Delicious Greek yogurt desserts

Written by Lauren Graf   

Warm weather’s just around the corner, meaning you might be tempted to hit the fro-yo more often than usual. With so many fat-free flavors, frozen yogurt seems like the perfect alternative to ice cream. And while it is better, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a health food! The frozen variety usually has far more sugar and calories and less calcium and protein than regular yogurt. It’s also missing the probiotics (the good bacteria that helps boost your immune system). While frozen yogurt is still a good treat, you’re better off with Greek yogurt — jazzed up — as a more frequent indulgence. Try these single-serving desserts for a deceptively healthy and satisfying snack.

 

 

Chocolate Greek Yogurt

1. Mix 1 (6 ounce) container of fat-free plain Greek yogurt (Fage and Chobani are two delicious brands that are easy to find) with 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder and stir with a spoon until blended for about 30 seconds.
2. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) and mix.
3. Top with 1 tablespoon of 70% dark chocolate chips and enjoy!

Nutrition content:
Per serving (about 1 cup): 190 calories, 6 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 22 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 17 g protein, 200 mg calcium (20% daily value)


Almond Fruit Parfait

1. Mix 1 (6 ounce) container of fat-free plain Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon almond extract.
2. Stir in 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (about ½ ounce).*
3. Top with ½ cup raspberries.

Nutrition content:
Per serving (about 1½ cups): 200 calories, 6 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 20 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 17 g protein, 200 mg calcium (20% daily value)

*If you’d rather swap the nuts for more sweetness and crunch, add ¼ cup of your favorite high fiber cereal — Kashi GOLEAN Crunch adds fiber and sweetness without all the fat and sugar of granola.
Nutrition Content:
Per serving (about 1¾ cups): 190 calories, 1 g fat, 27 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 18 g protein, 200 mg calcium (20% daily value)


Layered Strawberry Parfait
Serve this fancier parfait to guests — or to yourself if you’re looking to treat your eyes as well as your taste buds.

1. Place 1 cup (8 ounces) of fat-free Greek yogurt in a bowl and mix with 1 teaspoon of sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
2. Place ½ cup chopped strawberries at the bottom of a tall parfait glass.
3. Put ½ cup of yogurt on top of the strawberries in the parfait glass.
4. Layer another ½ cup of strawberries on top of the yogurt.
5. Place the remaining ½ cup of yogurt on top of the strawberries.
6. Top with 2 crumbled vanilla wafer cookies and enjoy!

Nutrition Content:
Per serving (about 2 cups): 225 calories, 2 g fat, 31 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 20 g protein, 260 mg calcium (25% daily value)