Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding

Creamy chia seed pudding paired with tart lemons and a sweet blueberry compote is the perfect summer breakfast. Refreshing and delicious, this healthy breakfast is dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and keeps you fueled for a busy day ahead!

We're coming into blueberry season around these parts and this Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding is one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to use them!

If you've ever been to Maine, you know we LOVE blueberries. They're kind of a big deal around here.

And we put them in everything: whoopie pies, BBQ Sauces, ice cream...EVERYTHING.

Since we're in the dog days of summer right now, I'm not particularly inspired to bake up a blueberry pie or some cobbler right now, but I still want my saucy, sweet blueberry filling!

The solution?

A refreshing Lemon Chia Seed Pudding smothered in a Blueberry Compote.

Bingo.

The compote is a lot like the filling you'd get in a blueberry pie--it's thick and sweet and juicy. But instead of cranking up the oven and making a pie crust, I spoon it over a tangy, sweet, (no-cook) lemon chia seed pudding.

The result? Summer in a glass.

And what's even better, is this whole recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, so you can feel good about eating a ton of it. Not to mention chia seeds alone are a nutritional powerhouse.

So head off to the lake today and bring along a batch of this pudding. You'll thank yourself later.

Oh and make extra blueberry compote, you'll eat half of it on the drive to the beach.

Jump to:

• So what is chia seed pudding?
• How do chia seeds work?
• Are chia seeds healthy?
• What Milk Can I use for my Blueberry Lemon chia pudding?
• How to make Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding
• Toppings and Variations
• Other Recipes You Might Like
• 📖 Recipe

So what is chia seed pudding?

Well in a nutshell, it's chia seeds mixed with the liquid of your choosing and left to soak for a couple hours--or overnight.

While soaking, the chia seeds swell and thicken up or "gel" the liquid around them, creating a pudding like consistency.

I would compare to the texture to tapioca pudding! But with smaller seeds.

How do chia seeds work?

Chia seeds are one of the coolest little ingredients that I have in my pantry. The fact being that they "gel" when added to liquids. Therefore turning whatever they sit in into pudding!

Now if only all our foods could magically turn into a pudding.

Hmmm....that might be weird actually.

But how do they do it?

Well, their outer shell has the ability to absorb a ton of water! Like 10x their weight in water.

And since they're packed with so much fiber, absorbing all that water causes their soluble fiber to turn into a gel like substance once they are soaked.

As a result, the seeds thicken the liquid around them into a pudding like consistency.

I found all this info from Bon Appetit and from wellnessmama.com. These guys have a lot of good info and some tasty looking recipes too!

Are chia seeds healthy?

YES! Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse! Not only can you add chia seeds to just about anything--from smoothies to baked goods--but these guys pack a lot of good stuff in their tiny little bodies.

Here are some of the biggest benefits chia will give you:

• They are a rich source of antioxidants. Like a super, duper amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are good for things like hair, skin, and generally protecting your cells from the harsh effects of free radicals.
• They are packed with fiber. Most of the carbs in chia seeds are fiber, which helps you to feel fuller longer and erhmm...keep you regular.
• These guys are packed with protein. Along with the fiber (which helps you feel fuller longer), chia seeds help to lower appetite and keep you from grabbing a not so great snack before lunchtime. Also, the high protein in chia makes this a great option for vegetarians and vegans!
• Chia seeds are full of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3's are great for heart health, and improving things like your mood and sleep! I love all those things!
• Chia seeds love your bones. In addition to all the other nutrients in these tiny little seeds, chia is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. So if you don't eat dairy, this is a great way to get in some calcium!

There's not a whole lot chia can't do, but if you want to read more about the health benefits of chia, you can read them here at delish.com and healthline.com!

What Milk Can I use for my Blueberry Lemon chia pudding?

The sky is the limit for chia pudding! You can really use any liquid to fit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

I use oat milk lately--just because I like how thick and creamy it is.

My oat milk happens to be gluten free and vegan, but if you're sensitive to gluten, be aware that not all brands are gluten free.

If you're worried about gluten cross contamination--or just don't like oat milk, you can use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk (from the can or carton)*, soy milk, or cow's milk**!

*If you use coconut milk from the can, maybe use the light version and reduce the chia from 5 tablespoons to 4 tablespoons. The full-fat stuff stiffens up super thick.

**If you make this recipe with cow's milk DO NOT ADD THE LEMON JUICE. You'll curdle the milk. Yuck.

Instead, use a few drops of lemon extract or just add more zest. OR top with lemon yogurt, for extra lemony zing.

How to make Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding

Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened oat or almond milk (or any dairy free milk you'd like)
• 5 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons of Maine maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½-2 teaspoons of lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Blueberry Compote (recipe below)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup.

Whisk with a fork until well mixed.

Divide the mixture between two 8oz mason jars or glasses. Let sit at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set.

When ready to eat, top chia pudding with Blueberry Compote and toasted walnuts.

How To Make the Blueberry Compote:

• 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• A dash of salt

Cook the berries in a small saucepan with the lemon juice over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

Heat and stir the fruit for 1 minute, lightly mashing the berries until slightly thickened. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Stir in maple syrup and salt and remove from heat.

Let cool before serving or store in the fridge until ready to use.

Toppings and Variations

This is another great thing about chia seed pudding, it allows for so much creativity when it comes to toppings! Here are a few fun options:

• Fresh fruit--bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
• Toasted almonds, walnuts, or any nut you'd like!
• Coconut--sweetened or not is up to you
• White chocolate chips
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
• Crunchy, sweet Granola
• Yogurt--any flavor you'd like!

Other Recipes You Might Like

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Cauliflower Crust Breakfast Pizzas

Homemade Chunky Granola