“Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits”

How do you determine what you’ll eat for breakfast, when you need a snack or maybe a light dessert after dinner? Is there a possibility you have a mango? Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and granola in the pantry or refrigerator? If so, get to the kitchen to make these Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits. They’re refreshing even in the winter and with a little crunch from granola. I used mango because I had them however, if you don’t use any fruit you enjoy. Berries work marvelously in parfaits.

Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits

Let’s make these irresistible creamy treats, Yes, I call them treats because we forget fruits are sweet treats by natural means. Fresh fruit is the healthiest form to consume not juices. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are another healthy choice of fruit. All varieties of Greek yogurt or whatever you prefer is fine. Just remember that lower fat results in a thinner pudding yet creaminess remains. Another great addition to my parfaits is granola. No reason to be choosey here. Use what you like and in this case I chose cinnamon flavor.

Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits

How familiar are you with chia seeds? Do you wonder how to use them? Chia Seeds are little seeds used for health benefits (omega-3) in puddings, jams, and drinks. These seeds also have a thickening ability with little to no taste. When added to yogurt or say overnight oats, the seeds swell making the mixture thicker. It’s a good idea to start with 1 T. per 1 cup and determine if more is needed. Follow any recipe as already written. Chia seeds are perfect to thicken smoothies. In this recipe, chia is used to thicken and add texture to my parfaits.

Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits

Time to make parfaits: First, mix the ingredients for the yogurt mixture. I like to prepare this ahead of time to thicken before building parfaits. This is a step you can make up to 24 hours in advance of serving. If you desire thinner yogurt, add a little milk. When serving, start with yogurt pudding, fruit, granola as desired. I used 6 oz. juice glasses and made two layers. Stemless wine glasses or snifters work well here. For snacking you could use to-go containers or other small dish you may have lurking about.

Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits

That said, whether you purchase the ingredients for parfaits or already have them on hand, slap this recipe on the refrigerator door. Change the flavoring to apple pie spice, vanilla, lemon, lime, blood orange, or maple to change it up. Granolas come in many flavors besides cinnamon. Some brands are plain, have dried fruit, and nut blends available. The combinations are endless for a slightly sweet, creamy, fruity and crunchy beginning or end to the day with a parfait.

Mango Chia Yogurt Parfaits

1 large mango, peeled and diced

1½ cups plain Greek yogurt

2 T. chia seeds

2 T. organic cane sugar

¼ t. ground cinnamon

1 cup cinnamon granola

In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, chia seeds, sugar and cinnamon until mixed well. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

Using a 6 to 8 oz. clear glass, layer parfait as desired. I start with yogurt then mango and granola, repeating one more time.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 3 to 4 servings.