Vanilla Blueberry Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding

This easy vanilla blueberry chia seed breakfast pudding is a healthy and delicious way to start your morning.  Loaded with tons of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this pudding will keep you satisfied all morning long.

Short glass full of vanilla blueberry chia seed breakfast pudding, garnished with fresh blueberries.

I never embraced the chia seed bandwagon a few years ago when it was all the rage.  I’m not a fan of gelatinous orbs floating in another substance.  Don’t care for tapioca…or bubble tea.  I mean, what exactly is bubble tea anyway?

However, I was served a chia seed pudding after a spa facial and it was delicious!  The pudding was thick and creamy, but the seeds gave it an interesting texture – kind of like caviar, in that the seeds ‘popped’ in your mouth.  I was a fan!

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds come from a desert plant, Salvia Hispanica, a member of the mint family.

The seed is believed to have originated in Central America where it was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet. 

The name ‘chia’ translates to ‘strength’. Thus the Aztecs and Mayan cultures used the tiny seed as an energy booster.  They also used it medicinally for ailments such as joint pain, eye pain, colds, and flu.

Chia seeds were so important in the cultures that it was used as a form of payment and offered to their Gods during religious ceremonies.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

What Do Chia Seeds Taste Like?

These tiny black or white seeds have a very mild, earthy, nutty flavor that works in both savory and sweet recipes.

Chia seeds are crunchy and dense when raw, but when soaked, they become soft, tender, and gelatinous.

Short glass full of vanilla blueberry chia seed breakfast pudding, garnished with fresh blueberries.

Ingredients Needed For This Recipe

  • Almond milk – any plant, nut, or cow’s milk will work very well
  • Chia seeds – white or black – even a mixture of both.  Use whatever you have on hand or can find at your grocery store.
  • Honey – You can also use maple syrup, agave syrup, stevia, coconut sugar, or granulated sugar.
  • Vanilla and cinnamon for flavor
  • Sea salt – this brings out the sweetness of the other flavors.  The pudding will taste very flat without it.
  • Ripe banana and fresh blueberries

How Do I Make This?

  • In a jar, shake together the milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Screw on the lid and give it a shake.
  • Chop up half of the blueberries and add them to the jar, then toss in the chopped banana.
  • Give it another shake, cover, and refrigerate overnight or until thickened.
  • When ready to eat, drizzle more honey over the top and garnish with the remaining blueberries.

Short glass full of vanilla blueberry chia seed breakfast pudding, garnished with fresh blueberries.

Tips And Variations

  • If the pudding isn’t thick enough, stir in an additional 1 tablespoon of seeds and chill for another 30 minutes.
  • Stir the pudding at least once while chilling to ensure that there aren’t lumps.
  • Vary the flavors by adding different spices – like apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or citrus zest.  You can also add any chopped fruit that you enjoy – apples, peaches, pears, raisins, or dates.
  • Extracts add a ton of flavor.  Instead of vanilla, try rum, almond, orange, lemon, or key lime extracts.  
  • Stir in apple sauce, canned pumpkin, or cocoa powder.
  • The pudding will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes:

Print

Vanilla Blueberry Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding

This easy vanilla blueberry chia seed breakfast pudding is a healthy and delicious way to start your morning.  Loaded with tons of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this pudding will keep you satisfied all morning long.

  • Author: Millie Brinkley
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stir
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups almond milk

8 tablespoons chia seeds

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon sea salt

1 large banana, chopped

1 cup blueberries, divided

Instructions

In a large mason jar, combine the almond milk, chia seeds, honey, cinnamon, and salt.  Cover and shake to combine.

Roughly chop ½ cup of blueberries and stir into the pudding, along with the chopped banana.

Cover the jar and chill the pudding overnight.  Shake the jar at least once during the chilling process to loosen any clumps of seeds.

When ready to serve, top with a drizzle of honey and the remaining ½ cup of blueberries.

Keywords: vanilla blueberry chia seed breakfast pudding, healthy breakfast recipes, easy breakfast recipes, healthy food, chia seeds, breakfast pudding, vegan recipes,