If you’re looking for a healthy, refreshing, and easy-to-make breakfast or snack, this Strawberry Chia Pudding is the perfect recipe. It’s creamy, fruity, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients. Made with just a few simple ingredients — chia seeds, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and strawberries — this pudding delivers both flavor and health benefits in one delicious spoonful.
Whether you enjoy it as a make-ahead breakfast, a light dessert, or a mid-day energy booster, this chia pudding is a fantastic way to nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be easily adapted for vegan or keto lifestyles.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chia Pudding
This pudding is the ideal combination of creamy texture and fresh fruit flavor. The chia seeds absorb the almond milk, transforming into a pudding-like consistency while adding fiber, omega-3s, and protein. The strawberry puree gives it a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant pink color. It’s a feel-good treat that tastes indulgent but supports your wellness goals.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are often called a “superfood” for good reason. They’re rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. They’re also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, and magnesium. Combined with vitamin C–rich strawberries, this pudding becomes a nutrient powerhouse.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
½ cup chia seeds
-
1 cup almond milk
-
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
-
¼ cup strawberry puree
-
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Fresh strawberries, sliced
These simple ingredients come together beautifully. The chia seeds provide texture, the almond milk creates creaminess, and the strawberry puree adds both sweetness and color. You can customize the flavor and thickness easily to suit your preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Chia Seeds
In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumping together. This step is important because it helps the seeds absorb the liquid evenly, creating a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
Step 2 – Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight if possible. During this time, the chia seeds will expand and absorb the almond milk, transforming into a thick, creamy pudding texture.
Step 3 – Add Strawberry Puree
Once the chia pudding has set, stir in the strawberry puree until it’s fully incorporated. The puree adds a refreshing fruitiness and a beautiful pink color. If you prefer a chunkier pudding, you can fold in diced strawberries instead of puree.
Step 4 – Top with Fresh Strawberries
Spoon the pudding into serving glasses or jars, then top with sliced fresh strawberries for a burst of freshness and extra texture. You can also add coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of extra honey for garnish.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pudding chilled for the best flavor and texture. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and bursting with natural strawberry flavor — perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a post-workout snack.
Tips for Success
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor and most vibrant color. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference by adding more or less honey or maple syrup. If you like your pudding thicker, use slightly less almond milk; for a thinner pudding, add a bit more.
Flavor Variations
-
Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
-
Vanilla Coconut Version: Replace almond milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut on top.
-
Berry Mix: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a mixed-berry flavor.
-
Low-Sugar Option: Replace honey with a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
How to Store Strawberry Chia Pudding
This pudding stores very well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep. Store in airtight jars or containers for up to 4–5 days. If it thickens too much over time, simply stir in a tablespoon of almond milk before serving.
Make It Vegan or Keto
To make this recipe vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. For a keto-friendly version, use unsweetened almond milk and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
Health Benefits at a Glance
-
High Fiber: Keeps you full and supports digestion.
-
Omega-3 Rich: Promotes heart and brain health.
-
Protein-Packed: Great for muscle recovery.
-
Low-Calorie: Naturally sweet without added sugar.
Perfect Serving Ideas
-
Enjoy it for breakfast topped with granola and nuts.
-
Serve as a healthy dessert with whipped coconut cream.
-
Pack in jars for on-the-go snacks or lunchbox treats.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Whisk the chia mixture well before chilling to avoid clumping. For smoother pudding, blend the entire mixture in a blender before refrigerating. Always chill the pudding long enough — overnight yields the creamiest consistency.
Strawberry Chia Pudding
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Calories: 220 per serving
Ingredients
½ cup chia seeds 1 cup almond milk ¼ cup honey or maple syrup ¼ cup strawberry puree ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Mix chia seeds, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla in a bowl. Refrigerate 2–3 hours or overnight until thick. Stir in strawberry puree. Spoon into bowls, top with sliced fresh strawberries, and serve chilled.
Tips:
Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and adjust sweetness to taste. Try adding cinnamon, salt, or cocoa for a twist.
