Green Breakfast Chia Pudding is filling and easy to make with only a few ingredients. It's naturally sweetened and perfect for making in advance for quick and nutritious morning meals. And the stunning color will help you start the day on a vibrant note.
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Chia seeds
You may be wondering what are chia seeds.
Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family.
eatright.org Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
They first piqued my interest when I read the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall in 2011.
Mexico's Tarahumara people eat the seeds as one of the staples of their diet and are able to run ultra-long distances.
Now the little black seeds are a staple in many kitchens.
Besides using them to make chia pudding, I often like to add them to other breakfasts such as a Banana Berry Fresh Smoothie and Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats.
These are all delicious ways to start your day right while following a vegan Mediterranean diet.
According to 11 Proven Health Benefits of Chia Seeds, they contain protein, fiber, calcium, anti-oxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition, one of the amazing properties of chia seeds is that they absorb up to 14 times their weight in water and form a gel that is perfect for making pudding.
You can also grind the seeds and mix into water to make an egg-substitute for baking and recipes like black bean burgers.
Since they have very little flavor, all you taste are the other ingredients in your recipe.
You can purchase chia seeds at many grocery stores in bags or from bulk bins. Or you can order them online from Amazon.
And in case you were wondering, they are the same seeds used in the novelty Chia Pets!
How to make breakfast chia pudding
Green chia pudding ingredients
- Medjool date (for sweetness)
- Non-dairy milk of your choice (for the base of the liquid)
- Fresh spinach (for the verdant green color and additional nutrition)
- Chia seeds
- Additional fruit for topping (optional)
Chia pudding ratio
My rule of thumb for making breakfast chia pudding is to use 3 tablespoons seeds for every cup of liquid.
Green milk
Making chia seed pudding is simple.
Basically all you need to do is add the seeds to the liquid, stir well, and let it chill in the refrigerator.
It's really that easy!
For this recipe, I first make "green milk" with spinach, dates, and non-dairy milk.
While I prefer using organic unsweetened soy, you can also use almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or any plant milk of your choice.
And if you don't care for the texture of chia seeds, you can add them to the liquid in your blender and process the mixture to make it smooth.
Making the pudding
After blending the liquid mixture, add it to a mixing bowl containing the chia seeds.
Stir well, and continue stirring every few minutes for about 15 minutes.
You'll need to let it set up for at least an hour before eating it. I suggest making it at night to enjoy the next morning for breakfast.
To recap, these are the simple directions for making this green breakfast chia pudding:
- In a high speed blender, blend the date, milk, and spinach until very smooth.
- In a medium bowl, add the liquid to the chia seeds.
- Stir well, and continue stirring every few minutes for about 15 minutes.
- Place in the refrigerator at least one hour, or overnight.
- Just before serving, stir again, then top with fruit.
This recipe also makes a great snack or wholesome dessert.
You can make a few ahead of time to eat during the week.
They will last about five days covered in the refrigerator.
Then just before serving, you can top the pudding with whatever fruit you like.
I love this green chia pudding with mango, banana, and kiwi.
FAQ
If you have any other questions regarding this recipe, feel free to leave a comment, and I will get back to you.
Why is my chia pudding runny?
If the chia pudding isn't stirred before refrigerating, you'll send up with mostly runny liquid with a clump of chia seeds stuck together at the bottom.
Be sure to stir the mixture every few minutes for at least 15 minutes before you place it in the refrigerator.
And it's also important to let the pudding set up for at least an hour before eating.
For best results, refrigerate your breakfast chia pudding overnight.
Can other sweeteners be used instead of Medjool dates?
If you can't find Medjool dates, other varieties of dates such as Deglet Noor can be used.
Or you can use liquid sweeteners such as pure maple syrup, agave, or brown rice syrup. Add a little at a time since a little goes a long way.
What types of non-dairy milks can be used to make this recipe?
You can use any of your favorite non-dairy milk varieties such as soy, almond, coconut, cashew, or oat.
Choose unsweetened, if possible.
And if you use coconut, make sure it's the beverage that comes in a carton rather than the type for cooking that comes in a can.
More chia pudding recipes
If you enjoy this green breakfast chia pudding, I recommend trying some of these other delicious flavors:
Breakfast Chia Pudding Recipe
If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add an extra date.
And if you don't like the texture of the chia seeds, you can blend them with the non-dairy milk mixture instead of stirring them in.
Chia pudding will last up to 5 days refrigerated. You can make a big batch on Sunday to enjoy for breakfasts all week.
This recipe makes 1 serving but can be changed to a larger quantity by adjusting the servings below.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★
Breakfast Chia Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Medjool date, pit removed
- 1 cup non-dairy milk, organic soy, almond, or coconut
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 3 Tbsp chia seeds
- Fruit for topping (optional), banana, kiwi, mango, berries, etc.
Instructions
- In a high speed blender, blend the date, milk, and spinach until very smooth.
- In a medium bowl, add the liquid to the chia seeds.
- Stir well, and continue stirring every few minutes for about 15 minutes.
- Place in the refrigerator at least one hour, or overnight.
- Just before serving, stir again, then top with fruit.
Jackie Blair-Tatum
Hi Amy! I see it this recipe makes 1 serving, but could you please tell me how many cups are in 1 serving? I would like to try this recipe out but need this information to break it down into 1/2 cup servings for special dietary needs. Thank you!
Jackie
Liza Ross
Hi Jackie! I haven't measured it, but I think it will make a little over a cup.
Moira
My granddaughter loved this ! Great way to get the greens into children . I have found that if I leave out the chia and throwing fruit , blueberries and strawberries, its a great smoothie . With chia fruit pudding ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Liza Ross
That's fabulous, Moira!
Maddie
Is the fruit for topping added in to the calories/carbs in the nutrition facts?
Amy
No, the fruit topping is not included.
Michelle
I made this with a can of Trader Joe's organic coconut milk and it turned into a fatty/gritty substance before adding the chia seeds, rather than the smooth/watery liquid seen in the pictures. Thoughts on what went wrong? I've made chia pudding multiple times with water/almond milk.
Amy
Hi Michelle, you can use the coconut beverage that comes in a carton, but it doesn't work with canned coconut milk.
AnnMarie Grutta
What makes the carb/sugar content in this recipe so high? Does one date have that many carbs? Thanks!
Amy
Yes, dates are naturally very high in sugar.
Berenice
I can't find the medjool dates in my grocery store. What else can I use for substitute? Thanks
Amy
Hi Berenice, did you check the produce section of your supermarket? You can also find Medjool dates on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gqeiM5 Or for a substitute you can use a liquid sweetener like agave or maple syrup. You'll have to experiment to see how much to use. I hope this helps!
freda kinsey
You can also use prunes.
freda kinsey
Ive also heard about Yacon syrup lately. Ive not used it though. Its very expensive.
Debbie Voss
Hello Amy,
My question for you today is if I do not use the medjool date and use xylitol would that drop the carb count down? This is very high in carbs and if I did not use the date I think it would lower it down would it not? I am a pre diabetic and this looks good but has way to many carbs.
Amy
Hi Debbie! Yes, you can leave out the date and use xylitol as the sweetener. I hope you enjoy it!