Quinoa is such a perfect, protein-rich way to start your mornings, I just knew I’d need to share this Berry Quinoa Parfait with you again as a part of our M Challenge Focus on Better Mornings. I know that when you start the day with one of these delicious parfaits, it really will be better!
I love berries and today I am showing off a delicious gluten-free Berry Quinoa Parfait that you can enjoy in any season with fresh or frozen berries.
Since going gluten-free, I have learned that the key to beating hunger pains (without eating gluten-free junk food) is a protein packed meal or snack.
Quinoa is one of my favorite foods whether it is just cooked as a basic, in a yummy Greek Quinoa Salad, in my favorite Lemony Spinach & Tomato Quinoa Salad, in my Quinoa Berry Bowl, or even using those quinoa flakes in my Pumpkin Nut Quinoa Breakfast.
Combining the protein power of quinoa with the protein power of Greek yogurt makes this healthy treat more filling.
Did you know that a typical 6-ounce serving of Greek yogurt contains 15 to 20 grams of protein?
That is approximately the equivalent of two to three ounces of lean meat.
Just as a reference, one cup of cooked quinoa (185 g) contains 8.14 grams of protein, which means the quinoa paired with the Greek yogurt definitely will help you feel fuller longer.
Not to be outdone, berries have many health benefits, but the biggest health benefit is the antioxidants that they have which help you fight off illnesses.
Berries are filled with potent antioxidants that can help with arthritis, age-related memory loss, and cataracts and other eyesight problems.
They also are said to assist with weight-loss because they are filled with so much water.
A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds adds the perfect finishing touch since almonds are a great source of vitamin E, copper, magnesium, and (as if you needed more!) they are another great protein source.
If you haven’t tried quinoa in a sweet dish, it is just as delicious and satisfying as it is in a savory dish. It reminds me a little of one of my favorite dishes… rice pudding.
To add to its sweetness, I cooked it in a little vanilla and with a little dash of cinnamon.
Make sure that you allow the quinoa to cool before adding it to the yogurt.
Once you have made your assembly line of treats, wrap each one in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for a healthy snack after your workout or as a healthy dessert with your family.
Berry Quinoa Parfait
Author: Amy Clark
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
A gluten-free protein-packed parfait that is both healthy and satisfying. Try this fun new idea to enjoy your fresh berries this summer.
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup (or more) of your favorite berries, fresh or frozen (I love blueberries & strawberries)
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, lightly toasted
- Mint leaves (optional)
- Use my directions for cooking quinoa as a basic (linked to above) or follow package directions adding the vanilla and cinnamon to your water. Allow to cool.
- Mix the greek yogurt and honey together in a small bowl.
- Using a spoon add a ⅓ of the yogurt mixture into your glass.
- Top with ⅓ of sliced strawberries and blueberries then add ⅓ of the quinoa. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
- Repeat with the remaining yogurt, berries, quinoa and almonds until you have three layers.
- Finish with your mint leaves.
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Looking for more great berry ideas? Check out these:
Happy berry-eating!
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