This vegan Strawberry Chia Amaranth Parfait is a nutritious make-ahead breakfast. Its easy, quick and a good combination of carbohydrate, fiber and protein. Its a delightful summer dessert that’s made in layers of deliciousness.
These warm spring days brings back my cravings for parfaits. As I am on the lookout for healthy desserts with seasonal fruits strawberries top my list.
Therefore, I have tried strawberry cheesecake brownies , vegan strawberry cake, strawberry shortcake protein smoothie, strawberry chocolate lassi.
However this strawberry parfait is my all time favorite. Its is so nutritious nd high in protein that sometimes I like to snack on it after my workouts.
My family loves to dig into it. I make it frequently. Originally chia pudding was in my mind but I wanted to add a bit more into my recipe. So therefore, I basically converted strawberry chia pudding into a parfait form and including crunchy amaranth at its top.
My other parfait recipe that you may like are:
Vegan Yogurt Breakfast Parfait
Blueberry Semolina Porridge Parfait
Roasted Peaches, Papaya, Quinoa Parfait
However, today I am here to share this awesome strawberry chia amaranth parfait recipe with you all.
Ingredients you will need:
- strawberries
- maple syrup
- almond milk
- chia seeds
- amaranth
- sliced almonds
I have used these easily available ingredients which you may buy from any local grocery store. However, I have provided links to few of them here for your convenience.
If you plan to buy from the affiliate links then I get a small commission which in turn encourages me to bring in more delicious recipes for you all.
Ingredients notes:
- strawberries – high in antioxidants and fiber its a delicious sweet tangy and juicy fruit. Its versatile and very nutritious. its the main ingredient in this parfait recipe.
- maple syrup – you may substitute it with brown sugar as well. However, maple syrup is healthier sweetener comparatively.
- almond milk – any dairy free milk of your choice can be used in this recipe.
- chia seeds – its high in protein and fiber. its a great egg substitute and works well in binding and forming a pudding like texture in this recipe.
- amaranth – its a nutritious ancient grain and has more protein than quinoa even. Its known to be a complete protein and is more chewy and crunchy in nature. It is gluten free in nature as well.
How to make strawberry chia amaranth parfait
Firstly, in a mixing bowl, I tossed in strawberries and maple syrup together.
Secondly, I blended half of that and cooked in almond milk.
Next, I added chia seeds to it and let it thicken.
Thereafter, I let it cool down in the refrigerator.
In the meanwhile, I puffed amaranth grains and kept it aside.
Afterwards, in serving glasses, I added a first layer of the strawberry mix.
Then, I filled half of the glass with chia mixture.
Later, I topped it with puffed amaranth and filled the rest of the glass.
Lastly, I garnished it with more strawberry mix and sliced almonds.
I served it immediately to my family and they simply loved every bit of it.
I usually intend to make extra and save it for the next day for a quick breakfast. But I never have any leftovers because my kids make a meal out of this amaranth parfait.
Once assemble it tastes best when served immediately. If kept for long amaranth my soften and become soggy.
you may make the chia pudding and refrigerate overnight. Puff amaranth and keep in an air tight container at room temperature for about 1 month. When ready, mix fresh strawberries in maple syrup and assemble the entire recipe.
Yes. its a protein rich and fiber rich nutritious recipe. I made with with a combination of chia seeds, fresh strawberries and healthy whole grain. I sweetened it with pure maple syrup therefore, its oil free and sugar free.
Did you make it?
If you get a chance to make this recipe then please leave your feedback in the comments below along with a 5-star rating. In addition you may follow me on Facebook or tag @kiipfit on Instagram with your recipe remake images because we would love to see what you cooked.
Strawberry Chia Amaranth Parfait
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 3/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup puffed amaranth (see notes)
- 1 tbsp. slivered/sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine chopped strawberries with maple syrup and let it soak for a minute.
- In a blender, blend ½ of the strawberry mix ( from step1). Keep aside the rest of the soaked strawberries.
- In a saucepan combine almond milk and blended strawberries and bring to a boil.
- Add chia seeds to the pan and cook for couple of minutes stirring continuously. As soon as the milk starts to thicken cook for another minute and turn off the flame. (Do not overcook). Let it cool in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- In a serving glass place the soaked chopped strawberries (about 1-2 tbsp.). Spoon the cooled chia strawberry mix on the chopped strawberries (depending on the size of the glass). Top it with puffed amaranth generously for the crunchy bites. Finish it with more soaked strawberries and slivered almond.
- Repeat the same process with rest of the servings. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- If in a hurry put the strawberry chia mixture into the freezer for 5 minutes to cool down quickly. Make sure to take it out and stir at intervals.
- To puff amaranth – heat a nonstick pan properly (temperature of the pan is important to get the maximum puffed amaranth or else it will burn without popping). Put 1 tbsp. of dry amaranth grains into the hot pan and the moment it starts to pop cover it. Take it out in a bowl and repeat the same process for the rest of the amaranth grains.
- Amaranth grains can be popped ahead of time and stored in an air tight container at the room temperature to maintain its crunchiness.
- Feel free to add more maple syrup according to taste. For me this sweetness was perfect.
Nutrition
Kalpa Shah says
Hello Gunjan,
Another great and healthy recipe. However I don’t like the idea of heating my fruit because it kills all the nutrients. Can you suggest an alternative please?
Thanks. X
Gunjan says
Well the quantity of cooked strawberries are not significant. It should not affect the nutrient part as much but if you still don’t want to cook strawberries you can just follow all the steps expect for cooking the blended strawberries. Just cook almond milk and chia seeds together and add sweetener to it. While assembling the parfait just increase the quantity of raw strawberries soaked in maple syrup. The parfait may taste slightly different from the original version. Hope this helps.
Bella B (xoxoBella) says
This looks so tasty. I am a big chia fan.
chrystie says
I love parfaits but have never used Amaranth. Thanks for the recipe! Gotta try it out.
Tamara says
Going to give this a try it looks so good, and I know my husband would love it.
Gunjan says
Looking forward for your feedback 🙂
Aarika says
This sounds super delicious and heart healthy. =) Do you think this recipe would work with freekeh? I have some in the pantry, and I would love to use it up. Thanks for sharing this fabulous recipe.
Gunjan says
I have not tried with Freekeh. Go ahead and give it a shot and let me know how it turned out. Might be a nice variation. 🙂
Alison says
I love chia seed pudding so I’ll be trying this one out, I’ve never heard of Amaranth (the UK is always behond on foodie trends!) Pinned for later 🙂
Carly @ FitLiving Eats says
Yum! This looks delicious. I would’ve never thought to add amaranth. Genius!
Gunjan says
Thank you Carley. By adding Amaranth I made it a complete meal. 🙂
Klauss says
Well done! In our area Chia seeds are practically not used in cooking, which is a pity.
Molly says
Yummy!! I love chia pudding, it’s such a versatile snack or breakfast!
Vet Leow says
I love anything with chia seeds and strawberries! So yummy and healthy!
Christine Anne says
This looks so good! I’ve never had chia pudding with amaranth. I’m definitely going to have to try this 🙂
Rachel says
Isn’t strawberry season AWESOME?
Gunjan says
Yes, I love strawberries.
Angie says
Mmm, that looks so delicious! Seriously, it looks so good.
Gunjan says
Thank you Angie.
Chantal says
Chia seeds are so yummy!! I think I will be making this for breakfast tomorrow.
Gunjan says
I include chia seeds in my diet almost every day due its health benefits and versatility. Hope you enjoy this parfait.
Keith @ How's it Lookin? says
Looks delicious. I love chia seeds. Thanks a lot.
Jen | A Sip of Bliss says
So much good stuff in there! And it is so pretty 🙂
-Jen
http://www.asipofbliss.com
Gunjan says
Thank you jen.
Petra says
This looks amazing! I myself been using amaranth, especially puffed amaranth recently but never thought of using it as a topping on a chia seed pudding! Definitely gonna try making this soon! 🙂
Gunjan says
Thank you Petra. Amaranth is one of the healthiest grains and tastes amazing when puffed.
Rhiannon says
What an interesting recipe! I’ve never heard of amaranth before. I guess I’ve been living under a rock. 🙂
Gunjan says
Thank you Rhiannon. Amaranth is an ancient super grain that’s gluten free, high in fiber and a complete protein.