Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding Recipe – Easy Breakfast Idea

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding Recipe – Easy Breakfast Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and rushing out the door, a healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside. But I’ve found the perfect solution – this Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding! It’s quick to prep (mostly overnight!), incredibly delicious, and packed with goodness to keep you going. I first made this when I was trying to find a quick, healthy breakfast for my niece, and it’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a lifesaver! It’s super easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is naturally sweet and satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Seriously, who can resist a creamy, fruity pudding? It’s perfect for busy weekdays, a light dessert, or even a post-workout snack.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pudding:

• 15 strawberries
• 2 small bananas
• 1.5 cup yogurt
• 2 cup water
• 3 tablespoon chia seeds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right ones makes all the difference.

Strawberries: Choosing the Best Berries

Look for bright red, plump strawberries that smell sweet. Avoid any that look bruised or moldy. About 15 medium strawberries work perfectly, but feel free to adjust to your liking! (Around 200g if you prefer metric).

Bananas: Ripeness and Variety

The riper the banana, the sweeter your pudding will be! I prefer using bananas with a few brown spots. Any variety works – Cavendish, plantain, or even smaller varieties like baby bananas are great.

Yogurt: Types and Health Benefits

I usually use plain yogurt for this recipe, as it lets the fruit flavours shine. Greek yogurt will give you a thicker, tangier pudding, while regular yogurt will be a bit lighter. You can even experiment with different flavours, but keep the sugar content in mind! (About 360ml).

Chia Seeds: Nutritional Powerhouse & Soaking

Chia seeds are tiny but mighty! They’re packed with fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Soaking them is essential – it softens them and creates that lovely pudding-like texture. Don’t skip this step!

Water: Importance of Temperature

Warm water helps the chia seeds bloom faster. It doesn’t need to be boiling, just comfortably warm to the touch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking (well, prepping!). It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this before.

1. First, pour 1 cup of warm water into a jar or container and add the 3 tablespoons of chia seeds. Give it a good stir to make sure all the seeds are submerged.
2. Now, pop it in the fridge overnight (or for at least 4-6 hours). This is where the magic happens!
3. The next day, you’ll notice the chia seeds have absorbed the water and formed a gel-like consistency.
4. Add the 15 strawberries, 2 small bananas, and 1.5 cups of yogurt to a blender. Pour in the remaining 1 cup of water.
5. Blend everything until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in the soaked chia seeds.
7. Divide the pudding into two servings and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

• Blending is key: A good blender will ensure a super smooth pudding. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you might want to blend in batches.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker pudding, use less water. For a thinner pudding, add a little more.
• Taste as you go: Feel free to add a touch of honey or maple syrup if you like your pudding extra sweet.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding

Simply swap the yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by coconut yogurt in this recipe.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the label on your yogurt to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

If you’re watching your sugar intake, reduce the amount of banana or skip adding any extra sweetener.

Spice Level Variations (Optional – e.g., a dash of cinnamon)

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a lovely warmth to the pudding. I sometimes add a tiny dash of cardamom for a more exotic flavour.

Festival Adaptations (e.g., a healthy Holi breakfast option)

During Holi, I like to add a sprinkle of pistachios and a tiny bit of rose water for a festive twist! It’s a refreshing and healthy way to start the day of colours.

Serving Suggestions

This pudding is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with toppings! Try adding:

• A sprinkle of granola
• Fresh berries
• A drizzle of honey
• Chopped nuts
• Coconut flakes

Storage Instructions

Leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It might thicken slightly as it sits, so you can add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What are the health benefits of chia seeds?

Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse! They’re packed with fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They’re great for digestion, heart health, and overall well-being.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before blending.

Can I make this pudding ahead of time? How long will it last?

Yes, you can definitely make it ahead! The chia seeds need to soak overnight anyway. It will last in the fridge for up to 2 days.

What type of yogurt works best for this recipe?

Plain yogurt is my go-to, but Greek yogurt will give you a thicker pudding. Feel free to experiment with different flavours!

Can I substitute the banana with another fruit?

Definitely! Mango, peaches, or even pineapple would be delicious substitutes for the banana.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!