This parfait looks like such a delicious and healthy way to enjoy them. I’ve never thought to use quinoa in a sweet dish…I’m intrigued!
Thanks Denise! Strawberry season is one of my favorite times of the year!
I eat this type of parfait all of the time! I can’t get enough of fresh berries and I always cook a big batch of quinoa to last throughout the week. Perfect way to start the day!
Aren’t they the best Ashley! I’m so glad I tried adding it in with the yogurt and strawberries!
What a healthy alternative! Can’t wait to try these!
Thanks Layla!
Quinoa is a staple in our house but I never would have thought to but it in a parfait! Such a perfect idea! Pinned!
Thanks so much Mariah! You have to try quinoa in a parfait, it’s magical!
Great photo! The dish pops right out of the screen!
Thanks Kristi!
I/m imagining eating this for breakfast while sitting on my patio with the breeze and sun on my face. Such a great light and delicious parfait. Wish I could have some tomorrow morning. ;-)
Thanks Cyndi! Wish I could send one your way!
OMG this is such a genius idea! Love that you layered it with quinoa instead of granola! So trying this soon Danae!
Thanks Krista! You will love it! :-)