Mini Tropical Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Start your day with a burst of tropical flavors! This Tropical Fruit and Yogurt Parfait recipe combines fresh papaya and/or mango’s sweet, juicy taste with creamy Greek honey yogurt and satisfying granola crunch. It’s a quick, refreshing breakfast or snack.
The parfait recipe below is for a ‘mini’ version that is perfect as an element of our Brunch Charcuterie. You could very easily use the relative proportions for larger servings.
Table of Contents
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits are a Healthy Breakfast or Snack Option
These tropical fruit and Greek yogurt parfaits are chock-full of healthy ingredients.
Greek yogurt is a rich source of protein that helps support muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer. It also contains probiotics, which promote gut health and is high in calcium for strong bones. For the healthiest option, choose plain Greek yogurt.
Fresh fruits like papaya, mango, and lime are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin A and digestive enzymes, while mango is rich in vitamin C, boosting immunity. Lime adds a tangy kick and provides a dose of vitamin C as well.
Granola adds fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain energy levels. It often contains heart-healthy fats from nuts and seeds. Look for a low-sugar option to keep this a healthy addition.
Easy to Make in Advance
These yogurt and fruit parfaits can be made a day in advance without the granola on top. Cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge until ready to serve. Top with granola before serving
Tips for Choosing Ripe Papaya, Mangos, and Juicy Limes
Papaya:
- Look for a papaya with mostly yellow skin—it should yield slightly when pressed.
- Avoid fruit with large blemishes or green spots.
- A sweet aroma near the stem end indicates ripeness.
Mango:
- Gently press the mango; it should feel slightly soft but not mushy.
- Ripe mangos have a fruity aroma at the stem end.
- The skin color may vary by variety, but slight wrinkling can indicate ripeness.
Limes:
- Choose limes that are heavy for their size with smooth, glossy skin.
- Avoid limes that are hard or have dull, dry skin.
- To get more juice, roll the lime on the counter before cutting.
Variations to these Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
- Fruit Swap: Use pineapple, kiwi, or berries for a different twist.
- Yogurt Swap: Use your favorite yogurt; plain, vanilla yogurt or fruit yogurt will all work in these parfaits. While I used store-bought, your homemade yogurt would make these parfaits all the more yummy and nutritious.
- Coconut: Replace the granola with toasted coconut flakes for added crunch and flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut or almond milk yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds, pistachios, or cashews on top for extra protein and texture.
- Savory Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or Tajín on the fruit for a hint of spice to complement the sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Ingredients
Store each component of these fruit and yogurt parfaits separately.
Cut Fruit
- Refrigeration: Store cut papaya or mango in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Add a squeeze of lime juice to help preserve freshness and prevent browning. Use within 2–3 days.
- Freezing: Spread diced fruit on a parchment-lined baking sheet for extended storage and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. This fruit is perfect for smoothies or future parfaits.
Granola
- Airtight Storage: To maintain its crunch, keep granola in an airtight container at room temperature. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
- Long-Term Storage: If you don’t use the granola within 2 weeks, consider freezing it. Place it in a resealable freezer bag, which will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.
Yogurt
- Greek yogurt should be stored in the fridge in its original tightly sealed container. For the best flavor and texture, use it by the “best by” date. If transferring to another container, ensure it is clean and airtight.
Frequently Asked Questions
While I believe fresh is always best, I know it is not always an option! If you need frozen fruit, thaw it entirely before using it for the best texture. Place it in a bowl and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, drain any excess liquid to prevent the parfait from becoming watery.
These can be made a day in advance without the granola on top. Cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge until ready to serve. Top with granola before serving
Tropical Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Equipment
- 6 dessert cups for serving - 5 ounce dessert cups
Ingredients
- ½ papaya Note 1
- ½ lime juiced
- zest of ½ lime
- 32 ounces Greek honey yogurt
- ½ cup granola toasted coconut granola
- optional honey for extra sweetening
Instructions
- Cut papaya and/or mango into small ¼ inch cubes and place in a bowl
- Squeeze and zest ½ a lime into the fruit bowl and add honey (to your liking) if you prefer more sweet than sour and mix into the fruit.
- At the bottom of the small clear cups fill up to ¼-⅓ with greek honey yogurt.
- Top the first layer of yogurt with the fruit mixture until it reaches a little more than half the cup.
- Top the fruit with more yogurt until it's ¾ full, then top each with granola. (see Note 2 for information about preparing these parfaits in advance.)
Notes
Nutrition
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