Hey friend! This little beauty is my new favorite chia pudding recipe – made with only 5 ingredients! It’s the PERFECT summertime, post-pool snack for yourself or girlfriends coming over. It’s cool, coconut and blueberry-maple sweetness will keep you full for hours. π
I wasn’t always on-board with the chia pudding trend. There was just something strange about the semi-crunchiness of the seeds mixed with gelatinous texture that I couldn’t quite get down with in the beginning. However, with enough flavor & time in the fridge, the texture is smoother and allows me to focus on how delicious it is. I’ve tried many variations of chia seed pudding, but this recipe is a winner not only for it’s flavor, but amazing health benefits as well!
What’s the big deal with Chia Pudding?
So, let’s talk about why chia seed pudding (or chia pudding, as I’m calling it here) is so trendy right now. Chia seeds are a great (& gluten free/GF!) way to get a boatload of nutrients like fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. They help do things like regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and keep you filling fuller longer (snack attack queen right here needing all the help she can get).
When creating this recipe, I knew I wanted to put ingredients into a chia pudding that would not only be sweet & satisfying to taste, but also help with our anti-inflammatory needs during these hot summer months. I can use all the help I can get amongst the heat & allergens of the South. Even though our heaviest allergy season is technically considered over, my allergies have actually been worse than ever. The idea of incorporating turmeric more into our western diet thrills me because I actually love the bright yellow color it gives dishes, it’s golden flavor, and of course, it’s amazing anti-inflammatory benefits.
This chia pudding recipe is not only excellent for you because of the anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric powder but also because of the yummy blueberries containing potassium, folate, and vitamin C.
Now, you may be thinking “but isn’t turmeric is a savory flavor?” and indeed, friend, it is. However, when mixed with vanilla coconut milk beverage and maple syrup, it really isn’t very distinctive amongst the other flavors, especially the blueberries.
I love this recipe because:
- It’s a ridiculously easy vegan + gluten-free snack
- Keeps me full for at least 2-3 hours
- It is a cheery, colorful crow-pleaser to serve guests
- Anti-inflammatory properties keep me feeling my best
- Sweet, coconut-y goodness that screams summertime
The Recipe
Ready to make it? Here’s how I do it-
An important note about the “coconut milk beverage” I used-
I did not use the type of coconut milk out of a can (thick in consistency – often used in curry dishes or as vegan whipped cream replacement). I used a SO delicious brand of “coconut milk beverage” in this recipe and photo above. However, you could substitute almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk, or any other type of dairy-alternative milk beverage you like for the recipe. I chose the coconut milk variation because I wanted the coconut-y flavor the milk gave this recipe. Bottom line: I wouldn’t recommend buying the canned coconut milk for this recipe. Whew, OK, glad we cleared that up.
Before making:
First, you’ll want to prep this the day before you intended on eating or serving this tasty treat. It needs at least 6 hours to set in the fridge. π
Collect 2 separate mason jars, glasses, or bowls.
In 1 jar, muddle 1 cup (or half a small carton) of blueberries* (see, you CAN use your muddler for something other than cocktails! It was a solid investment). Then, add 1 cup of organic unsweetened coconut milk, 1/4 cup chia seeds, and 1/2 tbsp of maple syrup. Stir all ingredients together about 10-15 seconds until well-combined.**
In another jar or bowl, mix 1/2 tsp. turmeric, 1 cup. coconut milk, 1/4 cup chia seeds, and the other 1/2 tbsp of maple syrup. You’ll probably want to use a fork to whisk all these ingredients together so that the turmeric doesn’t clump.
Place both jars/bowls in the fridge and let them set overnight (or at least 6 hours). I also like to wash and freeze a handful of blueberries to top the final pudding (so refreshing!).
They should have a fantastic color of blue/purple and yellow in each when you take them out of the fridge. (Although I have a secret for making the blueberry layer even more purple, which I tell at the bottom, if interested. π )
Take a new, clean jar or some type of clear vessel and layer portions of each the blueberry and turmeric chia pudding, so you get a pretty little work of art like the below. Then, I top with a pinch of sea salt (brings out the sweetness), a handful of frozen (or not) blueberries, and a final small drizzle of maple syrup before serving or diving in. You could also throw on some raw coconut shreds, walnuts, or any other type of berry you’d like to invite to the party!
That’s it! 5 ingredients and only minutes of night-before prep to enjoy this delicious treat.
Do you all enjoy chia pudding? Have you made any before? If so, let me know what flavor combos you like below, so I can switch it up and try another variation!
Here’s to pretty summertime treats that keep you healthy & happy… Cheers!
- 2 c. organic unsweetened vanilla coconut milk beverage, separated
- 1/2 c. chia seeds, separated
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup, separated
- 1 c. blueberries
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric
- Muddle blueberries, then add coconut milk, chia seeds, & maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
- In another jar, measure the other 1 c. coconut milk, chia seeds, turmeric, & maple syrup. Whisk with a fork to combine and ensure no turmeric lumps.
- Set jars in the fridge and leave overnight or at least 6 hours.
- Take out the 2 jars and a new, clean jar.
- Alternate layers of blueberry and turmeric chia pudding to fill the new jar to the top.
- Serve immediately or keep in fridge for 1-2 days.
- Optional - add a sprinkle of sea salt, an extra drizzle of maple syrup, and frozen berries.
- I freeze a handful of washed blueberries to top the pudding when ready to serve.
- For added pop of purple to the blueberry layer, measure 1 tsp. of beet juice and mix well with other ingredients.
- I use a coconut milk beverage NOT the canned coconut milk. You could sub almond, rice, or hemp milk.
*If you don’t like the idea of muddled chunks of blueberry in your chia pudding, you can always add all the same blueberry layer ingredients (minus the chia seeds) to a mixer, mix well for 10-15 seconds, add the chia seeds and pop into the fridge.
** I had help with my extra pop of purple in my blueberry layer by adding 1 tsp. of beet juice to the layer. π Beets + beet juice make a beautiful color.
Lisa says
I’m trying this tomorrow! Can’t wait!
Mallory says
Woo hoo! Go for it Lisa, hope you love it!
Beth Davidson says
I’d like to try this for the iron, but I’m kind of weird about textures so I haven’t jumped on the chia bandwagon yet. You said you didn’t like it at first either – if you let it sit in the fridge a couple of nights does the flavor improve more, or does it not make a difference at that point?
Mallory says
Unfortunately just letting it sit in the fridge longer doesn’t take the slightly-crunchy-yet-still-gooey texture. However, you can put all the ingredients of each layer in a blender and blend to get rid of the “seediness”. It will still set and be nice and pudding like, minus the seed crunch. Oh, and yes – tons of iron in this recipe, Beth!
Vivian says
This looks SO good and so healthy!
Vivian | LIVE . IN . LOVE
IG | @VIVIYUNN_
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Mallory says
Thanks so much Vivian!
aareeba says
woahh I would love to have this one day. I love chia . So thanks for the recipe
Mallory says
Thanks so much I hope you get to try it!
Ben Myhre says
What a colorful dish and it looks tasty. Can’t wait to try it.
Mallory says
Thanks so much Ben!
hanna says
Very interesting combo! I never ever would have thought to put turmeric and blueberry together!
Mallory says
A pretty crazy cool flavor experience, I have to say! I hope you can give it a try sometime. Thanks so much for the comment! π
Twinkle Sharma says
WOww!! I would love to try this recipe someday. It looks so amazing.
Mallory says
I hope you get to give it a try! Thanks so much!