Presenting healthy food in a fun or familiar way makes it more likely children will eat it. Here’s a healthy twist on a fun, kid-friendly favorite that provides lots of options for adding to a child’s recommended daily fruit and dairy intake. Healthy Lifestyles Center dietitian Sonya Islamrecommends this protein-packed twist on a banana split as breakfast treat, meal or light dessert. Happy (healthy!) eating.

What makes this version so much better for you than an ordinary banana split?

Greek yogurt is firm enough to stay rounded in scoops for the classic look of a banana split, but using it instead of ice cream adds more protein and calcium while dialing back calories! Also, instead of sugary sprinkles, toasted nuts bring crunch, flavor and nutrition to the dish.

How to make a Fun & Fruity Banana Split

1 small banana, peeled and split in half lengthwise
1 5-6 ounce container light flavored Greek yogurt (or plain low-fat Greek yogurt)
2 Tbsp crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits (packed in juice)
2 Tbsp fresh blueberries
1 tsp sliced or slivered almonds, toasted and cooled
1 fresh cherry, whole or 1 strawberry, sliced

Place banana with cut sides up in a dish. Add scoops of yogurt down the center of the banana. Sprinkle the yogurt with pineapple, blueberries and almonds. Finish the dish with a cherry (or strawberry) on top.

No bananas? Don’t like ‘em? No problem!

You can add color and fiber to the dish with other fruits. Other great options to use for the base or as toppings include pears, grapes, peaches, mangoes, raspberries, blackberries and kiwi fruit. Use what’s available, in season and what your child likes!

Nutrition Facts

The input is based on the following:
1 small banana
5.3 ounces light flavored Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp crushed pineapple
2 Tbsp fresh blueberries
1 tsp sliced almonds
1 fresh cherry

Calories: 214
Fat: 1.5 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrate: 41 grams
Protein: 14 grams
Calcium: 15% recommended daily value 

Notice a change in your labels? Check out Sonya’s blog about the FDA’s new requirements for the Nutrition Facts panel and how these changes can help you make healthy choices for your family.