Just because you’re eating well, doesn’t mean you have to suffer in terms of taste or convenience. Chia pudding is one of the easiest things to make ahead, for healthy meals and snacks on the go. Traditional egg, starch, and dairy based puddings are both laborious to make and calorically dense (ie lose, lose). Chia seeds, on the other hand, are Mother Nature’s instant pudding; just add liquid, and they swell to create a guilt-free creamy texture with no cooking involved. The health benefits are many: high fiber, good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and low glycemic index.
Rather than think of this as a recipe, I’d encourage you to think of chia pudding as a “choose your own adventure” and customize according to your palate and pantry. The formula is simple: 2 to 4 tablespoons chia seeds to 1 cup liquid, depending on desired thickness. You can add sweeteners (honey, jam), additional superfoods (cacao or matcha powders), toppings (coconut flakes, fruit, nuts), spices (cinnamon, cardamom) and flavorings (vanilla extract or even rose water). Feel free to be creative, or follow the recipe below.
Tropical Chia Pudding Recipe
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 banana, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sliced toasted almonds
- optional pineapple Tiki garnish, completely unnecessary, but what a way to make breakfast feel like a vacation.
- Using a whisk, thoroughly mix chia seeds with liquids (coconut milk and pineapple juice). Cover and refrigerate until thickened, approximately 4 hours or over night.
- Top or layer with fruit and nuts and enjoy.
*Pudding can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge. I highly recommend making individual mason jars for pack and take breakfasts or snacks.
Suggested Variations:
- Matcha Pudding: substitute oat milk for liquids and add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate Orange Pudding: Substitute orange juice for pineapple juice, add 1 tablespoon cacao powder, and garnish with cacao nibs instead of fruit and nuts
- Very Berry Pudding: substitute almond milk and pomegranate juice for liquids, add 1 tablespoon of jam of choice, garnish with berries instead of kiwi and pineapple
