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Chia seed pudding made with Greek yogurt is a healthy, high-protein breakfast or dessert that comes to life overnight in the refrigerator.
It's delicious topped with fresh berries, nuts, or chocolate! Or, as any good pudding can be, it can be savored without any toppings at all.
Just like whipped cottage cheese dessert cups, overnight chia pudding checks off all the boxes. It's low-carb, keto-friendly, and absolutely delicious!
You'll need to plan ahead, as you do for overnight oatmeal, but it's worth the wait!
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Ingredient Notes
Here's what you'll need to make this yogurt chia seed pudding recipe:
- Milk - Any type, including whole or skim milk. Unsweetened almond, soy, rice, or coconut milk may also be used. You may not need to add a sweetener if you use a sweetened milk alternative.
- Yogurt - Any unsweetened Greek or regular yogurt. Non-dairy alternatives will also work. If you happen to use sweetened yogurt, you won't need added sweetener.
- Chia seeds are readily available at the grocery store, pre-packaged, or in the bulk section.
- Vanilla extract gives the pudding its signature flavor. If you have other extracts on hand, experiment. Almond extract is delicious, too!
- Sweetener - We used a stevia blend. We always suggest using what you have on hand and enjoy. We've made this with honey, maple syrup, sugar, and many sugar alternatives. Sweetener is stirred in at the beginning and at the end of the recipe, if necessary. So, go light with the initial amount.
Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are the seeds of the chia plant Salvia hispanica. The plant is an herb, and the seeds have many health benefits, according to Wellness Mama, including lots of protein and fiber.
Remember chia pets, the little plants you can grow from seed and shape with scissors? Same thing!
When mixed with liquid, chia seeds absorb the liquid, expand, and become gelatinous—it's like magic!
Directions
To make overnight chia seed pudding with Greek yogurt, stir the ingredients in a bowl or mason jars. Cover and refrigerate until thickened. It's simple!
Top Tip
After 15-30 minutes, stir the mixture again to distribute the chia seeds which drop to the bottom in a big clump!
Since chia seed pudding has lots of liquid, it's best to make it up the night before for the creamiest result. However, you can get away with several hours in the refrigerator in a pinch. It's a part of my weekly meal prep!
Best Ratio of Chia Seeds to Liquid
The standard ratio to make chia seed pudding is 3 tablespoons chia seeds to 1 cup liquid. However, the ratio changes if you add other ingredients.
We used 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in this recipe since Greek yogurt thickens the texture. Another tablespoon can be added for a thicker consistency.
Storage
Store chia seed pudding in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving.
Ultimate List of Toppings
The options for topping chia seed pudding are endless. But remember, every ingredient changes the nutritional information, including carb count! These are my favorite toppings:
- Nuts - almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Toast the nuts for a more intense flavor.
- Berries - raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, with raspberries being the lowest carb option.
- Seeds - sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Blueberry compote in the summer
- Low-sugar cranberry sauce or apple butter in the fall
- Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs - Use a stevia-sweetened brand to keep it low-carb.
- Coconut flakes
- Almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter
More High-Protein Breakfast Ideas
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Chia Seed Pudding with Yogurt
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk or other type of milk including skim, almond, soy, rice or coconut milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt plain, whole or non-dairy alternative
- 1 tablespoon no-carb sweetener to equal 1 Tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds Add another tablespoon for a thick consistency
- Optional toppings berries, nuts, chocolate chips
- Additional sweetener to taste at serving time
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients, except for the toppings, in a bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. The chia seeds will begin to gel.
- Uncover and stir to evenly distribute the chia seeds throughout the pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for about 8 hours.
- Divide between 2 serving dishes and top as desired
Notes
- Nuts - almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Toast the nuts for a more intense flavor.
- Berries - raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, with raspberries
- Seeds - sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Blueberry compote
- Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
- Coconut flakes
- Almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published 5/22/2014. It was updated to improve the reader experience.
Pam says
Yummy great for losing pounds
Annie says
Very easy recipe! Used almond milk and topped with mini chocolate chips. Everyone loved it.
Sylvie says
One of my favorite breakfasts/healthy snack!