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The BEST Strawberry Chia Pudding

The BEST Strawberry Chia Pudding combines creamy chia seeds, fresh strawberries, and homemade strawberry compote.
Ready with simple ingredients and perfect for meal prep.
Enjoy it as a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Chia Seeds

  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¾ cup warm water

For the Strawberry Compote

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or more to taste

For the Strawberry Chia Pudding Base

  • ½ cup non-dairy yogurt or non-dairy cream
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla powder
  • ¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries

Optional Toppings

  • Hemp seeds
  • Almond slivers
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Dried fruit
  • Coconut flakes
  • Granola
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions
 

  • Warm the water until hot but not boiling.
  • Stir in the chia seeds and mix thoroughly. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until they begin to absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency.
  • While the chia seeds hydrate, prepare the strawberry compote. Add the strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon zest to a saucepan over medium heat.
  • As the strawberries soften, gently mash some with the back of a spoon to release their juices. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick and jam-like. Leave it chunky for texture or cook longer for a smoother consistency.
  • Remove the compote from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, combine the hydrated chia seeds with the dairy-free yogurt, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped fresh strawberries. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  • Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness if needed. If it's thicker than you prefer, stir in a splash of non-dairy milk or water.
  • Assemble the pudding by layering a spoonful of strawberry compote into the bottom of serving jars or glasses.
  • Add a generous layer of chia pudding, followed by another layer of compote. Repeat until the jars are full.
  • Finish with your favorite toppings such as hemp seeds, chopped nuts, granola, or fresh strawberries.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture

Notes

This pudding stores beautifully, making it ideal for weekly meal prep. Feel free to substitute raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or peaches for the strawberries when they're in season. Coconut yogurt creates an extra-rich pudding, while almond or oat yogurt offers a lighter texture.