Creamy Berry Parfait with Quinoa

Parfaits can be delicious. They’re also pretty overdone so are often also just “meh.” We like this one because it switches things up a bit by using quinoa instead of the usual granola and acai berry puree, which is pretty unusual. (You could also call it a layered acai bowl, come to think of it.) By using Greek yogurt, we maximize protein for all-day energy.    

Ingredients

1/3 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup fresh or frozen and thawed blueberries
1/4 cup frozen pure unsweetened acai berry puree (such as Sambazon), thawed
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Mix quinoa, yogurt, honey (if using), vanilla extract, and cinnamon in small bowl.
2. Fold blueberries gently into acai pulp in another small bowl, stirring to coat.
3. Spoon 1/3 of quinoa mixture into glass, then 1⁄3 of blueberry mixture and 1⁄3 of walnuts.
4. Repeat layers twice, ending with walnuts on top.

WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE Move over eggs. This tasty parfait is filled with protein thanks to supergrain quinoa and yogurt, which also contains beneficial probiotics for gut health. Walnuts provide heart-healthy fats; acai and blueberries provide antioxidants. It’s a dish that will satisfy your morning hunger and set you up for a full day of good food choices.